1,3-Disubstituted p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene Derivatives Bearing Phenanthroline Moieties: Synthesis and Selective Recognition of Silver Ion

p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene-1,3-dialdehydes were firstly obtained by two step alkylations of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with alkylene dihalide and hydroxyl-substituted benzaldehydes. Then p-tert-butylcalix[n]arene 1,3-disubstituted phenanthrolines were successfully prepared by condensation of active calixarene dialdehydes with 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione. The structures of the prepared hoters were characterized with IR, NMR, and HRMS techniques. The recogination of calixarene 1,3-disubstituted phenanthroline for metal ions was studied with UV-Vis spectroscopy. A great affinity for Ag+ ions that can be clearly detected by naked eye was obtained.