Proton-ionizable crown compounds. 17. Transport studies of alkali metal ions in a H2O-CH2Cl2-H2O liquid membrane system by macrocycles containing two sulfonamide groups derived fromo- andm-phenylene diamine

The transport of alkali metal cations by several macrocycles possessing two sulfonamide groups as a part of an 18-, 20-, or 21-membered macroring has been studied. Some of these compounds were found to be more effective transport agents than the proton-ionizable pyridone- and triazole-containing crown ethers reported previously. The factors affecting transport, such as ring size, source and receiving phase pH, and the nature of the groups attached to the sulfonamide nitrogen atoms were examined. Also, extraction experiments by some of the ligands were performed. The behavior of sulfonamide type crowns in single and competitive transport of the alkali metal cations is explained. The mechanism of transport appears to be complex. Transport of one or two cations per molecule of the disulfonamide carriers occurs. Complexation of these cations appears to occur both within and outside the macrocycle cavity. Our results also suggest that kinetic factors may play a significant role in transport rates and selectivities.Deceased: September 5, 1987.