CHIRAL CROWN-ETHERS INCORPORATING D-GLUCOSE

A novel class of crown ether derivatives incorporating D-glucose and p oly(ethylene glycol) units has been synthesized from allyl alpha-D-glu copyranoside by a simple and efficient strategy. The complexing proper ties of these compounds with alkali metal cations and ammonium ion hav e been evaluated by Cram's picrate method. Catalytic activity of macro cycle 2 in asymmetric Michael addition reaction was also studied. The average cavity size of these macrocycles was determined by the applica tion of the MMX programme.