Synthesis of DCAP and its effects on extraction separation of light rare earth ions

A de-tert-butyl calix arene phosphate (DCAP) with a complete elimination of the upper edge and a complete substitution of the lower edge was synthesized by dealkylation and substitution reactions. The chemical structure of DCAP was further characterized by FTIR, mass MS and 1 H NMR. The ability of DCAP to extract light rare earth ions was studied as a function of concentration, aqueous phase pH, phase ratio, and extraction time. The results showed that DCAP had a 4% higher extraction rate of Pr3+ compared to Nd3+ under the same conditions. Preliminary extraction mechanism was also investigated.