Synthesis and Complexing Properties of N,N′-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Diaza Crown Ethers

Abstract

The stability constants of complexes of 12-, 15-, and 18-membered diaza crown ethers, N,N′-dimethyl diaza crown ethers, and N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) diaza crown ethers with alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions in 95% aqueous methanol at 25°C were determined. The stability of the complexes of unsubstituted diaza crown ethers with alkali metal cations is low, probably because of stabilization of the exo,exo conformation of the ligands due to interaction of the nitrogen lone electron pairs with the solvent. The complexes with the double-charged cations are appreciably more stable. N,N′-Dimethyl diaza crown ethers form stable complexes with all the ions studied. As compared to the dimethyl derivatives, N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) diaza crown ethers form more stable complexes with the Na+, K+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+ ions, which is due to participation of the side hydroxyethyl groups in the coordination.