Azidocryptands-synthesis, structure, and complexation properties

Cryptands bearing an intraannular azido substituent have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. Their complexation properties were investigated by picrate extraction analysis. The oxygen-containing cryptands were found to be good ligands for alkali cations, with a preference for Li(+) and Na(+). The molecular structure of the complex with KBr was determined by X-ray crystallography. In this, the first structurally characterized complex of an aryl azide bound to a metal cation, the potassium cation was found to show ninefold coordination to four oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms of the crown ether moiety, to the bromide anion and to N1 of the azido group, as well as C1 of the benzene ring.