Oxonium ions from aqua regia: isolation by hydrogen bonding to crown ethers

The preparation and structures of a variety of oxonium ion tetrachloroaurate(III) salts isolated from aqua regia are reported. The new compounds are [(H(5)O(2))(2)(12-crown-4)(2)][AuCl(4)](2) (1), [(H(7)O(3))(15-crown-5)][AuCl(4)] (2), [(H(5)O(2))(benzo-15-crown-5)(2)][AuCl(4)] (3), [(H(3)O)(18-crown-6)][AuCl(4)] (4), [(H(5)O(2))(dibenzo-24-crown-8)][AuCl(4)] (5), [(H(5)O(2))(4-nitrobenzo-15-crown-5)(2)][AuCl(4)] (6), [(H(3)O)(4-nitrobenzo-18-crown-6)][AuCl(4)] (7), [(H(11)O(5))(tetrachlorodibenzo-18-crown-6)(2)][AuCl(4)] (8), and [(H(7)O(3))(dinitrodibenzo-30-crown-10)][AuCl(4)] (9). A significant correlation between the degree of proton hydration and crown ether size is observed. Aryl crown ethers are nitrated in concentrated aqua regia, but nonnitrated products may be obtained in a dilute solution of aqua regia by reaction with aqueous HAuCl(4).     

Ion selectivity of crown ethers investigated by UV and IR spectroscopy in a cold ion trap

Electronic and vibrational spectra of benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5) and benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6) complexes with alkali metal ions, M(+)?B15C5 and M(+)?B18C6 (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs), are measured using UV photodissociation (UVPD) and IR-UV double resonance spectroscopy in a cold, 22-pole ion trap. We determine the structure of conformers with the aid of density functional theory calculations. In the Na(+)?B15C5 and K(+)?B18C6 complexes, the crown ethers open the most and hold the metal ions at the center of the ether ring, demonstrating an optimum matching in size between the cavity of the crown ethers and the metal ions. For smaller ions, the crown ethers deform the ether ring to decrease the distance and increase the interaction between the metal ions and oxygen atoms; the metal ions are completely surrounded by the ether ring. In the case of larger ions, the metal ions are too large to enter the crown cavity and are positioned on it, leaving one of its sides open for further solvation. Thermochemistry data calculated on the basis of the stable conformers of the complexes suggest that the ion selectivity of crown ethers is controlled primarily by the enthalpy change for the complex formation in solution, which depends strongly on the complex structure.     

Reactivity of a heterocyclic As-Se compound with metal salts: syntheses and structures of the first copper complexes and of new alkali metal salts containing As-Se anions

The structures of the new compounds [Cu8(Ph2As2Se2)2(PhAsSe2)2(dppm)4] (1) (dppm = bis-diphenylphosphinomethane), [Cu4(Ph2As2Se2)2(PPh3)4] (2), [{K(18-crown-6)}2(PhAsSe3)] (3), [Na12(PhAsSe3)6(15-crown-5)6] (4) and 1/x[Na2(PhAsSe3)(thf)(H2O)3]x (5) are reported. 2-5 were prepared by reactions of metal thiolates with [(PhAs)2(mu-Se)(mu-Se2)].     

New high-dimensional networks based on polyoxometalate and crown ether building blocks

Three novel supramolecular assemblies constructed from polyoxometalate and crown ether building blocks, [(DB18C6)Na(H(2)O)(1.5)](2)Mo(6)O(19).CH(3)CN, 1, and [(Na(DB18C6)(H(2)O)(2))(3)(H(2)O)(2)]XMo(12)O(40).6DMF.CH(3)CN (X = P, 2, and As, 3; DB18C6 = dibenzo-18-crown-6; DMF = N,N-dimethylfomamide), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, EPR, TG, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mbm with a = 16.9701(6) A, c = 14.2676(4) A, and Z = 2. Compound 2 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6(3)/m with a = 15.7435(17) A, c = 30.042(7) A, gamma = 120 degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 3 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6(3)/m with a = 15.6882(5) A, c = 29.9778(18) A, gamma = 120 degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 1 exhibits an unusual three-dimensional network with one-dimensional sandglasslike channels based on the extensive weak forces between the oxygen atoms on the [Mo(6)O(19)](2)(-) polyoxoanions and the CH(2) groups of crown ether molecules. Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural, and both contain a novel semiopen cagelike trimeric cation [(Na(DB18C6)(H(2)O)(2))(3)(H(2)O)(2)](3+). In their packing arrangement, an interesting 2-D "honeycomblike" "host" network is formed, in which the [XMo(12)O(40)](3)(-) (X = As and P) polyoxoanion "guests" resided.     

Two complexes of Sm(II) with crown ethers-electrochemical synthesis, structure and spectroscopy

Two complexes of divalent samarium have been synthesized by electrochemical reduction in methanol-tetrahydrofuran solutions: [Sm(18-crown-6)(ClO4)2] and [Sm(15-crown-5)2](ClO4)2. In [Sm(18-crown-6)(ClO4)2] the metal cation is ten-coordinate and its coordination sphere comprises six oxygen atoms of the crown ligand and four oxygen atoms from two perchlorate anions. [Sm(15-crown-5)2](ClO4)2 shows a sandwich structure with decacoordinate samarium located between two 15-crown-5 molecules. At 77 K both compounds show f-f luminescence originating from the 5D0 level, and also the 15-crown-5 complex shows a weak luminescence in the range 20000-25000 cm(-1), which has been tentatively interpreted as originating from 3P0 and 5H3 levels. At room temperature the emission of [Sm(15-crown-5)2](ClO4)2 is dominated by broad f-d bands. In the excitation spectra some Fano resonances have been observed. The 18-crown-6 compound is unstable, but the 15-crown-5 compound is fairly stable in air.     

3,5-Dimethyl and 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato complexes with alkali metals: monomeric, dimeric, cluster, and 1D chain structures

The pyrazolato complexes [(Me(2)pz)(THF)Li] (1), [((t)Bu(2)pz)Li](4) (2), [((t)Bu(2)pzH)((t)()Bu(2)pz)Li](2) (2a), [(Me(2)pz)Na] (3), [((t)Bu(2)pz)Na](4), [((t)Bu(2)pz)(6)(OH)Na(7)] (4a), [((t)Bu(2)pz)(18-crown-6)Na] (4b), and [((t)Bu(2)pz)K] (5) were synthesized by metalation reactions between R(2)pzH (R = Me, (t)()Bu) and alkyllithium, elemental sodium, or potassium. All the complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods and microanalysis, and in addition, the crystal structures of 2, 2a, 3, 4a, 4b, and 5 were obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They show monomeric, dimeric, cluster, and 1D chain structures in the solid state. Ab initio calculations on the structure and stabilities of the monomeric pzM complexes were performed at the MP2 level of theory showing good agreement with the coordination preferences of the pyrazolato ligand to a particular alkali ion.     

Low-coordinate chromium siloxides: the "box" [Cr(mu-Cl)(mu-OSitBu3)]4, distorted trigonal [(tBu3SiO)3Cr][Na(benzene)] and [(tBu3SiO)3Cr][Na(dibenzo-18-c-6)], and trigonal (tBu3SiO)3Cr

Treatment of CrCl(2)(THF)(2) with NaOSi(t)Bu(3) afforded the tetrameric "box" [Cr(mu-Cl)(mu-OSi(t)Bu(3))](4) (1, X-ray). THF cleaved 1 to provide trans-(silox)ClCr(THF)(2) (2), whereas degradation of 1 with 4-picoline caused disproportionation and the generation of trans-Cl(2)Cr(4-pic)(2) and trans-(silox)(2)Cr(4-pic)(x) (n = 2, 3; 3, 3-4-pic). Chromous centers in 1 were antiferromagnetically coupled, and density functional calculations on the high-spin (multiplicity = 17) model [Cr(mu-Cl)(mu-OH)](4) (1') revealed that its singly occupied 3d orbitals spanned an energy range of approximately 2 eV. The addition of 8 equiv of Na(silox) to 1 yielded [((t)Bu(3)SiO)Cr(mu-OSi(t)Bu(3))(2)]Na.C(6)H(6) (4, Y shaped, angle OCrO(Na) = 91.28(7) degrees), and treatment of 4 with dibenzo-18-crown-6 produced [(silox)(3)Cr][Na(dibenzo-18-crown-6)] (5, angle OCrO = approximately 120 degrees, (120 + alpha) degrees, (120 - alpha) degrees). Calculations of [((t)Bu(3)SiO)Cr(mu-OSi(t)Bu(3))(2)]Na (4') and Cr(silox)(3)(-) (5') provided reasonable matches with the experimental geometries (X-ray). The trigonal chromic derivative (silox)(3)Cr (6) was synthesized from CrCl(3)(THF)(3) for structural and calculational comparisons to the chromous derivatives.     

Molecular design of luminescence ion probes for various cations based on weak gold(I)...gold(I) interactions in dinuclear gold(I) complexes

A series of luminescent dinuclear gold(I) complexes with different crown ether pendants, [Au(2)(PwedgeP)(S-B15C5)(2)] [S-B15C5 = 4'-mercaptobenzo-15-crown-5, P(wedge)P = bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)methane (dcpm) (1), bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) (2)] and [Au(2)(P(wedge)P)(S-B18C6)(2)] [S-B18C6 = 4'-mercaptobenzo-18-crown-6, P(wedge)P = dcpm (3), dppm (4)], and their related crown-free complexes, [Au(2)(P(wedge)P)(SC(6)H(3)(OMe)(2)-3,4)(2)] [P(wedge)P = dcpm (5), dppm (6)], were synthesized. The low-energy emission of the mercaptocrown ether-containing gold(I) complexes are tentatively assigned as originated from states derived from a S --> Au ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) transition. The crown ether-containing gold(I) complexes showed specific binding abilities toward various metal cations according to the ring size of the crown pendants. Spectroscopic evidence was provided for the metal-ion-induced switching on of the gold...gold interactions upon the binding of particular metal ions in a sandwich binding mode.     

The synergistic extraction of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) with mixtures of 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone and crown ethers

The extraction of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) from nitric acid solutions has been studied using mixtures of 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone (HPBI) and dicyclohexano-18-crown-6, benzo-18-crown-6, dibenzo-18-crown-6 or benzo-15-crown-5. The results demonstrate that these metal ions are extracted into chloroform as Th(PBI)(4) and UO(2)(PBI)(2) with HPBI alone and as Th(PBI)(4) . CE and UO(2)(PBI)(2) . CE in the presence of crown ethers (CE). The equilibrium constants of the above species have been deduced by non-linear regression analysis. The addition of a CE to the metal chelate system enhances the extraction efficiency and also improves the selectivities between thorium and uranium. IR spectral data of the extracted complexes were used to further clarify the nature of the complexes. The binding to the CEs by Th(PBI)(4) and UO(2)(PBI)(2) follows the CE basicity sequence but with DC18C6 and DB18C6, steric effects become more important.     

冠醚配合物的热力学性质的研究 III. 碱金属离子与18C6甲基衍生物配位反应的电导研究

The coordination reaction of Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+ with benzo- 15-crown-5, 18-crown-6 and the newly synthesized cyclic polyethers 2, 3-benzo-8, 15-dimethyl-18-crown-6, 2, 3-benzo-8, 11, 15-trimethyl-18-crown-6 in methanol at 25`C has been studied by conductometric titration. The stability constants for the 1:1 coordination compounds were calculated. The marked selectivity of 18-crown-6 toward alkali metal ions was not found in its methyl derivatives. The induction effect of the benzene ring and methyl group on polyether ring reduced the stability of the coordination compounds. In methanol, the stability sequence of te compounds of alkali metal ions with 18-crown-6 was K+>Rb+>Cs+>Na+, that of its dimethyl derivative was K+>Rb+>Na+>Cs+ and that of its trimethyl derivative was K+>Na+>Rb+>Cs+, that is, the methyl substituent had a weaker influence on the stability of Na+ compound than on that of Rb+ or Cs+ compound. In the range of concentration studied, decrease in equivalent conductance is in agreement with the prediction on the basis of the structure of the complexes. The above results may give a clue for modifying the structure of a crown ether for specified selectivity.     

Possible role of relativistic effects in the plasticity of the coordination geometry of cadmium(II). A voltammetric study of the stability of the complexes of cadmium(II) with 12-crown-4,15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 in aqueous solution and the structures of [Cd(benzo-18-crown-6)(NCS)(2)] and [K(18-crown-6)][Cd(SCN)(3)

A differential pulse voltammetric study of complexes of Cd(II) and Pb(II) with crown ethers is reported. Measured log K(1) values for Cd(II) with 18-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane), 15-crown-5 (1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane), and 12-crown-4 (1,4,7,10-tetraoxacyclododecane) are respectively 2.53 (+/-0.06), 1.97 (+/-0.07), and 1.72 (+/-0.08) and for Pb(II) with 18-crown-6 is 4.17 (+/-0.03), all at 25 degrees C in 0.1 M LiNO(3). Cd(II) is smaller than is usually associated with strong bonding with crown ethers. The high log K(1) values for Cd(2+) with crown ethers found here are discussed in terms of distortion of Cd(II) by relativistic effects. The resulting plasticity of the coordination geometry of the Cd(II) ion allows it to meet the metal ion size requirements of all the crown ethers, allowing high log K(1) values to occur. Crystal structures for [Cd(bz-18-crown-6)(SCN)(2)] (1) (bz-18-crown-6 = benzo-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) and [K(18-crown-6)][Cd(SCN)(3)] (2) are reported. 1 was triclinic, space group P1, a = 8.5413(2), b = 10.0389(2), and c = 13.4644(2) A, alpha = 94.424(1), beta = 102.286(1), and gamma = 93.236(1) degrees, Z = 2, and final R = 0.023. 2 was orthorhombic, space group Cmc2(1), a = 14.7309(3), b = 15.1647(3), and c = 10.6154(2) A, Z = 4, and final R = 0.020. In 1, the Cd occupies the cavity of the bz-18-crown-6 with long average Cd-O bond lengths of 2.65 A and is N-bonded to the thiocyanates with short average Cd-N bonds of 2.12 A. In [Cd(bz-18-crown-6)(SCN)(2)], the linear coordination involving the Cd and the two N-bonded thiocyanate groups in 1 is discussed in terms of the role of relativistic effects in the tendency to linear coordination geometry in group 12 metal ions. In 2 Cd forms a polymeric structure involving thiocyanate bridges between Cd atoms and K(+) occupies the cavity of the crown ether. 2 highlights the fact that cadmium is almost never S-bonded to thiocyanate except in bridging thiocyanates.     

Utility of anhydrous neodymium nitrate as a precursor to extended organoneodymium nitrate networks

Hydrated neodymium nitrates can be readily transformed to anhydrous ether solvates which react with cyclopentadienyl reagents to make organometallic nitrate complexes with variable degrees of oligomerization. Heating Nd(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)(6) in tetrahydrofuran at reflux, removal of solvent, drying at 100 degrees C under high vacuum, and addition of hot THF generates Nd(NO(3))(3)(THF)(3), 1. Using dimethoxyethane, Nd(NO(3))(3)(DME)(2), 2, can be obtained similarly. Addition of NaC(5)Me(5) to 1 generates (C(5)Me(5))Nd(NO(3))(3)(THF)Na(THF)(x)complexes which crystallize as ([(C(5)Me(5))(NO(3))(2)Nd(THF)(micro-NO(3))](2)Na(THF)(4))[Na(THF)(6)], 3, or [(C(5)Me(5))Nd(THF)(mu-NO(3))(3)Na(THF)(2)](n), 4, depending on the conditions. The trimetallic Nd(2)Na unit in 3 forms an extended system in 4 via bridging nitrates. Addition of KC(5)Me(5) and 18-crown-6 to 1 generates another extended complex [(C(5)Me(5))Nd(THF)(NO(3))(mu-NO(3))(2)K(18-crown-6)](n), 5, in which an 18-crown-6 ligated potassium links neodymium centers via two bridging nitrates and an agostic interaction between a C(5)Me(5) methyl group and potassium.     

N-对R苯基氮杂15冠5八钼多酸钠超分子配合物的合成与结构

为研究大环化合物对客体分子的选择性, 合成了通式为[NaL(Et2O)]2Na2Mo8O26的三种新型N-对R苯基氮杂15冠5八钼多酸钠超分子配合物(其中L分别为: N-苯基氮杂15冠5、N-对氯苯基氮杂15冠5和N-对甲苯基氮杂15冠5), 进行了元素分析, 红外光谱与核磁共振等结构参数的表征, 对R基为CH3的标题配合物作了X射线四圆衍射测定, 该晶体属单斜晶系, 空间群为P21/a,a=1.4590(4)nm, b=1.3817(3)nm, c=1.7639(5)nm, β=112.67(2)°, V=3.281(1)nm^3, Mr=2021.3, Dc=2.11g/cm^3,μ=2.37mm^-^1, F(000)=2048, R=0.045和Rw=0.057, 与[Na.(DB18C6)(CH3OH)M6O19和[Na(DB24C8)]2M6O19进行比较,结果表明: 大环化合物不仅对客体金属离子有分子识别性, 而且对与之抗衡的多酸阴离子也具有影响。     

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.     

The first structurally characterized cationic lanthanide-alkyl complexes

Reaction of rare earth metal-alkyl complexes [Ln(CH2SiMe3)3(THF)2](Ln = Y, Lu) with B(C6X5)3(X = H, F) in the presence of crown ethers gives crystallographically characterized ion pairs [Ln(CH2SiMe3)2(CE)(THF)n]+[B(CH2SiMe3)(C6X5)3]-(CE = [12]-crown-4, n = 1; CE = [15]-crown-5 and [18]-crown-6, n = 0).     

M+(12-crown-4) supramolecular cations (M+ = Na+, K+, Rb+, and NH4+) within Ni(2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolate)2 molecular conductor

Monovalent cations (M+ = Na+, K+, Rb+, and NH4+) and 12-crown-4 were assembled to new supramolecular cation (SC+) structures of the M+(12-crown-4)n (n = 1 and 2), which were incorporated into the electrically conducting Ni(dmit)2 salts (dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolate). The Na+, K+, and Rb+ salts are isostructural with a stoichiometry of the M+(12-crown-4)2[Ni(dmit)2]4, while the NH4+ salt has a stoichiometry of NH4+(12-crown-4)[Ni(dmit)2]3(CH3CN)2. The electrical conductivities of the Na+, K+, Rb+, and NH4+ salts at room temperature are 7.87, 4.46, 0.78, and 0.14 S cm-1, respectively, with a semiconducting temperature dependence. The SC+ structures of the Na+, K+, and Rb+ salts have an ion-capturing sandwich-type cavity of M+(12-crown-4)2, in which the M+ ion is coordinated by eight oxygen atoms of the two 12-crown-4 molecules. On the other hand, the NH4+ ion is coordinated by four oxygen atoms of the 12-crown-4 molecule. Judging from the M(+)-O distances, thermal parameters of oxygen atoms, and vibration spectra, the thermal fluctuation of the Na+(12-crown-4)2 structure is larger than those of K+(12-crown-4)2 and Rb+(12-crown-4)2. The SC+ unit with the larger alkali metal cation gave a stress to the Ni(dmit)2 column, and the SC+ structure changed the pi-pi overlap mode and electrically conducting behavior.     

酚醛冠醚共缩聚物的合成与性能

用2,6-二羟甲基-4-苯基苯酚分别与二苯并-18-冠-6(2B18C6)、二苯并-24-冠-8(2B24C8)、二苯并-30冠-10(2B30C10)、苯并-15-冠-5(B15C5)、苯并-18-冠-6(B18C6)缩聚合成了五种酚醛型冠醚共聚物。我们用聚冠醚的氯仿溶液萃取苦味酸碱金属盐水溶液,研究了它们对金属离子的络合性能。结果表明,聚冠醚(PB15C5)和(PB18C6)的萃取能力和选择性显著优于相应的单冠醚。     

Crown ether appended cyclam receptors for cationic guests

A series of crown ether appended macrocyclic amines has been prepared comprising benzo-12-crown-4, benzo-15-crown-5, or benzo-18-crown-6 attached to a diamino-substituted cyclam. The Co(III) complexes of these three receptors have been prepared and characterized spectroscopically and structurally. Crystal structures of each receptor in complex with an alkali metal ion and structures of the benzo-12-crown-4 and benzo-15-crown-5-receptors without guest ions are reported. 2D NMR and molecular mechanics modeling have been used to examine conformational variations upon guest ion complexation. Addition of cations to these receptors results in an appreciable anodic shift in the Co(III/II) redox potential, even in aqueous solution, but little cation selectivity is observed. Evidence for complex formation has been corroborated by (23)Na and (7)Li NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry.     

From 1D strands to extended molecular assemblies in the binary compounds of dithiooxamide and dithiobiurea with crown ethers

The hydrogen-bonding networks for seven new binary compounds of dithiooxamide, (NH2CS)2 (dtox) and dithiobiurea (NH2CSNH)2 (dtur) with crown ethers, 18-crown-6 (18C6), 15-crown-5 (15C5), 12-crown-4 (12C4), cis-syn-cis-(DCHA), and cis-anti-cis-(DCHB) isomers of dicyclohexyl-18 -crown-6 are discussed. (15C5.dtox), (18C6.dtur) and (DCHB.dtur) afford one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded polymeric arrays where the components alternate. In (DCHA.2dtox) and (DCHB.2dtox) the similar hydrogen-bonded chains are further interlinked via dtox molecules to generate layered motifs. In (15C5.2dtur) the dtur molecules are self-assembled into layers via N-H...S hydrogen bonds. 15C5 spacers link adjacent layers into a three-dimensional network. In (12C4.dtur) the dtur molecules are arranged in chains. These chains alternate with the crown molecules attached to them through N-H...O hydrogen bonds in such a way that each 12C4 appears to be linked with four dtur molecules and vice versa thus providing a three-dimensional grid.     

Unexpected structural diversity in alkali metal azide-crown ether complexes: syntheses, X-ray structures, and quantum-chemical calculations

A series of alkali metal azide-crown ether complexes, [Li([12]crown-4)(N3)], [Na([15]crown-5)(N3)], [Na([15]crown-5)(H2O)2]N3, [K([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)], [Rb([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)], [Cs([18]crown-6)(N3)]2, and [Cs([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)(MeOH)], has been synthesised. In most cases, single crystals were obtained, which allowed X-ray crystal structures to be derived. The structures obtained have been compared with molecular structures computed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This has allowed the effects of the crystal lattice on the structures to be investigated. Also, a study of the M-N(terminal) metal-azide bond length and charge densities on the metal (M) and terminal nitrogen centre (N(terminal)) in these complexes has allowed the nature of the metal-azide bond to be probed in each case. The bonding in these complexes is believed to be predominantly ionic or ion-dipole in character, with the differences in geometries reflecting the balance between maximising the coordination number of the metal centre and minimising ligand-ligand repulsions. The structures of the crown ether complexes determined in this work show the subtle interplay of such factors. The significant role of hydrogen bonding is also demonstrated, most clearly in the structures of the K and Rb dimers, but also in the chain structure of the hydrated Cs complex.