Extraction of sodium and potassium picrates with 15-(2,5-dioxahexyl)-15-methyl-16-crown-5 (lariat 16C5) into various organic solvents. Elucidation of fundamental equilibria which determine the extraction ability for Na(+) and K(+) and the selectivity

To quantitatively elucidate the effects of the side chains and diluents on the extraction selectivity for sodium and potassium picrates of 15-(2,5-dioxahexyl)-15-methyl-16-crown-5 (L16C5) from the viewpoint of equilibrium, the constants for the overall extraction (K(ex)), the partition for various diluents of low dielectric constants (K(D,MLA)), and the aqueous ion-pair formation (K(MLA)) of L16C5-sodium and -potassium picrate 1:1:1 complexes were determined at 25 degrees C; the distribution constants of L16C5 were also measured at 25 degrees C. The log K(MLA) values for Na(+) and K(+) are 2.74+/-0.29 and 1.70+/-0.36, respectively. In going from 16-crown-5 (16C5) to L16C5, the side chains decrease the K(MLA) value, but do not increase the difference in K(MLA) between Na(+) and K(+). The distribution behavior of L16C5 and its 1:1:1 complexes with the alkali metal picrates closely obeys regular solution theory, except for chloroform. Molar volumes and solubility parameters of L16C5 and the 1:1:1 complexes were determined. The magnitude of K(ex) is mainly governed by the K(M(L16C5)A) value. For every diluent, L16C5 shows Na(+) extraction selectivity over K(+). The Na(+) extraction selectivity of L16C5 is determined completely by K(M(L16C5)A). The extraction ability and selectivity for sodium and potassium picrates by L16C5 are compared with those of 16C5 on the basis of the fundamental equilibrium constants.     

Extraction of sodium and potassium picrates with 16-crown-5 into various diluents. Elucidation of fundamental equilibria determining the extraction selectivity for Na(+) over K(+)

The constants of the overall extraction equilibrium (K(ex)), the partition for various diluents having low dielectric constants (K(D,MLA)), the aqueous ion-pair formation (K(MLA)), and the dimer formation in CCl(4) of 16-crown-5 (16C5)-alkali metal (Na, K) picrate 1:1:1 complexes were determined at 25 degrees C; the distribution constants of 16C5 were also measured at 25 degrees C. The logK(MLA) of Na and K are 4.14+/-0.19 and 3.05+/-0.28, respectively. The partition behavior of 16C5 and its 1:1:1 complexes with the alkalimetal picrates can be explained by regular solution theory, except for CHCl(3); the molar volumes and solubility parameters of 16C5 and the 1:1:1 complexes were determined. The magnitude of K(ex) largely depends on that of K(MLA). For every diluent, 16C5 always shows Na(+) extraction-selectivity over K(+). The K(MLA) value most contributes to the extraction selectivity of 16C5 for Na(+) over for K(+) among the three fundamental equilibrium constants, the aqueous 1:1 complex-formation constant of 16C5 with the alkali metal ion, K(MLA), and K(D,MLA). Furthermore, correct contributions of a methylene group to distribution constants of organic compounds between diluents of low dielectric constants and water were determined by the distribution constants of 16C5 and 15-crown-5; the additivity of the contributions of functional groups to the partition constant of a crown ether was verified.     

Extraction of sodium and potassium perchlorates with benzo-18-crown-6 into various organic solvents. Quantitative elucidation of anion effects on the extraction-ability and -selectivity for Na(+) and K(+)

To investigate quantitatively the anion effect on the extraction-ability and -selectivity of benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6) for alkali metal ions, the constants for overall extraction into various diluents having low dielectric constants (K(ex)) and aqueous ion-pair formation (K(MLA)) of B18C6-sodium and potassium perchlorate 1:1:1 complexes (MLA) were determined at 25 degrees C. The K(ex) value was analyzed by the four fundamental equilibrium constants. The K(MLA) values were determined by applying our established method to this perchlorate extraction system. The K(M(B18C6)A) value of the perchlorate is much larger for K(+) than for Na(+), and is much smaller than that of the picrate. The K(M(B18C6)A) value makes a minor contribution to the magnitude of K(ex) for the perchlorate system, but a major contribution to that for the picrate one. The distribution behavior of the B18C6 1:1:1 complexes with the alkali metal perchlorates follows the regular solution theory. For the diluent with a high dipole moment, however, the 1:1:1 complexes somewhat undergo the dipole-dipole interaction. B18C6 always shows very high extraction selectivity for KClO(4) over NaClO(4), which is determined mostly by the much greater log/(log K(MLA)) value for K(+) than for Na(+). The extraction-ability and -selectivity of B18C6 for Na(+) and K(+) ions with a perchlorate ion were compared with those with a picrate ion in terms of the fundamental equilibrium constants. The K(+) extraction-selectivity of B18C6 over Na(+) for the perchlorate system is superior to that for the picrate one, which is caused largely by the greater log/(log K(K(B18C6)A))-log/(log K(Na(B18C6)A)) value for the perchlorate than for the picrate. The perchlorate system is recommended for extraction separation of K(+) from Na(+).     

Extraction of Alkali Metal (Li, Na, K) Picrates with Benzo-15-crown-5 into Various Organic Solvents. Elucidation of Fundamental Equilibria Determining the Extraction-ability and -selectivity

To quantitatively elucidate the effects of the benzo group on the extraction-selectively and -ability of benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5)for alkali metal ions, the constants of the overall extraction (K_ex), thedistribution for various diluents having low dielectric constants (K_D,MLA), and the aqueousion-pair formation (K_MLA) of B15C5-alkali metal (Li, Na, K) picrate 1:1:1 complexes (MLA) weredetermined at 25 °C. The partition constants of B15C5were also measured at 25 °C. The log K_MLA values for Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ are -0.32 ± 0.22, 2.66 ± 0.19, and 0.71 ± 0.47, respectively. In going from 15-crown-5 (15C5) to B15C5, the benzo group considerably decreasesthe K_MLA value for the same alkali metal ion. The distributionbehavior of B15C5 and its 1:1:1 complexes with the alkali metal picrates closely obeys regularsolution theory, omitting chloroform. Molar volumes and solubility parameters of B15C5and the 1:1:1 complexes were determined. For every diluent, the K_ex valuefor B15C5 increases in the order Li⁺ < K⁺ < Na⁺. K_D,MLA makes anunfavorable contribution to the Na⁺ extraction-selectivity of B15C5 because of the smallest molar volume of the Na(B15C5)A complex. The Na⁺ extraction-selectivity of B15C5 is determined completely by much the highest K_Na(B15C5)A value.The extraction-ability and -selectivity of B15C5 for the alkali metal picrates are compared with those of 15C5on the basis of the underlying equilibrium constants.     

Evaluation of the Hydrophilic Property of Sodium Ion-pair Complexes with 3m-Crown-m Ethers (m = 5, 6) and Their Benzo-derivatives by Solvent Extraction

The ion-pair formation constants {K(j)(0): j = MA (metal salt), MLA} of NaO(2)CCF(3) (Na(+)tfa(-)) and its ion-pair complexes (MLA) in water (w) were determined potentiometrically at 25 degrees C and an ionic strength (I) of zero. 15-Crown-5 (15C5), 18-crown-6 ethers (18C6), and their mono-benzo derivatives were used as crown ethers (L). The extraction of Natfa by these four L from w into 1,2-dichloroethane was done at 25 degrees C, and then the extraction constants (K(ex)) for NaLtfa were calculated by using the K(j) values, which were estimated from the corresponding K(j)(0) ones at I of the w-phases, and other equilibrium constants. Also, the distribution constants (K(D,MLA)) of NaLtfa between the two phases were obtained from a thermodynamic cycle expressing K(ex). An interaction of w-molecules with NaLA was considered using a relation of log K(D,MLA) with log K(D,L), derived from the Scatchard-Hildebrand equation, where K(D,L) denotes the distribution constant of L between the two phases. The interaction increased in the order of NaL (picrate) < free L 相似文献   

Thermodynamic study of solvent extraction of 15-crown-5- and 18-crown-6-s-block metal ion complexes and tetraalkylammonium ions with picrate anions into chloroform

Enthalpy and entropy changes for ion-pair extractions of tetraalkylammonium ions (R(4)N(+)) with picrate anions, overall extractions of s-block metal picrates with 15-crown-5 (15C5) and 18-crown-6 (18C6) and the partition of 15C5 itself were determined between chloroform and water. The distribution behaviour of crown ethers and the extraction process of s-block metal picrates with the crown ethers are discussed in detail on molecular grounds from the thermodynamic point of view. Moreover, enthalpy and entropy changes for ion-pair extractions of 1:1 15C5- and 18C6-s-block metal ion complexes with picrate anions are calculated from these experimental thermodynamic parameters and the literature values for complex-formation reactions of the crown ethers with the s-block metal ions in water. Enthalpy and entropy changes are negative for overall extractions of all the s-block metal picrates with 15C5 and 18C6. The extractions of the metal picrates with 15C5 and 18C6 at 25 degrees are completely enthalpy driven. Plots of thermodynamic parameters for ion-pair extractions of R(4)NA vs. the number of carbon atoms of R(4)N(+) show a linear relationship. From these experimental data, contributions of a methylene group and an ether oxygen atom to the thermodynamic parameters of the ion-pair extraction of R(4)NA and the partition of the crown ethers, respectively, between chloroform and water were obtained. Enthalpy and entropy changes for ion-pair extractions of 15C5- and 18C6-s-block metal picrate complexes were compared with those of R(4)NA. A striking difference in the ion-pair extraction process was found between the crown ether complexes and R(4)NA.     

Hydration effect on the ion-pair extraction of lithium picrate by hydrophobic benzo-15-crown-5 ether into various less-polar diluents.

The ion-pair formation constant (K(MLA)(0) in mol(-1) dm(3)) for Li(B15C5)(+) with a picrate ion (Pic(-)) in water was determined by potentiometry with a K(+)-selective electrode at 25 degrees C and an ionic strength of 0, where B15C5 denotes benzo-15-crown-5 ether. Using the concentration equilibrium constants, K(MLA), estimated from this value, the extraction constants (mol(-2) dm(6) unit) of about ten diluents were re-calculated from previously reported extraction data. Also, the distribution constants of an ion-pair complex, Li(B15C5)Pic, between water and the diluents were re-estimated. A disagreement in the determined K(MLA) value between a solvent-extraction method and potentiometry was explained in terms of the Scatchard-Hildebrand equation; it came from the fact that the hydration of Li(I) in Li(B15C5)Pic was larger than that of free B15C5 in water. Then, the previously determined value by the former method was re-estimated using the potentiometric K(MLA) value.     

The solvent extraction of alkali metal picrates with 4,13-N,N'-dibenzyl-4,13-diaza-18-crown-6

Extraction of alkali metal picrates with N,N'-dibenzyl-18-crown-6 was carried out, with dichloromethane as water-immiscible solvent, as a function [ligand]/[metal cation]. The extractability of metal picrates (Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+)) was evaluated as a function of [L]/[M(+)]. The extractability of complex cation-picrate ion pairs decreases in this sequence: Li(+)>Rb(+)>Cs(+)>K(+)>Na(+). The overall extraction equilibrium constants (K(ex)) for complexes of N,N'-dibenzyl-18-crown-6 with alkali metal picrates between dichloromethane and water have been determined at 25 degrees C. The values of the extraction constants (logK(ex)) were determined to be 10.05, 6.83, 7.12, 7.83, 6.73 for Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Rb(+) and Cs(+) compounds, respectively. DB186 shows almost 2-fold extractability against Li(+) compared to the other metal picrates, whereas it shows no obvious extractability difference amongst the other metal cations when [L]/[M(+)] is 0.2-1. However, an increasing extractability is observed for Cs(+) when [L]/[M(+)] [1].     

Extraction of Alkali Metal (Na—Cs) Picrates with Dibenzo-18-crown-6 into Various Organic Solvents. Elucidation of Fundamental Equilibria which Govern the Extraction-Ability and -Selectivity

In order to quantitatively investigate effects of the size, the structuralrigidity, and the lipophilicity of dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) on itsextraction-ability and -selectivity for alkali metal ions, constants of theoverall extraction (Kex), the distribution for various diluents of lowdielectric constants (K_D,MLA), and the aqueous ion-pairformation (K_MLA) of DB18C6-alkali metal (Na-—Cs) picrate 1:1:1 complexes were determined at 25°C; the partition constants of DB18C6 itself were also measured at 25°C. The log K_MLA of Na, K, Rb, and Cs are -0.14 ± 0.11, 1.30 ± 0.10, 1.00 ± 0.09, and 0.24 ± 0.11, respectively. The partition behavior of DB18C6 and its1:1:1 complexes with the alkali metal picrates can be clearly explained byregular solution theory, except for chloroform. The molar volumes andsolubility parameters of DB18C6 and the 1:1:1 complexes were determined.A relation between molar volumes of the complexes and K_MLAis discussed. The magnitude of Kex is largely determined by that ofK_D,MLA. For every diluent, the extraction selectivity of DB18C6increases in the order Na > Cs > Rb > K. The K extraction-selectivity of DB18C6 over Na is the highest among all the combinations of the two neighboring alkali metals in the periodic table. The extraction-ability and -selectivity for the alkalimetal picrates and their change with the diluent of DB18C6 were completely elucidated by the four fundamental equilibria and regular solution theory.     

腙型双冠醚对碱金属的配位性能

本文报道了五个腙型双冠醚的合成。电导测定结果表明含苯并-15-冠-5单元的双冠醚与四苯基硼酸钾、铷、铯,含苯并-18-冠-6单元的双冠醚与四苯基硼酸铯生成2:1夹心型配合物(冠醚单元:金属离子)。并用这些双冠醚的氯仿溶液萃取苦味酸碱金属盐水溶液,测定了萃取百分率和计算了萃取平衡常数,结果表明腙型双冠醚的萃取能力及选择性优于相应的单冠醚。     

双冠醚研究(Ⅳ)——Schiff碱型和仲胺型双-(苯并15冠-5)对碱金属苦味酸盐的萃取行为

仲胺型双冠醚与四苯硼酸碱金属盐在丙酮溶液中。25℃下的电导说明它们与Na~+可能形成1∶1络合物(冠醚单元∶金属离子),而与K~+、Rb~+、Cs~+离子则形成2∶1络合物。用Schlff碱型和仲胺型双-(苯并15-冠-5)在水-氯仿体系中进行萃取,测量了分配比D和萃取平衡常数K,发现后者的K值均大于前者。双冠醚F_2对K~+的萃取能力最强,选择性最佳。     

Equilibrium studies on complexation in water and solvent extraction of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) with benzo-18-crown-6

The formation constants (K(ML)) in water of 1:1 complexes of benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6) and 18-crown-6 (18C6) with Zn(2+) and Cd(2+), the sizes of which are much smaller than the ligand cavities, were determined at 25 degrees C by conductometry. Compared with Cd(2+), the crown ethers form more stable complexes with Zn(2+) although the size of Zn(2+) is less suited for the cavities. B18C6 forms a more stable complex with each metal ion than 18C6. Moreover, the extraction equilibria of these metal ions (M(2+)) with B18C6 (L) for the benzene/water system in the presence of picric acid (HA) were investigated at 25 degrees C. The association between L and HA in benzene was examined for evaluating the intrinsic extraction equilibria of M(2+) with B18C6. The extracted species were found to be MLA(2) and ML(2)A(2), and the overall extraction constants (K(ex,1) and K(ex,2), respectively) were obtained. The values of K(ex,1) for these metal ions are almost the same, but the K(ex,2) is larger for Zn(2+) than for Cd(2+). The extraction selectivity was interpreted quantitatively by the constituent equilibrium constants, i.e. K(ML), the ion-pair extraction constant of ML(2+) with A(-), and the adduct formation constant of MLA(2) with L in benzene.     

Solvent extraction of univalent and bivalent metal picrates with 1,2-bis[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy] benzene (noncyclic crown ether) into CHCl3

The overall extraction equilibrium constants, K_ex, of 1:1:m complexes of 1,2-bis[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxyjbenzene (AC · B18C6) with uni- and bivalent metal picrates, MA _m were determined at 25°C between CHCl₃ and water, and thereby the ion-pair complex-formation constants,K _MLA,o, of AC · B18C6 with the univalent metal picrates in CHCl₃ were calculated. The AC · B18C6 is an open-chain analog of benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6). The equilibrium constants of AC · B18C6 were compared with those of B18C6. K_ex sequences of AC · B18C6 for uni- and bivalent metals are Tl⁺ > K⁺ > Rb⁺ > Cs⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ and Pb²⁺ > Ba²⁺ > Sr²⁺, respectively. The same extraction-selectivity was observed for B18C6, but the extractability of AC · B18C6 for the same cation is much lower than that of B18C6; the extraction selectivity of AC · B18C6 for alkali metals is lower than that of B18C6. TheK _MLA,o sequence of AC · B18C6 is K⁺ > Rb⁺ > Tl⁺ > Cs⁺ Na⁺, which is consistent with that of B18C6. ButK _MLA,o of AC · B18C6 is much smaller than the correspondingK _MLA,o of B18C6; the selectivity of AC · B18C6 among alkali metal picrates in CHCl₃ is lower than that of BI8C6. This reflects the difference in the structures between AC · B18C6 (acyclic and flexible) and B18C6 (cyclic and rigid).     

Extraction equilibria of various metal picrates with 19-crown-6 between benzene and water. Effect of the extra methylene group on extraction ability and selectivity

The overall extraction equilibrium constants (K(ex)) of picrates of Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+), Ag(+), Tl(+), and Sr(2+)with 19-crown-6 (19C6) were determined between benzene and water at 25 degrees C. The K(ex) values were analyzed into the constituent equilibrium constants, i.e. the extraction constant of picric acid, the distribution constant of the crown ether, the formation constant of the metal ion-crown ether complex in water, and the ion-pair extraction constant of the complex cation with the picrate anion. The effects of an extra methylene group of 19C6 on the extraction ability and selectivity are discussed in detail by comparing the constituent equilibrium constants of 19C6 with those of 18-crown-6 (18C6). The K(ex) value of 19C6 for each metal ion is lower than that of 18C6, which is mostly attributed to the higher lipophilicity of 19C6. The extraction ability of 19C6 for the univalent metal ions decreases in the order Tl(+)>K(+)>Rb(+)>Ag(+)>Cs(+)>Na(+)Li(+), which is the same as that observed for 18C6. The difference in logK(ex) between the univalent metals is generally smaller for 19C6 than for 18C6. The extraction selectivity of 19C6 is governed by the selectivity in the ion-pair extraction, whereas that of 18C6 depends on both the selectivities in the ion-pair extraction and in the complexation in water.     

Properties of cis- and trans-bis(crown ether)s for complexation and extraction of alkali metal picrates

The properties of cis- and trans-bis(crown ether)s containing benzo-15-crown-5 or benzo-18-crown-6 units as complexants and extractants for alkali metal picrates have been studied. The optical spectra suggest that the cis-bis(crown ether)s can form intramolecular 2:1 crown ether unit/cation complexes with particular metal cations easily, while the trans-bis(crown ether)s can form only 1:1 crown ether unit/cation complexes because of the unfavourable trans configuration for the formation of the 2:1 complexes. It was found that the cis isomer possesses much higher extractive power than the trans isomer for the metal cations, which also reflects their complexing properties. The extraction equilibrium constants and thermodynamic quantities have been also evaluated, and the effect of the stereochemical structure of the bis(crown ether) on the complexing and extractive properties is discussed.     

双冠醚研究(Ⅴ)——Schiff碱型和仲胺型双-(苯并-18-冠-6)对碱金属苦味酸盐的萃取性质

用两类结构不同的Schiff碱型、仲胺型双-(苯并-18-冠-6)在氯仿-水体系中对碱金属苦味酸盐进行萃取,测量了配合物组成比和萃取平衡常数。     

Spectral Properties of Extracted Complexes of MetalPicrates with Crown Ethers

The investigation on UV-visible spectra of species formed by extracting some metal picrates with benzo-15-crown-5(B15C5) and dibenzo-18-crown-6(DB18C6) verified that there are some interactions of picrate anion with K , Na and rare earth ions in loaded organic phase. By the study of the charge transfer band and absorption spectra of picrate anion, it can be determined whether an ion pair has been formed and either a 1 : 1 contact ion pair or a 1 : 2 crown-separated ion pair involved in organic phase can be distinguished for an ion-pair extraction.     

Extraction of Sodium and Potassium Perchlorates with Dibenzo-18-crown-6 into Various Organic Solvents. Quantitative Elucidation of Anion Effects on the Extraction-Ability and -Selectivity

The constants for overall extraction into various diluents of low dielectric constants (K_ex) and aqueous ion-pair formation (K_MLA) of dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6)–sodium and potassium perchlorate 1:1:1 complexes (MLA) were determined at 25°C. The K_ex value was analyzed by the four underlying equilibrium constants. The K_MLA values were determined by applying our established method to this DB18C6/alkali metal perchlorate extraction system. The K_M(DB18C6)A value of the perchlorate is much greater for K⁺ than for Na⁺, and is much smaller than that of the picrate. The K_MLA value makes a negative contribution to the extractability of DB18C6 for MClO₄, whereas the value of the MLA distribution-constant does a major one. The partition behavior of M(DB18C6)ClO₄ obeys the regular solution theory. However, the M(DB18C6)ClO₄ complexes in the diluent of high dipole moment somewhat undergo the dipole–dipole interaction. DB18C6 always shows high extraction selectivity for KClO₄ over NaClO₄, which is governed largely by the much greater K_MLA value for K⁺ than for Na⁺. The K⁺ extraction-selectivity of DB18C6 over Na⁺ for perchlorate ions is comparable to that for picrate ions. By comparing this perchlorate system with the picrate one, the anion effects on the extraction-efficiency and -selectivity of DB18C6 for Na⁺ and K⁺ was discussed in terms of the fundamental equilibrium constants.     

Extraction Equilibria between Benzene and Water of Uni- and Bivalent Metal Picrates with Lariat 16-Crown-5: Effect of the Side Arms on the Extraction Ability and Selectivity

The overall extraction constants (K_ex) of uni- andbivalent metal picrates with 15-(2,5-dioxahexyl)-15-methyl-16-crown-5(L16C5) were determined between benzene and water at 25°C. TheK_ex values were analyzed into the constituent equilibriumconstants, i.e., the extraction constant of picric acid, the distributionconstant of the crown ether, the stability constant of the metalion–crown ether complex in water, and the ion-pair extraction constantof the complex cation with the picrate anion. The K_ex valuedecreases in the orders Ag⁺ > Na⁺ >Tl⁺ > K⁺ > Li⁺ andPb²⁺ > Ba²⁺ > Sr²⁺ for theuni- and bivalent metals, respectively, which are the same as those observedfor 16C5. The extraction selectivity was found to be governed by theselectivity of the ion-pair extraction of the L16C5–metal picratecomplex rather than by that of the complex formation in water. Theextraction ability of L16C5 is smaller for all the metals than that of 16C5,which is mostly attributed to the higher lipophilicity of L16C5. Differencesin the extraction selectivity between L16C5 and 16C5 were observed for thebivalent metals but little for the univalent metals. The side-arm effect onthe extraction selectivity was interpreted on the basis of the negativecorrelation between the effect on the complex stability constant in waterand that on the ion-pair extraction constant.     

Stabilities and Transfer Activity Coefficients from Water to Polar Nonaqueous Solvents of Benzo-15-Crown-5- and 15-Crown-5-Alkali Metal Ion Complexes

Stability constants (K_ML) of 1 : 1 benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5) complexes with alkali metal ions were conductometrically measured in water at 25°C. Transfer activity coefficients of B15C5 and 15-crown-5 (15C5) from water to polar nonaqueous solvents were determined at 25°C. By using these data and the literature values, transfer activity coefficients of the B15C5 and 15C5 complexes with alkali metal ions from water to the polar nonaqueous solvents were calculated to study the solute-solvent interaction of the crown ether complexes. The stability of the B15C5 complex is lower in water than in any other nonaqueous solvent. The K_ML value for B15C5 is always smaller than the corresponding K ML value for 15C5. The interaction of the B15C5 or the 15C5 complex with the solvents depends on the alkali metal ion in the crown cavity. All the B15C5 and 15C5 complexes undergo hydrophobic hydration, which is particularly stronger for the B15C5 complexes with Na⁺ and K⁺. The unexpectedly lowest stability of the B15C5- or the 15C5-alkali metal ion complex in water among all the solvents is caused by the hydrogen bonding between ether oxygen atoms of uncomplexed B15C5 or 15C5 and water.