Enhancement of Cation Binding in Lariat Ethers Bearing a Methyl Group at the Quaternary, Pivot Carbon Atom

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00156a018

A number of carbon-pivot lariat ethers have been prepared and compared, with their counterparts having a methyl group bonded to the side-arm-bearing or pivot carbon.All of the compounds examined are 15-crown-5 derivatives, and in this series, the methyl lariats invariably show a higher affinity for sodium than do the nonmethylated species.The results are less consistent in the case of potassium cation which is larger than the 15-crown-5 compound's cation binding hole.The enhanced stability constant observed for sodium with the methyl lariats is attributed to reduced s ide-arm mobility or conformational changes in either the side arm or macroring.