The synthesis of bis(benzo-crown ether)s and their incorporation into potassium-selective PVC membrane electrodes

Five bis(benzo-15-crown-5) derivatives connected with different bridge chains were synthesized as neutral carriers in K⁺-selective electrodes. Potassium ion-selective PVC membrane electrodes based on these bis(crown ether)s were prepared using dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as plasticizers of the PVC membrane. The selectivity coefficients (K _M ⁿ⁺:K _K+) for various alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions were measured. The electrodes based on the bis(crown ether)s are more selective for K⁺ than those based on monomeric crown ethers. The selectivity of one of the prepared potassium selective electrodes was higher than that of the electrode based on valinomycin and three of them were stable over a wide pH range.     

Enantiomeric Separations in Capillary Electrochromatography with Crown Ether‐Capped β‐Cyclodextrin‐Bonded Silica Particles as Chiral Stationary Phase

Two novel types of crown ether capped β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) bonded silica, namely, 4′‐aminobenzo‐X‐crown‐Y (X=15, 18 and Y=5, 6, resp.) capped [3‐(2‐O‐β‐cyclodextrin)‐2‐hydroxypropoxy] propylsilyl‐appended silica, have been prepared and used as stationary phases in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) to separate chiral compounds. The two stationary phases have a chiral selector with two recognition sites: crown ether and β‐CD. They exhibit excellent enantioselectivity in CEC for a wide range of compounds. After inclusion of metal ions (Na⁺ or K⁺) from the running buffer into the crown ether units, the stationary phases become positively charged and can provide extra electrostatic interaction with ionizable solutes and enhance the dipolar interaction with polar neutral solutes. This enhances the host‐guest interaction with the solute and improves chiral recognition and enantioselectivity. Due to the cooperation of the anchored β‐CD and the crown ether, this kind of crown ether capped β‐CD bonded phase shows better enantioselectivity than either β‐CD‐ or crown ether bonded phases only. These new types of stationary phases have good potential for fast chiral separation with CEC.     

New Potassium- and Cesium-selective Ionophoric Bis(crown ether)s Derived from Xanthene-4,5-dicarboxylic Acid

A series of bis(crown ether)sbased-upon a xanthene-4,5-dicarboxylic acid skeletonwas prepared and their ionophoric properties towardalkali metal cations were investigated. Bis(crownether)s bearing 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 moietiesexhibited pronounced extraction efficiencies towardK⁺ and Cs⁺ ions, respectively, and theextraction constant estimated by solvent extractionstudies was as high as 10⁹ for the 2-K⁺ and 3-Cs⁺ systems. Using UVtitration of potassium picrate with 2 in THF, thecomplex was found to have a structure of a completelyencapsulated guest in the host. In transportexperiments, the bis(crown ether)s showed nosignificant selectivity pattern compared withextraction results, again implying the strongcomplexation of bis(crown ether)s. Ion-selectiveelectrode studies also demonstrated that the selectiveionophoric properties of 2 toward K⁺ werereminiscent of the natural antibiotic valinomycinexcept for a somewhat slow response.     

Synthesis and Optical Properties of 2,13‐Dibenzothiazol‐2′‐yldibenzo[b,k]‐18‐crown‐6

A new crown ether of 2,13‐dibenzothiazol‐2′‐yldibenzo[b,k]‐18‐crown‐6 was synthesized from 2,13‐diformyl‐ dibenzo[b,k]‐18‐crown‐6 with 2‐aminothiophenol. The binding behavior and the optical properties of the crown ether were examined through UV‐visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. When complexed with Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ ions, it led to intramolecular charge transfer and caused the changes of the fluorescence spectra. The protonation of the crown ether was also studied.     

Synthesis and application of new Schiff base Mn(III) complexes containing crown ether rings as catalysts for oxidation of cyclohexene and cyclooctene by Oxone

Six catalysts MnClL¹–MnClL⁶, containing two crown ether rings, were synthesised and characterised by IR spectroscopy and CHN microanalysis. A combination of Oxone, as oxidant, and these catalysts was used for the oxidation of cyclohexene and cyclooctene. Among the prepared catalysts, MnClL³ and MnClL⁴ exhibited the best catalytic efficiency. Catalysts MnClL¹, MnClL² and MnClL⁶ showed a moderate efficiency and MnClL¹ showed the lowest efficiency. Comparison of MmclL¹–MnClL⁴ and MnClL⁶ containing crown ether rings with an identical mixture of uncrowned complex MnClL⁷ [manganese N,N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine chloride] and crown ether 2 (4′-hydroxybenzo-15-crown-5), revealed a more important role for the crown ether than increasing solubility of Oxone in the organic phase. The effect on reaction times and chemical yields of temperature, pyridine as the axial base, and different alkali metal salts was also investigated.     

Synthetic, structural, and theoretical investigations of alkali metal germanium hydrides--contact molecules and separated ions

The preparation of a series of crown ether ligated alkali metal (M=K, Rb, Cs) germyl derivatives M(crown ether)_nGeH₃ through the hydrolysis of the respective tris(trimethylsilyl)germanides is reported. Depending on the alkali metal and the crown ether diameter, the hydrides display either contact molecules or separated ions in the solid state, providing a unique structural insight into the geometry of the obscure GeH₃^? ion. Germyl derivatives displaying M? Ge bonds in the solid state are of the general formula [M([18]crown‐6)(thf)GeH₃] with M=K ( 1 ) and M=Rb ( 4 ). The compounds display an unexpected geometry with two of the GeH₃ hydrogen atoms closely approaching the metal center, resulting in a partially inverted structure. Interestingly, the lone pair at germanium is not pointed towards the alkali metal, rather two of the three hydrides are approaching the alkali metal center to display M? H interactions. Separated ions display alkali metal cations bound to two crown ethers in a sandwich‐type arrangement and non‐coordinated GeH₃^? ions to afford complexes of the type [M(crown ether)₂][GeH₃] with M=K, crown ether=[15]crown‐5 ( 2 ); M=K, crown ether=[12]crown‐4 ( 3 ); and M=Cs, crown ether=[18]crown‐6 ( 5 ). The highly reactive germyl derivatives were characterized by using X‐ray crystallography, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) and second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) calculations were performed to analyze the geometry of the GeH₃^? ion in the contact molecules 1 and 4 .     

Synthesis and optical properties of cis‐dibenzothiazolyldibenzo‐24‐crown‐8

New crown ether carrying two fluorionophores of cis‐dibenzothiazolyldibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 was synthesized from cis‐diformyldibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 and 2‐aminobenzenethiol. The binding behavior and the optical properties of the crown ether were examined through UV‐visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. When complexed with Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ ions, it led to intramolecular charge transfer and caused the changes of the fluorescence spectra. The protonation of the crown ether was also studied. With protonation using CF₃COOH, the absorption bands and the fluorescence spectroscopy changed, the maximal fluorescence wavelengths red shifted and the fluorescence intensity with the maximum at 433 nm enhanced strongly. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).     

Synthesis of poly(arylene ether ketone)s bearing skeletal crown ether units for cation exchange membranes

Poly(arylene ether ketone)s (PAEKs) are the most commonly known high‐performance materials used for ion exchange and fuel cell membranes. Described here is the design of novel sulfonated PAEKs (SPAEKs) and nonsulfonated PAEKs containing crown ether units in the main chain, which can be used in sensing applications and ion‐selective membranes. To this end, 4,4′(5′)‐di(hydroxybenzo)‐18‐crown‐6 was synthesized and used as monomer in a step growth polymerization to form crown ether‐containing PAEKs and SPAEKs. The successful synthesis of PAEKs containing 18‐crown‐6 and sulfonate groups was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Membranes are fabricated from the sulfonated polymers. Potassium ion transport properties of the SPAEK and crown ether‐containing SPAEK membranes are assessed by diffusion dialysis. Potassium ion diffusion in the crown ether‐containing SPAEK membranes is almost four times lower than K⁺ diffusion in the native polymer membranes, without crown ether. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2786–2793     

Lead‐sensitive PNIPAM microgels modified with crown ether groups

A series of lead‐sensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) microgels with pendant crown ether groups were prepared. Their cation‐sensitive behaviors were studied by dynamic light scattering. When ionic strength is not controlled, adding salts causes the microgel particles to deswell. However, when the salt effect is ruled out by keeping a constant ionic strength, adding Pb²⁺ results in much larger swelling. The Pb²⁺‐induced swelling was explained by the formation of host–guest complex between Pb²⁺ and the pendant crown ether groups, which increases the hydrophilicity of the polymer and accordingly the degree of swelling. The lead sensitivity of the microgels increases with increasing crown ether content. For the modified microgel with the highest crown ether content, it swells to ～430% of its original volume at [Pb²⁺] = 10 mM. Other cations also increase the swelling degree of the modified microgels. The extent of the cation‐induced swelling mainly depends on their affinity to the pendant crown ether groups. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 4120–4127, 2010     

Synthesis of Novel Dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6‐ ether‐Functionalized Benzimidazoles and its Applications in Colorimetric Recognition to Hg2+ and as Antifungal Agents

New crown ether‐functionalized benzimidazoles was designed and synthesized via formylation of dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 followed by condensation with different o‐phenylene diamines. The complexation properties of crown ether‐functionalized benzimidazoles with various metals (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Co²⁺, Hg²⁺) were examined using UV–vis spectroscopy. Hg²⁺ showed a well‐defined peculiar absorption maximum at 366 nm exclusively. All these newly synthesized compounds were screened for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae, respectively.     

Supramolecular Fullerene Chemistry: A Comprehensive Study of Cyclophane‐Type Mono‐ and Bis‐Crown Ether Conjugates of C70

The covalently templated bis‐functionalization of C₇₀, employing bis‐malonate 5 tethered by an anti‐disubstituted dibenzo[18]crown‐6 (DB18C6) ether, proceeds with complete regiospecificity and provides two diastereoisomeric pairs of enantiomeric C₇₀ crown ether conjugates, (±)‐ 7a and (±)‐ 7b , featuring a five o'clock bis‐addition pattern that is disfavored in sequential transformations (Scheme 1). The identity of (±)‐ 7a was revealed by X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis (Fig. 6). With bis‐malonate 6 containing a syn‐disubstituted DB18C6 tether, the regioselectivity of the macrocylization via double Bingel cyclopropanation changed completely, affording two constitutionally isomeric C₇₀ crown ether conjugates in a ca. 1 : 1 ratio featuring the twelve ( 16 ) and two o'clock ((±)‐ 15 ) addition patterns, respectively (Scheme 3). The X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis of the twelve o'clock bis‐adduct 16 revealed that a H₂O molecule was included in the crown ether cavity (Figs. 7 and 8). Two sequential Bingel macrocyclizations, first with anti‐DB18C6‐tethered ( 5 ) and subsequently with syn‐DB18C6‐tethered ( 6 ) bis‐malonates, provided access to the first fullerene bis‐crown ether conjugates. The two diastereoisomeric pairs of enantiomers (±)‐ 28a and (±)‐ 28b were formed in high yield and with complete regioselectivity (Scheme 9). The cation‐binding properties of all C₇₀ crown‐ether conjugates were determined with the help of ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs). Mono‐crown ether conjugates form stable 1 : 1 complexes with alkali‐metal ions, whereas the tetrakis‐adducts of C₇₀, featuring two covalently attached crown ethers, form stable 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 host‐guest complexes (Table 2). Comparative studies showed that the conformation of the DB18C6 ionophore imposed by the macrocyclic bridging to the fullerene is not particularly favorable for strong association. Reference compound (±)‐ 22 (Scheme 4), in which the DB18C6 moiety is attached to the C₇₀ sphere by a single bridge only and, therefore, possesses higher conformational flexibility, binds K⁺ and Na⁺ ions better by factors of 2 and 20, respectively. Electrochemical studies demonstrate that cation complexation at the crown ether site causes significant anodic shifts of the first reduction potential of the appended fullerene (Table 3). In case of the C₇₀ mono‐crown ether conjugates featuring a five o'clock functionalization pattern, addition of 1 equiv. of KPF₆ caused an anodic shift of the first reduction wave in the cyclic voltammogram (CV) by 70 to 80 mV, which is the result of the electrostatic effect of the K⁺ ion bound closely to the fullerene core (Fig. 14). Addition of 2 equiv. of K⁺ ions to C₇₀ bis‐crown ether conjugates resulted in the observation of only one redox couple, whose potential is anodically shifted by 170 mV with respect to the corresponding wave in the absence of the salt (Fig. 16). The synthesis and characterization of novel tris‐ and tetrakis‐adducts of C₇₀ are reported (Schemes 5 and 6). Attempts to prepare even more highly functionalized derivatives resulted in the formation of novel pentakis‐ and hexakis‐adducts and a single heptakis‐adduct (Scheme 7), which were characterized by ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy (Fig. 10), as well as matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption‐ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS). Based on predictions from density‐functional‐theory (DFT) calculations (Figs. 12 and 13), structures are proposed for the tris‐, tetrakis‐, and pentakis‐adducts.     

Anionic and ionic coordinative polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone

The polymerization of ?‐caprolactone initiated by two catalyst systems was studied: (1) carbazole‐potassium in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 ether and (2) NdCl₃/TBP/TIBA (neodymiumtrichloride/tri‐n‐butyl‐phosphate/triisobutylaluminium) at the molar ratio 1/3/1. For both initiator systems conversion/time plots were determined and the polymers were characterized by IR, GPC and by ¹H‐ and ¹³C?NMR spectroscopy. Polyesters with the highest molecular weight (M _n?44 000 g/mol) were obtained for the polymerizations initiated by the carbazole‐potassium/18‐crown‐6 ether system. The features of the polymerization initiated by the carbazole‐potassium/18‐crown‐6 ether system are discussed on the basis of a simple scheme. The nature of this polymerization is non‐living. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polysalt complexes of poly(vinylbenzo-18-crown-6) and of poly(crown acrylate)s with polyanions

Macrocyclic polyether or crown ether ester derivatives of acrylic and methacrylic acid were synthesized and polymerized. The cation binding properties of the polymers determined by extraction of picrate salts were similar to those obtained for poly(crown ether)s derived from styrene. In the presence of a crown-complexable cation both polymers form insoluble polysalt complexes with sodium carboxymethylcellulose, potassium poly(styrene sulfonate), and potassium polyacrylate. The extent of precipitation depends on the type and concentration of cation as well as on the ratio polyanion to poly(crown ether). The precipitate appears to have an equal number of positive and negative charges. An insoluble hydrogen-bonded complex is formed in the absence of salt when poly(vinylbenzo-18-crown-6) and poly(acrylic acid) are mixed in 0.01M HCl. Organic solutes bound to the poly(crown ether)s, which occur in an aqueous mixture of poly(vinylbenzo-18-crown-6) and picrate anions, are precipitated with the poly(crown ether) when the polysalt complex is formed.     

Counterion Effects on the Columnar Mesophases of Triphenylene‐Substituted [18]Crown‐6 Ethers: Is Flatter Better?

The twisted lateral tetraalkyloxy ortho‐terphenyl units in dibenzo[18]crown‐6 ethers 1 a – f were readily converted into the flat tetraalkyloxytriphenylene systems 2 a – f by oxidative cyclization with FeCl₃ in nitromethane. Reactions of the latter with potassium salts gave complexes KX ?2 , which displayed mesomorphic properties. The aromatization increased both the clearing and melting points; the mesophase stabilities, however, were mainly influenced by the respective anions upon complexation with various potassium salts. In contrast, the alkyl chain lengths played only a secondary role. Among the potassium complexes of triphenylene‐substituted crown ethers KX ?2 , only those with the soft anions I^? and SCN^? displayed mesophases with expanded phase temperature ranges of 93 °C and 132 °C (for KX ?2 e ), respectively, as compared to the corresponding o‐terphenyl‐substituted crown ether complexes KI ?1 e (ΔT=51 °C) and KSCN ?1 e (plastic crystal phase). Anions such as Br^?, Cl^?, and F^? decreased the mesophase stability, and PF₆^? led to complete loss of the mesomorphic properties of KPF₆ ?2 although not for KPF₆ ?1 . For crown ether complexes KX ?2 (X=F, Cl, Br, I, BF₄, and SCN), columnar rectangular mesophases of different symmetries (c2 mm, p2 mg, and p2 gg) were detected. In contrast to findings for the twisted o‐terphenyl crown ether complexes KX ?1 , the complexation of the flat triphenylene crown ethers 2 with KX resulted in the formation of organogels. Characterization of the organogel of KI ?2 e in CH₂Cl₂ revealed a network of fibers.     

Synthesis of new polysilane-crown ether

This paper presents the synthesis of new polysilane with pendant crown ether groups. The polymer was obtained through the addition reaction of 4^′-allylbenzo-15-crown-5 to poly[methyl(H)-co-methylphenylsilane] copolymer in anhydrous toluene solution using hexachloroplatinic acid as a catalyst. The allyl functionalization of the crown ether was achieved by the coupling of the crown ether bromide with allyl magnesium chloride. The availability of the crown ether sites in complexation reactions with Cu(II) cations was tested.The chemical structures of all products and intermediates were studied using spectral methods (IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, UV), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).     

Inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase in the presence of crown ethers: modulation of ionic composition or pharmacological effects

It is believed that the biological effects of chelating agents such as crown ethers are largely related to their ability to form complexes with ions and/or to facilitate ion transport across membranes. Specific influences are rarely related. Here we present the evidence that even one of the simplest representatives of the crown ether super-family, 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctane (18-crown-6), is able to affect the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase directly. Using nonlinear regression fitting to kinetic data we have found that the crown ether diminishes the apparent Michaelis constant, K _m , and the maximal rate of ATP hydrolysis, V _m , acting as noncompetitive inhibitors. The apparent dissociation constants, K _i , for the crown interaction with the free ATPase and with the enzyme-substrate complex were established to be of 77 ± 3 mM and 21 ± 2 mM, respectively. So 18-crown-6 possesses weak but “direct” pharmacological activity on Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase hinders the formation of enzyme–substrate complex and detains the enzyme in this state.     

Novel Cesium‐Selective Electrodes Based on Lipophilic 1,3‐Bisbridged Cofacial‐calix[6]crowns

Five bisbridged calix[6]crowns have been investigated as Cs⁺ ionophore in PVC membrane electrodes. As ionophores, three 1,3‐bisbridged calix[6]crown‐4‐ethers( I–III ), 1,3‐bisbridged calix[6]crown‐5‐ether( IV ), and 1,3‐bisbridged calix[6]crown‐6‐ether( V ) have been evaluated. The membranes all give good Nernstian response in the concentration range from 1×10^?7 to 1×10^?1 M of cesium ion. The best detection limits (?log aequation/tex2gif-inf-1.gif=7.08–7.36) are obtained for electrode membranes containing 1,3‐bisbridged cofacial‐calix[6]crown‐4‐ethers( I‐III ), and the values are the lowest compared with those reported previously. The highest selectivity coefficients [ 3.74(Cs/K), 2.63(Cs/Rb)] are obtained for the membrane of 1,3‐bisbridged calix[6]crown‐4‐ether( II ), and these values are also the highest compared with previous reports for Cs⁺‐ISEs. The highest selectivity towards cesium ion is attributed to the geometrically cofacial positions of two crown‐ethers in calix[6]crowns in order to provide the complex of cesium ion and eight oxygens of cofacial crowns.     

Bis(crown-6)calix[4]arene/Cs+ Coordination Chemistry in NPME Solution

NMR spectroscopy was used to show that the symmetry of the crown ether bis(C6) is increased by an increase of the alkali metal cation radius. The EXAFS spectrum demonstrates that a seven oxygen atom coordinated configuration is present in the bis(C6)/Cs⁺/NPME system, where NPME denotes o-nitrophenylmethyl ether. The seventh oxygen in this complex, besides the six crown ether oxygens of bis(C6), may come either from a H₂O molecule or an NO₃⁻ ion.     

A reinvestigation of the crystal and molecular structure of (18-crown-6) · 2 CH3NO2:D 3d stabilization via methyl hydrogen-crown oxygen ‘hydrogen bonds’

The title compound was crystallized from hot nitromethane. (18-crown-6) · 2CH₃NO₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP2₁/n witha=9.066(3),b=8.284(3),c=14.015(7) Å, =101.83(5)^o andD _calc=1.25 g cm^–3 forZ=2. Least-squares refinement using 890 independent observed reflections led to a final conventionalR value of 0.084. The hydrogen atoms were located but not refined. The crown ether resides about a crystallographic center of invertion. There are two nitromethane molecules (one centered above and one below the crown ether) weakly interacting with the crown oxygen atoms via the methyl hydrogens stabilizing aD _3d crown conformation. Supplementary Data relating to this article are deposited with the British Library as Supplementary Publication No. SUP 82029 (5 pages).     

Crystal structure of the 1 : 1 : 6 complex between 18-crown-6, hydroquinone and water

Hydroquinone forms a 1 : 1 : 6 complex with 18-crown-6 and water. Crystals of this complex are monoclinic, space groupP2₁/a witha = 14.289(1),b = 7.972(1),c = 11.596(1) Å, = 97.72(1)°,Z = 2,D _c = 1.22 g cm^–3. The hydroquinone and crown ether molecules lie on centres of symmetry with the crown in theD _3d conformation. The water molecules act as a bridge between hydroquinone and the crown ether. The structure consists of molecules linked by a 3-dimensional network of hydrogen bonds: the hydroquinone and two water molecules lie roughly in the (001) plane; the crown ether and four water molecules form bipyramidal structures which are stacked in layers alternating with the previous planes.