New lariat ether carboxylic and hydroxamic acids: Synthesis and lanthanide ion complexation

Twenty-six new lariat ether carboxylic and hydroxamic acids based upon dibenzo-13-crown-4, dibenzo-14-crown-4, dibenzo-16-crown-5 and dibenzo-19-crown-6 ring systems are synthesized and the solid-state structure for a dibenzo-19-crown-6 lariat ether hydroxamic acid is determined. The efficiency and selectivity for lanthanide ion extraction into chloroform by these proton-ionizable lariat ethers is strongly influenced by the crown ether ring size, lipophilic group attachment site and identity of the acidic function. In general, the lariat ether hydroxamic acids were more efficient and selective lanthanide ion extractants than the corresponding lariat ether carboxylic acids. The ¹H nmr and ir binding studies indicate that both the macrocyclic polyether unit and the proton-ionizable group are involved in lanthanide ion complexation.     

Synthesis of lipophilic crown ethers with pendant carboxylic acid groups

Synthetic routes to thirteen highly lipophilic crown ether carboxylic acids are described. Seven contain 12–15-membered crown ether units with four ring oxygens and are designed for lithium ion complexation. Three others possess large ring 24-crown-8, 27-crown-9, and 30-crown-10 units. Six new hydroxymethyl crown ethers are prepared as synthetic intermediates.     

Synthesis of Double-Armed Benzo-15-crown-5 and Their Complexation Thermodynamics with Alkali Cations

A series of double-armed benzo-15-crown-5 lariats (3–8) have been synthesized by the reaction of 4′, 5′-bis(bromomethyl)-benzo-15-crown-5 (2) with 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, phenol, 4-chlorophenol, 4-methoxyphenol, 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 4-acetamidophenol in 43 ~ 82% yields, respectively. The complex stability constants (K _S) and thermodynamic parameters for the stoichiometric 1:1 and/or 1:2 complexes of benzo-15-crown-5 1 and double-armed crown ethers 3–8 with alkali cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺) have been determined in methanol–water (V/V=8:2) at 25 °C by means of microcalorimetric titrations. As compared with the parent benzo-15-crown-5 1, double-armed crown ethers 3–8 show unremarkable changes in the complex stability constants upon complexation with Na⁺, but present significantly enhanced binding ability toward cations larger than the crown cavity by the secondly sandwich complexation. Thermodynamically, the sandwich complexations of crown ethers 3-8 with cations are mostly enthalpy-driven processes accompanied with a moderate entropy loss. The binding ability and selectivity of cations by the double-armed crown ethers are discussed from the viewpoints of the electron density, additional binding site, softness, spatial arrangement, and especially the cooperative binding of two crown ether molecules toward one metal ion.     

Synthesis of Double-Armed Benzo-15-crown-5 and Their Complexation Thermodynamics with Alkali Cations

A series of double-armed benzo-15-crown-5 lariats (3–8) have been synthesized by the reaction of 4′, 5′-bis(bromomethyl)-benzo-15-crown-5 (2) with 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, phenol, 4-chlorophenol, 4-methoxyphenol, 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 4-acetamidophenol in 43 ~ 82% yields, respectively. The complex stability constants (K _S) and thermodynamic parameters for the stoichiometric 1:1 and/or 1:2 complexes of benzo-15-crown-5 1 and double-armed crown ethers 3–8 with alkali cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺) have been determined in methanol–water (V/V=8:2) at 25 °C by means of microcalorimetric titrations. As compared with the parent benzo-15-crown-5 1, double-armed crown ethers 3–8 show unremarkable changes in the complex stability constants upon complexation with Na⁺, but present significantly enhanced binding ability toward cations larger than the crown cavity by the secondly sandwich complexation. Thermodynamically, the sandwich complexations of crown ethers 3-8 with cations are mostly enthalpy-driven processes accompanied with a moderate entropy loss. The binding ability and selectivity of cations by the double-armed crown ethers are discussed from the viewpoints of the electron density, additional binding site, softness, spatial arrangement, and especially the cooperative binding of two crown ether molecules toward one metal ion.Graphical Abstract Synthesis of Double-Armed Benzo-15-crown-5 and Their Complexation Thermodynamics with Alkali CationsYU LIU*, JIAN-RONG HAN, ZHONG-YU DUAN and HENG-YI ZHANG This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

Gas-phase complexation of polyethers with halide ions

Gas-phase complexes of halide anions with a variety of crown ethers and acyclic analogs are formed by ion-molecule reactions in the chemical ionization source of a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. The ether complexes of iodide, bromide, and chloride dissociate on collisional activation by cleavage of the halide-ether electrostatic hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of bare halide anions. By contrast, the fluoride complexes dissociate by loss of HF, which may occur in conjunction or sequentially with losses of ethylene oxide units. This dissociation behavior is similar to that observed for collisionally activated dissociation of [M ? H]^? ions of the crown ethers and suggests that the fluoride ion is capable of promoting an intramolecular proton abstraction within the [M+F]^? complex. This type of dissociation chemistry is only observed for the fluoride ion complexes, and the fluoride ion is the most basic of all the halides. The kinetic method was used to establish orders of relative halide binding strengths, and the trends for the chloride and bromide affinities were 12-crown-4 < triethylene glycol dimethyl ether < 15-crown-5 < tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether < 18-crown-6 < 21-crown-7 < tetraethylene glycol < pentaethylene glycol < 1,4,7,10,13-pentathiacyclopentadecane.     

Electrochemical Study of the Micellization of Hexadecylpyridinium Bromide in the Presence of Some Crown Ethers

A membrane electrode selective to hexadecylpyridinium bromide was used to study the micellization of the surfactant in the presence of varying concentrations of crown ethers 15-crown-5, dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 and dicyclohexyl-24-crown-8 at 27°C. The critical micelle concentration of surfactant was largely influenced by the crown ethers used, indicating their participation in the structure of the resulting micelle. The degree of attachment of crown ethers to the surfactant in the micellar structure was found to be 1. An estimation of the K_f for the 1:1 surfactant-crown interaction in the micellar region is reported. The degree of counter ion dissociation was found to increase with the crown ether concentration, and with the nature of macrocyclic ligands in the order 15-crown-5 < dicyclohexyl- l8-crown-6 < dicyclohexyl-24-crown-8. There was also some evidences for a rather strong interaction between dicyclohexyl-24-crown-8 and the surfactant in the submicellar concentration ranges in solution.     

Solvation-thermodynamic effects of the water-methanol solvent on the coordination of Na+, K+, NH 4 + , and Ag+ ions with 18-crown-6: Gibbs energies of complexation and resolvation of reagents

The results of solvation-thermodynamic monitoring of aqueous-methanol solutions of electrolytes (NaCl, KCl, NH₄Cl, AgNO₃) and 18-crown-6 ether (L) in the mole fraction scale are summarized and systematized. The stability of sodium mono(crown ether) complexes in water-methanol solvents is due to both enthalpy and entropy contributions, and the stability of the ammonium and silver complexes, to the enthalpy contribution. The solvent effects in formation of crown ether complexes of sodium, potassium, ammonium, and silver are subjected to solvation-thermodynamic and correlation analyses. An equation is suggested for estimating the ion selectivity of crown ethers, and the contributions of energy constituents (the Gibbs energy of transfer of reagents) to varation of the ion selectivity of 18-crown-6 toward M-Na⁺ pairs in the water-methanol solvent are revealed.     

Spectrophotometric determination of lithium ion with the chromogenic crown ether, 2″,4″-dinitro-6″-trifluoromethylphenyl-4′-aminobenzo-14-crown-4

A spectrophotometric method of determining alkali metal ions with a chromogenice crown ether reagent was found to be more selective and sensitive than an ion-pairing method based on the same size of crown ether cavity. It is shown that in the ion-pairing method, the sensitivity toward lithium ion was 5.685 × 10^?4 absorbance/mg l^?1, with sodium interfering at 300 mg l^?1. The chromogenic crown ether, 2″,4″-dinitro-6″-trifluoromeethylphenyl-4′-aminobenzo-14-crown-4, was much superior to benzo-14-crown-4. The sensitivity of the chromogenic crown ether was 1.69 × 10^?3 absorbance/mg l^?1. This represents a three-fold increase in sensitivity and less reagent is needed (2 × 10^?4 M for the chromogenic method versus 1.4 × 10^?3 M for ion-pairing). Interference from sodium decreased to 3000 mg l^?1. The reagent was used to determine lithium ion in treated blood serum samples in both a batch and flow injection method and results were compared with data obtained with atomic absorption; excellent agreement was obtained in all cases.     

Novel C1-symmetric chiral crown ethers bearing rosin acids groups: synthesis and enantiomeric recognition for ammonium salts

Four types of novel C₁-symmetric chiral crown ethers including 28-crown-8, 20-crown-6, 17-crown-5 and 14-crown-3 (9a–m) were synthesized and their enantiodiscriminating abilities with protonated primary amines (10–14) were examined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. 20-crown-6 crown ethers exhibited good chiral recognition properties toward these guests and showed different complementarity to some chiral guests, indicating that 20-crown-6 crown ethers could be used as a chiral NMR solvating agent to determine the enantiopurity of these guests. In addition, the binding model and binding site between the hosts and guests were also studied by the computational modeling and experimental calculation.     

Calculation of lithium isotope effects in extraction systems with crown ethers

Complexes of lithium salts with benzo-15-crown-5 and its derivatives have been prepared. Their structure has been established by X-ray diffraction analysis. On the basis of obtained data, the dependence of partition function ratios for isotopic forms (β factors) of these compounds on the type of extracted salt anion and other factors has been analyzed. Taking into account previously calculated value of β factor for aqua complex of lithium ion, single isotope extraction separation factors (α) for Li⁶–Li⁷ pair have been determined. Quantum chemical calculations for vibrational frequencies of isotope forms of complexes with crown ethers have been performed with the aid of Firefly (PC GAMESS) software. Lithium cation complexes with crown ethers have been calculated using RHF/6-311++G** basis set. Isotope extraction separation factors have been shown to be independent of lithium ion concentration in aqueous phase and the type of extracted salt anion but depend only on the type and size of crown ether ring.     

Conductance studies of salt solutions in the presence of poly(vinylbenzo crown ethers)

The conductance of acetone and methyl ethyl ketone solutions of tetraphenylborate salts in the presence of homopolymers and styrene copolymers of vinylbenzo-15-crown-5 and vinylbenzo-18-crown-6 was studied, and the results compared with data obtained for crown ethers. Polycations are formed on binding cations to the poly(crown ethers), and the conductance behavior of the polyelectrolytes depends on the nature of the cation-crown complex and the spacing between crown moieties which in turn determines the charge density on the polymer chain. The compositions of the crown-cation complexes were determined for crown ethers. The complex formation constants of sodium and potassium cations to poly(vinylbenzo-18-crown-6) were found to change as more cations bind to the chain. This is not the case for the copolymers where the crown ligands are spaced farther apart. A mixture of poly(vinylbenzo-15-crown-5) and 10^?3M potassium tetraphenylborate in methyl ethyl ketone or acetone has a minimum conductance at a crown to cation ratio of 3.0, but the conductance rapidly increases on addition of crown ether. This was used to qualitatively determine the binding efficiency of a series of crown ethers since the rate of increase in the conductance is a measure of the binding ability of the crown ether to the cation.     

Extraction of strontium from nitric acid solutions by selected crown ethers

The extraction of Sr from nitric acid solutions by the crown ethers, 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5, 18-crown-6 and DB 18-crown-6 dissolved in chloroform has been investigated. Sr is reasonably well extracted by 18-crown-6 compared to other crown ethers from different nitric acid solutions. The extraction is strongly dependent on the concentration of HNO₃ and nitrate salts. Preliminary studies indicate that¹³⁷Cs is also extracted to a limited extent by 18-crown-6 from nitrate medium. Stripping of Sr was achieved by an aqueous solution of low acidity, the crown ether being regenerated for subsequent extraction.     

Sodium and potassium benzeneazophosphonate complexes with crown ethers: Solid-state microwave synthesis, characterization and biological activity

The eco-friendly synthesis, spectroscopic (IR, MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR) study and biological (cytostatic, antiviral) activity of sodium and potassium benzeneazophosphonate complexes, obtained by reaction in the solid state under microwave irradiation of the alkali salts of ethyl [α-(4-benzeneazoanilino)-N-benzyl]phosphonic acid and [α-(4-benzeneazoanilino)-N-4-methoxybenzyl]phosphonic acid with crown ethers containing 18-membered (dibenzo-18-crown-6 and bis(4′-di-tert-butylbenzo)-18-crown-6), 24-membered (dibenzo-24-crown-8) and 30-membered (dibenzo-30-crown-10) macrocyclic rings, have been described. The simple work-up solvent free reaction is an efficient green procedure for the formation of mononuclear crown ether complexes in which the sodium/potassium ion is bound to oxygen atoms of the macrocycle and the phosphonic acid oxygen. The free crown ethers, alkali benzeneazophosphonate salts and their complexes were evaluated for their cytostatic activity in vitro against murine leukemia L1210, murine mammary carcinoma FM3A and human T-lymphocyte CEM and MT-4 cell lines, as well as for their antiviral activity against a wide variety of DNA and RNA viruses. The investigated compounds showed no specific antiviral activity, whereas all the free crown ethers and their complexes demonstrated cytostatic activity, which was especially pronounced in the case of bis(4′-di-tert-butylbenzo)-18-crown-6 and its complexes.     

Extraction and transport of lithium ion by a crown ether-alkylphosphoric acid system [1]

Mixed carrier systems composed of crown ethers and alkylphosphoric acids have been studied as lithium ionophores using a solvent extraction technique and in transport across liquid membranes. The combination of dibenzo-14-crown-4 and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid showed a synergistic enhancement on both lithium ion selectivity and transport rate. The synergistic effects depended strongly upon crown ether structure and the enhancement was observed only when the metal cation corresponded to the crown ether's cavity diameter. Complex formation in the organic phase was assessed by use of FAB-mass spectrometry.     

The Effect of Crown Ethers on the Oxidation of Triethylamine by Ferricyanide Ion in Aqueous Solutions at Different pH Values

The effect of benzo-15-crown-5,15-crown-5 and 12-crown-4 on the oxidation of triethylamine by aqueous ferricyanide ion has been studied at pH 4, 7 and 11. The crown ethers retard the normal oxidation process at all pH values, the effect depending on the crown ether concentration. The three crown ethers show the same retardation effect at pH 4 and 7, while at pH 11 the retardation decreases in the order B15C5 > 12C4 > 15C5.     

Ion-pair extraction of tetravalent plutonium from hydrochloric acid medium using crown ethers

Ion-pair extraction behaviour of plutonium (IV) from varying concentrations of HCl solution was studied employing crown ethers (benzo-l5-crown-5 (B15C5), 18-crown-6, (18C6), dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6), dicyclohexano-18-crown-6, (DC18C6), dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) and dicyclohexano-24-crown-8 (DCH24C8)) in nitrobenzene as the extractant. Ammonium metavanidate was used as the holding oxidant in the aqueous phase and the conditions necessary for the quantitative extraction of the tetravalent ion were found. The co-extraction of species of the type [HL⁺].[HPu(Cl) ₆ ^– ] and [HL⁺]2·[Pu(Cl) ₆ ^2– ] as ion-pairs (where L represents the crown ether) is suggested.     

Crown Ether As The Phase-Transfer Catalyst for Free Radical Polymerization of Hydrophobic Vinyl Monomers

Various crown ethers were used as phase-transfer catalysts for free radical polymerizations of some water-insoluble vinyl monomers such as acrylonitrile, methylmethacrylate and styrene with persulfate as initiator. The catalytic abilities of these crown ethers for free radical polymerization of acrylonitrile with S₂O₈^2?ion as an initiator were in the order: 18-crown-6 > 15-crown-4 > 12-crown-4 > benzo-15-crown-5 > dibenzo-18-crown-6. Among various persulfates such as Na₂S₂O₈ K₂S₂O₈ and (NH₄)₂S₂O₈, ammonium persulfate was the optimum initiator for the polymerization of acrylonitrile catalyzed by 18-crown-6 or 15-crown-5. Among the organic solvents used, chloroform seems to be the best solvent for the catalytic polymerization of acrylonitrile. An apparent activation energy of 72.9 kJ mol^?1 was observed for the polymerization of acrylonitrile. The catalytic reaction rates of free radical polymerization for these hydrophobic vinyl monomers were in the order: acrylonitrile > methylmethacrylate > styrene > isoprene. Effects of concentrations of crown ether, initiator, and nitrogen on the polymerization of these vinyl monomers were investigated.     

Crown-Ether Phase-Transfer Catalysts for Reduction of Ketones,Oxidation of Olefins and Polymerization of p-Xylenedibromide

Various homogeneous and heterogeneous crown ether catalysts were prepared and applied as phase transfer catalysts for some reductions, oxidations and polymerizations. Among various crown ethers, 15-crown-5 seems the best to catalyze the reduction of ketones and aldehydes with sodium borohydride in nonpolar aprotic solvents. A granular entrapped 15-crown-5-polyacrylamide catalysts was also prepared and applied as a heterogeneous catalyst for these reductions which seem to obey pseudo-first-order kinetics with rate constant 10^?4–10⁵ s^?1. The steric effects of ketones and the effects of temperature and concentration of crown ethers, sodium borohydride and carbonyl compounds were also investigated. Among various crown ethers, 18-crown-6 is the best to catalyze the oxidation of olefins such as styrene, xylene and stilbene with potassium permanganate. Crown ethers were successfully applied as catalysts for anionic polymerization of p-xylenedibromide with sodium dithionite as an initiator.     

DFT calculation of benzoazacrown ethers and their complexes with calcium perchlorate

The complexation constants of several azacrown ethers with Ca(ClO₄)₂ were determined and turned out to be the higher, the large the macrocycle. The structures of free ligands and their complexes and the complexation energies were calculated by the DFT method. In the aza-12(15)-crown-4(5) ether complexes with Ca(ClO₄)₂, the metal cations lie outside the averaged plane of heteroatoms of the macrocycle, and the coordination of both counterions is V-like. In the complexes of aza-18-crown-6 ethers, the counterions are in the axial position relatively to the macrocycle in the center of which the Ca²⁺ ion is localized. The complexation energies increase with an increase in the size of the azacrown ether macrocycle. The involvement of the nitrogen atom in binding with the Ca²⁺ ion decreases with the expansion of the macrocycle. Two methods for quantitative estimation of the degree of pre-organization of ligands to complexation were considered: geometric and energetic methods. Benzoaza-15-crown-5 ether is a ligand which is more pre-organized to complexation than N-phenylaza-15-crown-5 ether.     

Side arm participation in lariat ether carboxylate-alkali metal cation complexes in solution

Lariat ether carboxylic acids of structure CECH₂OCH₂C₆H₄-2-CO₂H with crown ether (CE) ring sizes of 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 are prepared and converted into alkali metal-lariat ether carboxylate complexes. Absorptions for the diastereotopic benzylic protons in the ¹H NMR spectra of the complexes in CDCl₃ are utilized to probe the extent of side arm interaction with the crown ether-complexed metal ion as a function of the crown ether ring size and identity of the alkali metal cation.