Synthesis and Binding Properties of Polymeric Calix[4]Arene Nitriles

Two new polymers containing pendant calix[4]arene units with nitrile functionalities at their lower rim have been synthesized via radical initiated reactions involving a vinylic monomer 6 {15,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27-tri-s(cyanomethoxy)-28-(2-acryloyloxy) ethoxycalix[4]arene} and with styrene. A five atom spacer group was incorporated between the bulky calixarene core and the acrylate moiety in border to minimize steric interactions which proved to impede the polymerization. The complexation studies were made by using liquid-liquid extraction procedures. It has been deduced from the observations that both polymers show a good selectivity towards Hg2+ like their precursor 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27-tricyanomethoxy-28-(2-hydroxy)ethoxycalix[4]arene 5, which supports their utility as adsorbents or potential candidate materials for fabricating membranes and sensors, which can separate or detect Hg2+ metal ions in a high selectivity.