Hg(II) selective complexation by chromoionophoric calix[4]arene derivative.

The present article describes an exploration regarding Hg(II) selective complexation behavior of 5,11,17,23-tetrakis[(N,N-dimethylamino)methyl]-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (4). The binding affinity of 4 toward selected transition metal ions such as Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Hg(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) have been investigated by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopies. From the results it has been noticed that 4 confers a pronounced preference for Hg(II) in complexation phenomenon even in the presence of other metal ions. The results of Job's plot analysis reveal 1:1 host-guest complex formation between Hg(II) and 4. The FT-IR spectroscopy also supports the complexation affinity of 4 for Hg(II). © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011