Bis(crown ethers) derived from biphenyl: extraction and electrochemical properties

Abstract Ligands derived from 4,4′-dinitrobiphenyl containing azacrown cavities in the 2,2′ position have been used in extraction and transport experiments. Control experiments with a system containing only one complexing cavity have demonstrated that the capability of forming a sandwich-type complex in the aforementioned ligand not only increases extraction but also the transport across a liquid membrane. Extraction studies have also shown that the complex present in the membrane has a 1:1 stoichiometry with regard to both ligands. Electrochemical studies have also been carried out. The ligand containing two complexing cavities is capable of giving rise to a 2:1 complex under electrochemical conditions.