Chiral crown ethers incorporating monosaccharides, I. Synthesis and complex-forming properties of crown compounds having 4,6-O-benzylidene groups.

In a biphase system formed from tetrahydrofuran and concentrated potassium hydroxide solution, the 18-membered crown ethers containing glucopyranoside - and galactopyranoside units, respectively, and 24-crown-8 compound built up from glucopyranoside units have been synthezised. The association consta ns (K-a) of these compounds with Li, Na, K and ammonium cations in chlorofo rm were measured. The relations between the structure of compounds and thei r complex-forming properties were explained.