Abstract: A novel class of macrocycles, termed triazatrinaphthyrins, is disclosed having general Formula I:
or a solvate, hydrate, ester or salt thereof; wherein R1, R2, R3, Ra, Ra′, Ra″, Rb, Rb′, Rb″, Rc, Rc′, Rc″, Rd, Rd′ and Rd″ are defined in the specification. The macrocycles are useful in the extraction of transition metals, in particular in the extraction of lanthanides.