A preorganized triarmed bis-triazolylpyridine-calix[4]arene with high affinity and selectivity for minor actinides for nuclear waste treatment

Abstract

The incorporation of three terdentate 2,6-bis-triazolyl-pyridine units on a calix[4]arene gives a preorganized lipophilic ligand with enhanced efficiency in binding trivalent actinides over lanthanides. Combined time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, and 1D and ¹H–¹⁵N HMQC NMR investigations allowed to propose the structures of the complexes and to provide insights into the actinide selectivity.