Two novel calixarene functionalized iron oxide magnetite nanoparticles as a platform for magnetic separation in the liquid–liquid/solid–liquid extraction of oxyanions

This article focuses on the syntheses of 25,27-bis[3-(N-ethylsulfonic acid)aminopropxy]-26,28-dihydroxy-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (3) and 25,27-bis[3-(N-ethyl-dihydrogen phosphate)aminopropxy]-26,28-dihydroxy-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (4) as well as their immobilization onto [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane-modified Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles, and the extraction abilities of four new extractants which were characterized by a combination of FTIR, 1H NMR, elemental analyses, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) involving electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between the calixarene and oxide anions such as arsenate and dichromate anions. The extraction results indicate that these new calixarene derivatives having high extraction capabilities would be used as effective extractants for the removal of the dichromate/arsenate ions from water.

► Two novel calix[4]arene appended magnetic nanoparticles have been synthesized.
► Calixarene-grafted magnetic nanoparticles are becoming a hot topic.
► Long-term exposure to As(V)/Cr(VI) contaminated water causes various types of cancers.
► Clx-MNs have been effectively used for the extraction of toxic oxyanions.
► Two novel calix[4]arene appended magnetic nanoparticles have been synthesized.