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- MoO22 followed by trans- UO22 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.