https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2025.023
Published: Kem. Ind. 75 (5-6) (2026) 295–300
Paper reference number: KUI-23/2025
Paper type: Review
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Calix[4]arene for the Extraction of Heavy Metal Contaminants

J. B. Upadhyay and H. M. Parekh

Abstract

Detoxification of toxic species has become an increasingly important topic worldwide because these pollutants contribute significantly to environmental contamination. Industrialisation and population growth have led to pollution containing mixtures of metals and organic compounds, such as chromate, copper, arsenate, and aromatic compounds commonly found in wood-preserving pesticides. Such contamination can be controlled using macromolecules synthesised through various chemical reactions. In supramolecular chemistry, calix[4]arene macromolecules are particularly widespread because of their versatility in numerous applications. In this review, we summarise the synthesis reactions of macrocyclic compounds and their usefulness in extracting toxic metals through different supramolecular cavities. Most of the study was conducted using aqueous solutions of the molecules. The results demonstrated that macromolecules can effectively remove hazardous materials from the environment. These molecules are expected to play an even greater role in future toxin removal, as they can serve as building blocks for the design of novel compounds.

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Keywords

cavitand, supramolecule, extraction, toxic metals, calixarene