Over the past several decades, the theme of supramolecular chemistry (SC) has permeated nearly all aspects of chemical endeavor. Not surprisingly, it has also pervaded the field of solvent extraction (SX), inspiring the framework for this volume of Ion Exchange and Solvent Extraction. In addition, tools for studying aggregation have grown increasingly sophisticated, leading to a greater understanding of what we now recognize as SC phenomena in SX. Volume 21, Supramolecular Aspects of Solvent Extraction identifies how supramolecular behavior occurs and is studied in the context of SX and how SC is influencing the direction of SX.

With contributions by internationally recognized specialists from different fields, this volume examines how principles of SC are being used in advancing the design of new highly selective SX systems and for understanding aggregation phenomena in SX systems. The book begins with a discussion of the nature and definition of SC and its general use in the design of novel SX reagents. Chapter 2 expands the subject of ion-pair recognition to introduce outer-sphere recognition of metal complexes.

Chapter 3 reviews the literature on calixarenes as extraction reagents for metal ions. Chapter 4 extends the utility of this chemistry, describing the use of calixarenes for the extraction of biomolecules. Chapter 5 examines the liquid–liquid interface as an expression of supramolecular phenomena in SX, reviewing interfacial aggregation in model two-phase systems and metal extraction systems. The final chapter explores the problem of aggregation in SX, the historical attempts to understand it, and recent progress that has been made in addressing the issue.