Alkyl substituents in position 1 of the imidazole ring distinctly affect the hydrophobic properties of the molecule and strengthen its basicity. Hence, 1-alkylimidazoles have been used as extractants of a number of metal ions. Again, a methyl substituent in position 2 of the imidazole ring raises by an order of magnitude the basicity. At the same time, the substituent impedes the formation of the 2-alkylimidazole complexes with metal ions due to the steric effect.By the substitution of alkyl groups in position 1 or 2 of the imidazole ring it is possible to program the extraction properties of extractants and to control the selectivity of extraction.
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