Recognition of oxovanadium(V) species and its separation from other metal species through selective complexation by some acyclic ligands

Acyclic molecules possessing –OH (phenoxo and alkoxo type) groups and imine or amine moieties have been developed to sense the specific preference for VO3+ species. These molecules also showed a capability to quantitatively separate oxovanadium(V) species from a reaction mixture containing metal species of V, Mo, U, Fe, and Mn ions in solution. A cascade quantitative separation of VO3+ followed by cis–MoO2+2 followed by trans –UO2+2 species is demonstrated from their mixture. Synthesis and structural details of oxo-species of vanadium molybdenum and uranium are also discussed. Factors influencing the complexation of these molecules towards oxo metal species of V, Mo and U are also addressed.