Spherical Cryptanes. Synthesis and Inclusion-Complexes of Spherical Macrotricyclic Ligands

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/hlca.19810640410

A general strategy for the synthesis of spherical macrotricyclic ligands has been developed.Four spherical cryptands, SC-24, SC-25, SC-26 and SC-27 have been obtained by this route.The synthesis and cation-complexing properties of these compounds are described in detail.Stability constants and cation exchange rates of the spherical cryptates obtained with alkali and alkali-earth cations have been determined.Highly stable complexes are formed by SC-24; the Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ cryptates of SC-24 are the most stable complexes of these cations known to date.The size of the intermolecular cavity affects the complexation selectivity.The cation exchange rates are very slow, and the corresponding free energies of activation are even larger than for macrobicyclic criptates of similar stability.Both the high complex stabilities and the high activation energies required for cation exchange indicate a marked 'spherical cryptate effect' resulting from the highly connected nature of the molecular architecture of spherical macrotricyclic ligands.