Evaluation of Complexation Behavior of Calix[4]arene Derivative

Abstract

In this article we have explored the solvatochromic behavior including solvent selection, time study and complexation ability of 5,11,17,23-Tetrakis(N-piperidinomethyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (3). The complexation behavior of 3 toward the selected transition metals has been explored through FT-IR, UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. It has been found that the ligand 3 has remarkable complexation ability for all selected transition metal (Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺) ions used in the experiment with exceptionally high affinity for Hg²⁺ ions. Besides this, by applying method of continuous variation, i.e. Job's method; the stoichiometric ratio for the complexation between 3 and Hg²⁺ ion in acetonitrile has been determined, which indicates that 3 forms a 1:1 metal:ligand complex. The strong complexation behavior of 3 for Hg²⁺ ions was also confirmed by FT-IR and fluorescence spectroscopy. Consequently, it has been deduced that 3 is a versatile compound and can be used in diverse fields such as analytical/environmental chemistry and sensor technology.