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Surprisingly selective sulfate extraction by a simple monofunctional di(imino)guanidinium micelle-forming anion receptor...

Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
Chemical Communications
Publication Date
Page Numbers
10048 to 10051
Volume
54
Issue
-

We report a novel di(imino)guanidinium anion extractant with unparalleled selectivity for sulfate in a liquid–liquid separation system. In addition to a 4.4 order-of-magnitude enhancement in affinity compared to a standard benchmark, our alkylated di(imino)guanidinium receptor is economically synthesized and features good compatibility with application-relevant aliphatic solvents. Small-angle X-ray scattering results reveal the formation of reverse-micelles, which together with the significant organic-phase water content challenge traditional notions of selectivity in extraction of superhydrophilic anions.