An Isomer Specific,Highly Selective Fluorescent Chemosensor for K+ from a Bis‐Naphtho‐15‐Crown‐5 Derivative

Three isomeric series of bis(crown ether)s have been synthesized by condensation of the appropriate formylnaphthocrown with 1,4‐phenylenediacetonitrile. The interaction of these ligands with K⁺ and Na⁺ has been investigated by UV and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Among them the bis(crown ether) 2a exhibits excellent K⁺‐selectivity over Na⁺ and a dramatic increase in the fluorescence intensity of chromophores.