Solvent effects on extraction of potassium picrate with benzo-18-crown-6. A new equation for the determination of ion-pair formation of crown ether-metal salt complexes in water

In order to determine the ion-pair formation constant of a crown ether-metal salt 1:1:1 complex in water, an equation is derived from regular solution theory and its predictions are verified experimentally by the solvent extraction method using benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6), potassium picrate (KA), and various diluents of low dielectric constant. The distribution constants of B18C6 itself and the overall extraction constants of KA with B18C6 were determined at 25±0.2°C. The distribution constants of the neutral K(B18C6)A complex were calculated from these data. The literature value for the complex-formation constant of K(B18C6)⁺ in water and the ion-pair formation constant (K_K(B18C6)A) for K(B18C6)A in water determined in this study were log K_K(B18C6)A=3.12±0.23 at 25°C). The distribution behavior of B18C6 and K(B18C6)A is explained in terms of regular solution theory. The molar volumes V (cm³·mol^–1) and solubility parameters (cal^1/2-cm^–3/2) are as follows: V_B18C6=249±36; V_K(B18C6)A=407±56; _B18C6 = 11.5 ± 0.5; and _K(B18C6)A = 11.5 ± 0.5.