Complexation properties of monoaza crown ethers

A series of five monoaza crown ethers with 12-crown-4 and 15-crown-5 rings were studied with respect to their complexation of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ ions in 95/5 (v/v) methanol/ water. The complexes were studied by potentiometric titrations, with pH and sodium ion-selective electrodes. The acidity constants of the protonated ligands, and the stability constants of the 1:1 metal complexes were determined. The results show that the stability constants increase with the total number of oxygen atoms in the ligand, and mostly also in the sequence Li⁺ < K⁺ < Na⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Sr²⁺.