Synthesis of formyl derivatives of benzodiazacrown ethers and benzocryptands

A simple and convenient procedure was developed for the synthesis of formyl derivatives of benzodiazacrown ethers and benzocryptands by condensation of 3,4-bis(2-iodoethoxy)benzaldehyde with ,-oligooxaalkanediamines or diazacrown ethers in the presence of alkali metal carbonates under high-dilution conditions in various organic solvents and their mixtures with water. In the reactions giving rise to diazacrown ethers, alkali metal cations exhibit the negative template effect resulting in a decrease in the yield of the target product if the size of the cation matches well the size of the cavity of the crown ether formed. An N,N"-bis(carboxymethyl) derivative was prepared from the formyl derivative of benzodiaza-18-crown-6.