Calixarene derivatives, and use of such compounds for sequestration of metals

Abstract

Novel nitrogen-containing calixarene derivatives which are useful for sequestration of transition metals are represented by the formulae ##STR1## wherein m+n=4,6 or 8 n=an integer 1-8 m=an integer 0-7 x=4, 6 or 8 R.sup.1 is H, alkyl, aralkyl, alkoxy, aroyl, or alkoyl, R is aliphatic or aromatic, unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbyl containing nitrogen, R.sup.4 is unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbyl, carbonyl or aryl; R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 (which may be the same or different) are hydrogen, or unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbyl. A process for separating transition metals from mixtures containing such metals comprises treating such a mixture with a calixarene derivative of formula I or II as defined above and separating therefrom a complex of the calixarene derivative and the transition metal. The complex may then be broken down, the transition metal recovered and the calixarene derivative recycled for further use in the process. A linear or crosslinked polythioether comprises the addition reaction product of a compound having at least two thiol groups per molecule and a calixarene derivative of formula II above wherein R is alkenyl or alkynyl.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.