The interpretation of thermodynamic data for the complex formation of cations with crown ethers and cryptands. Part I: The reaction entropy

The complex formation between cations and crown ethers or cryptands is infl uenced by enthalpic and entropic contributions. The solvation of cations an d ligands plays an important role and influences both thermodynamic paramet ers. Changes in solvation and their influence upon the reaction entropy is discussed in detail for some selected reactions in different solvents. Othe r contributions e.g., from the deformation of the ligands are eliminated. T hus, the results obtained are valid for all complexation reactions between cations and macrocyclic and macrobicyclic ligands.