Novel separation of thallium-201 using p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivative

Abstract

p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene tetradiisopropylacetamide was synthesized in 62% yield. Extraction experiments in the water:butan-1-ol solvent system at 298 K in the presence of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetradiisopropylacetamide were performed. The selective extraction of Pb2+ relative to Tl+ and Tl3+ from the aqueous solution to the organic phase in the presence of the ligand at low hydrogen-ion concentration was demonstrated. The extraction of radioactive Pb2+, Tl+ and Tl3+ by the same ligand was investigated as a function of the pH of the aqueous phase and the ligand concentration in the organic phase. The method appears to be very promising for use in the production of 201Tl of pharmaceutical quality.