Metal ion separations with proton-ionizable crown ethers and their polymers

Abstract

Lipophilic crown ethers with pendent proton-ionizable groups are novel complexing agents for use in metal ion separations by solvent extraction. For a series of structurally related, lipophilic dibenzocrown ether carboxylic acids, the efficiency and selectivity of competitive alkali metal cation extraction for aqueous solution into chloroform is found to be strongly influenced by the crown ether ring size and the lipophilic group attachment site. Reaction of dibenzocrown ether carboxylic acids with formaldehyde in formic acid produces condensation polymers which possess both ion-exchange and cyclic polyether binding sites for metal ion complexation. These resins exhibit excellent exchange kinetics for competitive alkali metal cation sorption from aqueous solution and subsequent stripping and may be used in concentrator columns for the recovery of these metal ions from very dilute aqueous solution. Cation selectivity in the sorption and stripping steps is controlled by the structure of the crown ether monomer unit.     

Single complexation force of 18-crown-6 with ammonium ion evaluated by atomic force microscopy

The cation complexation force of 18-crown-6 has been measured in ethanol by means of atomic force microscopy using probe tips and mica substrates modified chemically with 18-crown-6 and ammonium ion, respectively. The specific complexation force was suppressed by free potassium ion in the measurement solution, indicating a blocking effect based on the competitive complexation of the 18-crown-6 moiety between the free ion and the ammonium ion bound to the substrate. The single complexation force of 18-crown-6 with ammonium ion was evaluated to be about 60 pN in ethanol by autocorrelation analyses of the histograms for observed forces.     

Cation complexation behavior of pyrene- and anthracene-appended new crown ether derivatives

Pyrene- and anthracene-appended new crown ether derivatives have been synthesized by Schiff's base reaction, and cation complexation behavior was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy measurements. Based on photo-induced electron transfer and intramolecular charge transfer mechanism, the host molecules emit stronger fluorescence in the presence of various cations Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+) and NH(4)(+) since the complexation between guest cations and crown ether compounds inhibit partial electron transfer from the nitrogen atom to the chromophores and subsequently fluorescence is enhanced. The binding constants were estimated from the plots of the fraction of binding sites filled for crown ether compound as a function of free-ion concentration. Results show that 15-crown-5 derivatives exhibit higher binding ability with sodium cations while 18-crown-6 derivatives had higher affinity for potassium cations, which is consistent with the hole-size relationship of the crown ethers. Ammonium ion complexation caused largest fluorescence enhancement. It is understood that ammonium ion cannot only complex with crown ether, but also interact directly with the lone pair electrons of nitrogen atom in C=N bond so that electron transfer from the nitrogen atom to chromophores is further inhibited.     

Complex Formation of Crown Ethers and Cryptands with Alkali Metal and Ammonium Ions in Chloroform

The complex formation between different crown ethers and the cryptand [222] with alkali metal and ammonium ions in chloroform has been investigated by means of calorimetric titrations. The stability constants, reaction enthalpies and entropies for complex formation in chloroform have been determined. The complexation of alkali metal ions is favored by enthalpic contributions and influenced by both the ligand and the nature of the cation. The reaction enthalpies for complex formation of different ammonium salts with cryptand [222] are higher compared to the corresponding values for the reaction with different 18-crown-6 derivatives in chloroform due to the complete encapsulation of ammonium ion by the cryptand [222]. The benzo group attached to the crown ethers and the nature of the anion borne by the ammonium ion influence complex formation of ammonium with crown ethers. In the case of ammonium salts, competitive measurements have been carried out to underline the influence of the anion upon the complex formation. From the reaction enthalpies for complexation of ammonium ions, the contributions for the formation of hydrogen bonds are calculated using experimental data. Taken in part from the Ph.D. thesis of R.-C. Mutihac, University Duisburg-Essen, 2007.     

Interactions between Protonated Amine, Aza Crown Ether, and Cryptand with Dibenzocrown Ether Studied by a New Spectrophotometric Technique

The stability constants for the complexation of a diprotonated diamine, a diaza crown ether, and a cryptand with dibenzo-18-crown-6 and dibenzo-24-crown-8, have been studied in aqueous solution using a new spectrophotometric technique. Because of the complex formation, the solubility of the dibenzocrown ethers increases. Complex formation is possible between diamines and dibenzocrown ethers with both 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometry. However, experimental data are insufficient to decide on the actual stoichiometry of the complexes formed. By computing the stability constants and comparing them with the corresponding results for monoamines, it is possible to decide on the actual stoichiometry of the complexes. Under the experimental conditions only 1:1 complexes with diamines are formed.     

Effects of host-guest recognition on kinetics of Diels-alder reaction of quinocrown ethers with cyclopentadiene

Diels-Alder reactions of 15-21-membered quinocrown ethers 1a-c and 18-membered quinobenzocrown ether 1d with cyclopentadiene were catalyzed by the addition of alkali, alkaline earth metal and ammonium perchlorates, and scandium trifluoromethane-sulfonate. The alkali metal and ammonium ions brought about a fairly selective rate-acceleration for each crown ether due to the size-fitted ion-in-the-hole complexation. However, such a hole-size-selectivity was not observed for the reactions catalyzed by divalent alkaline-earth (Mg2+ to Ba2+) and trivalent Sc3+ ions. The wrapping complexation played a significant role in rate-acceleration in such a way that the smallest Mg2+ caused 160 times rate-enhancement for the most flexible 1c and the Sc3+ performed maximal 3700 times rate-increment for the 18-membered quinobenzocrown 1d. These effects of cation recognition were rationalized by the reduction of LUMO energy that is favored by the orbital interaction with the HOMO of cyclopentadiene. The magnitude of rate-enhancement was discussed in terms of the cation binding affinity and coordination geometry of quinocrown ethers as well as the valence of cations.     

Polycarboxylate crown ethers: Synthesis,complexation, applications

Crown ethers derived from tartaric acid present a number of interesting features as receptor frameworks and offer a possibility of enhanced metal cation binding due to favorable electrostatic interactions. The synthesis of polycarboxylate crown ethers from tartaric acid is achieved by simple Williamson ether synthesis using thallous ethoxide or sodium hydride as base. Stability constants for the complexation of alkali metal and alkaline earth cations were determined by potentiometric titration. Complexation is dominated by electrostatic interactions but cooperative coordination of the cation by both the crown ether and a carboxylate group is essential to complex stability. Complexes are stable to pH 3 and the ligands can be used as simultaneous proton and metal ion buffers. The low extractibility of the complexes was applied in a membrane transport system which is a formal model of primary active transport.     

Ion formation in fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry: a divided probe investigation of gas-phase reactions

Some ion-formation processes during fast atom bombardment (FAB) are discussed, especially the possibility of reactions in the gas phase. Divided (two halves) FAB probe tips were used for introducing two different samples into the source at the same time. Our results showed [M + A]⁺ ions (where M = crown ethers and A = alkali metal ions), can be produced, at least in part, in the gas phase when crown ethers and sources of alkali metal ion are placed on two halves of the FAB probe tip. The extent of this ion formation depends on the volatility of the crown ether and on steric factors. Cluster ions such as (M + LiCl)Li⁺, (2M + LiCl)Li⁺, [2M + K]⁺ and [2M + Na]⁺ are also observed to form in the gas phase. Unimolecular decompositions contribute to some ions detected in FAB. When the alkali ion salt and the crown ether are mixed together the probability of [M + A]⁺ ion formation increases significantly, regardless of the volatility of the crown ether.     

网状聚合物冠醚的合成与性能—Ⅰ.以双环氧丙基醚、乙二醇双环氧丙基醚及多缩乙二醇双环氧丙基醚为原料合成

本文报道了一类新型网状聚合物冠醚的合成方法及其性能。分别通过双环氧丙基醚、乙二醇双环氧丙基醚及多缩乙二醇双环氧丙基醚等五种双环氧单体的网化聚合,直接合成了八种网状聚合物冠醚。聚合反应中分别采用了两种催化体系:BF₃·OEt₂和(i-Bu)₃Al。测定了网状聚合物冠醚对金属阳离子的络合容量及其在亲核取代反应中的相转移催化活性。实验表明,这类网状聚合物冠醚合成简便、性能良好且便于重复使用。     

A fast atom bombardment mass spectrometric analysis of crown ether complexes [1]

Analyses of crown ether complexes of alkali metal ions and characterization of the complexes formed inm-nitrobenzyl alcohol have been carried out by fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry. By using m-nitrobenzyl alcohol as a matrix for measurements, the stoichiometry of the complexes was assessed on the basis of the observed FAB peaks. In addition, the formation of crown ether-alkali metal complexes at a 2 : 1 molar ratio was enhanced by increasing the ionic radius of the metal ion in agreement with previous observations. On these grounds, FAB mass spectrometry may provide a rapid means for investigation of the complexation behavior of crown ethers and the stoichiometry of the complexes.     

Studies on the syntheses and properties of Schiff base type crown ethers

Eight bis-,two tris-and two mono-crown ethers of Schiff base type have been pre-parcd by the reaction of 4'-formylbenzo-15-crown-5 with diamincs.Conductivity measurementsshow that the bis-crown ethers form 1:1 complexes(crown cther unit:metal ion)with sodiumion and 2:1 complexes with potassium,rubidium and ammonium ion,respectively.     

Alkali cation binding of polymers with different sized crown ethers and photodimerizable units

The polymers which have different sized crown ethers as alkali cation binding sites and photodimerizable cinnamoyl units were prepared by the cationic copolymerization of corresponding monomers. The crown–cation complexation ratio (1:1 or 2:1) was investigated by measuring quantum yields ? of the photodimerization of the crown-connected cinnamoyl units in the presence of alkali metal chlorides and also by measuring the shift of λ_max of alkali metal picrates in THF on addition of the crown polymers. A significant 1:2 complex formation of alkali cations with two different sized crown ether units in the side chain of the polymers was confirmed. The alkali metal cation binding ability and selectivity of the polymers, which were studied by a method of picrate salts extraction, were markedly different from those expected from the combination of polymers of same ring-size crown ether units. When irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light, the cinnamic acid ester groups of the polymers caused dimerization even in dilute solutions. The cation binding ability of the polymers was largely enhanced by the photodimerization of the cinnamoyl moieties with suitable template cations.     

Synthesis and properties of azobenzocrown ethers with π-electron donor, or π-electron donor and π-electron acceptor group(s) on benzene ring(s)

New azobenzocrown ethers of differentiated size and with substituted benzene residues have been synthesized. These crown ethers possess π-electron donor, or π-electron donor-π-electron acceptor pair of functional group(s) in benzene ring(s) in the para position to azo-grouping. Their metal ion complexation abilities in solution were studied using UV-vis spectrophotometry. The X-ray structure of a 19-membered crown ether with 4-dimethylamino-4′-nitroazobenzene fragment has been solved.     

Selective Transport of Alkali Metal Cations in Solvent Extraction by Proton-Ionizable Dibenzocrown Ethers

Abstract

Lipophilic crown ethers with pendant proton-ionizable groups are novel metal complexing agents for use in solvent extraction of alkali metal cations. A variety of dibenzocrown ether carboxylic acids and dibenzo crown phosphonic acid monoesters have been examined to probe the effect of structural variation within the complexing agent upon selectivity and efficiency in solvent extraction. Results from competitive solvent extractions of alkali metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform are summarized.     

Determination of binding selectivities in host-guest complexation by electrospray/quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry

The quantifiable relationship between the equilibrium solution composition and electrospray (ESI) mass spectral peak intensities of simple host-guest complexes was investigated. Specifically, host-guest complexes of simple crown ethers or glymes with alkali metals and ammonium ions were studied. Comparisons were made between the theoretical concentrations of host-guest complexes derived in solution from known stability constants and the peak intensities for the complexes observed by ESI mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Two types of complexation experiments were undertaken. First, complexation of a single guest ion, such as an alkali metal, and two crown ethers was studied to evaluate the determination of binding selectivities. Second, complexation of two different guest ions by a single polyether host was also examined. In general, solvation was found to play an integral part in the ability to quantify binding selectivities by ESI-MS. The more similar the solvation energies of the two complexes in the mixture, the more quantifiable their binding selectivities by ESI-MS. In some cases, excellent correlation was obtained between the theoretically predicted selectivity ratios and the ESI mass spectral ratios, in particular when the ESI ratios were adjusted based on evaluation of ESI response factors for the various host-guest complexes.     

Molecular Design of Crown Ethers. 22. Synthesis of Benzocrown Ether Derivatives and Their Solvent Extraction with Univalent／Bivalent Metal Picrates

Three novel benzocrown ether derivatives have been synthesized and their cation binding behavior with uniand bi-valent metal ions was evaluated by the solvent extraction of aqueous metal picrates. The obtained results indicate that the size-fit of crown ether and metal cation, and electron effect of the side arm attached to benzocrown ethers affect their cation binding ability and selectivity.     

Synthesis and study of crown ether-appended boron dipyrrin chemosensors for cation detection

Boron dipyrrin (BDP) bearing crown ethers of varying cavity sizes, namely, 15-crown-5, 18-crown-6, and 21-crown-7, at the meso-position are synthesized and employed as chemosensors for cation detection in solution. In the absence of metal cations, the emission of the BDP moiety is found to be quenched to some extent by an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process from the donor oxygen atoms to the acceptor BDP unit. Coordination of metal ions to the oxygen donor atoms in the crown ether cavity inhibits intramolecular charge transfer to the BDP acceptor, leading to cation-induced fluorescence enhancement. The fluorescence enhancement is systematically probed as a function of crown ether cavity and metal ion sizes to achieve metal ion selectivity.     

腙型双冠醚对碱金属的配位性能

本文报道了五个腙型双冠醚的合成。电导测定结果表明含苯并-15-冠-5单元的双冠醚与四苯基硼酸钾、铷、铯,含苯并-18-冠-6单元的双冠醚与四苯基硼酸铯生成2:1夹心型配合物(冠醚单元:金属离子)。并用这些双冠醚的氯仿溶液萃取苦味酸碱金属盐水溶液,测定了萃取百分率和计算了萃取平衡常数,结果表明腙型双冠醚的萃取能力及选择性优于相应的单冠醚。     

Stoichiometry, complex stability, molecular size and conformational variations of metal ion crown ether complexes subject to diffusion coefficients in nonaqueous solutions

Both the stoichiometry and complex stability constants of crown ether complexes with metal ions have been determined by examining gradual changes in their diffusional behavior in nonaqueous solution. Diffusion coefficients, D, were evaluated by pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR titration experiments whilst complex stability constants were determined by nonlinear curve-fitting procedures, D versus c_sol., which also allow the treatment of multiple complexation equilibria (1:1 to 1:2 stoichiometries). Differences in the diffusion coefficients of the various free crown ethers with respect to their metal ion complexes indicate great sensitivity to both conformational changes and changes in molecular size upon complexation.