Molecular Design of a Calix[6]arene-Based Super-Uranophile with C3 Symmetry. High UO22+ Selectivity in Solvent Extraction

Abstract
Calix[6]arene bearing three carboxylate groups arranged in C3 symmetry formed a 1 : 1 complex with UO22+ and showed much more excellent selectivity factors for UO22+ in solvent extraction than calix[6]arene bearing six carboxylate groups. This establishes that the essence of “super-uranophiles” is related to the molecular design of C3 symmetry.