Synthesis and the Unique Crystal Structure of [(H2O)⊂(DB18C6)(μ2‐H2O)2/2][(H3O)⊂(DB18C6)(μ2‐H2O)2/2]I3 (DB18C6 = dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6)

In the title compound 1 , the macrocylic ligand DB18C6 arranges to build two types of channels in which either only water or water and H₃O⁺ molecules are stacked to linear polymers. The counter ions, I₃^—, also form chains and fill in the spaces left between the parallel stacks of the crown ethers. Compound 1 should therefore possess interesting conducting properties and might as well serve as model for biological water channels.