Introduction

12-Crown-4, also known as 1,4,7,10-tetraoxacyclododecane, is a high-molecular-weight chemical raw material with a unique molecular structure. Its molecular formula is C?H??O?, consisting of a large ring structure composed of twelve atoms, including four oxygen atoms and eight carbon atoms. This unique structure gives 12-crown-4 distinctive physical and chemical properties, making it widely used in the fields of chemistry and materials science. It exhibits good stability at room temperature and pressure, but may react dangerously when in contact with oxidizing substances. Therefore, special attention should be paid to avoiding contact with oxidizing substances during storage and use.

Properties of 12-crown-4

Preparation Methods

The preparation of 12-crown-4 mainly relies on organic synthesis techniques. One common method involves constructing its macrocyclic structure through cyclization reactions. The specific steps include selecting appropriate precursor compounds, converting them into intermediate compounds with a macrocyclic structure through a series of chemical reactions, and finally obtaining the target product 12-crown-4 through further modification and purification. It is essential to strictly control reaction conditions and reaction time during the preparation process to ensure the purity and quality of the product. Additionally, attention should be paid to the by-products and impurities that may be generated during the reaction, and corresponding measures should be taken for separation and removal.

Applications

Complexing agents and phase transfer agents: 12-crown-4 can form stable complexes with metal ions, making it suitable for use as a complexing agent. Additionally, due to its unique molecular structure, it can also serve as a phase transfer agent, facilitating chemical reactions between different phases.

Metal ion recognition: 12-crown-4 can be used as a recognition molecule in chemical sensors to detect the presence and concentration of specific metal ions. This recognition ability holds potential application value in environmental monitoring, biomedical, and other fields.

Coordination chemistry: In coordination chemistry, 12-crown-4 can act as a ligand, forming stable complexes with metal ions. These complexes have significant application value in the separation, extraction, and detection of metal ions.

References

[1] Elvidge B R, Arndt S, Zeimentz P M, et al. Cationic Rare-Earth Metal Trimethylsilylmethyl Complexes Supported by THF and 12-Crown-4 Ligands: Synthesis and Structural Characterization. Inorganic Chemistry, 2005, 44(19): 6777-6788.

[2] Rogers R D, Bond A H. Crown ether complexes of lead(II) nitrate. Crystal structures of the 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5, benzo-15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 complexes. Inorganica Chimica Acta, 1992, 192(2): 163-171.

[3] Takeda, Yasuyuki. The solvent extraction of alkali metal picrates by 12-crown-4. Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan, 1980, 53(8): 2393-2394.

[4] Ma?gorzata Jó?wiak. The effect of properties of water–organic solvent mixtures on the solvation enthalpy of 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5, 18-crown-6 and benzo-15-crown-5 ethers at 298.15 K. Thermochimica Acta, 2004, 417(1): 31-41.