Synthesis of novel lactam ionophores containing crown ether moieties and investigation of their extraction abilities towards heavy metal cations

The article describes the syntheses and extraction properties of new lactam ionophores. These lactam derivatives were easily synthesized via aminolysis of dimethyl 2,2'-(6,6'-methylenebis(2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-6,1-phenylene)bis(oxy))diacetate or dimethyl 2,2'-(2,2'-methylenebis(4-chloro-2,1-phenylene))bis(oxy)diacetate with corresponding diamine compounds at one step. The extraction studies of lactam ionophores were performed toward dichromate anion and alkaline and transition metals such as Li+, Na+, K+, Co2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+. All the structures of the ionophores were confirmed by spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis.