Pillar[5]arene-based diglycolamides for highly efficient separation of americium(III) and europium(III)

Pillar[5]arenes, as a new intriguing class of calixarene analogues, were functionalized with ten diglycolamide (DGA) arms on both sides (rims) of the pillar framework and evaluated for their extraction behaviour towards Am(III) and Eu(III). These novel extractants exhibit excellent separation and extraction efficiency, suggesting its significant potential for nuclear waste remediation. Laser induced fluorescence experiments disclosed strong complexation of the trivalent metal ions with the pillararene-DGA ligands.