Exceptionally high selectivity for cesium ions (α(Cs/Na) > 33000) is displayed by calix[4]arenecrowns‐6 in the 1,3‐alternate conformation. They also remove 137Cs quantitatively (>96%) from radioactive waste that is 1 M in HNO3. The complexation properties result from the simultaneous operation of several effects: the size of the crown ether ring, the polarity of the calix conformation, and the strength of the cation/π‐electron interactions. The latter interaction was evident in the X‐ray crystal structure of the cesium complex (shown on the right).
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.