Synthesis, crystal structure and complexation with dibenzylammonium ion of a novel class of crownophanes containing bridged fragments of fluorenone and stilbene

Abstract Two representatives of a novel class of crownophanes containing fragments of fluorenone and stilbene bridged by units of diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol, respectively, have been synthesized. The crystal structure and complexation behavior of these crownophanes were studied. They form much stronger complexes with dibenzylammonium hexafluorophosphate (log K a value in CH 3 CN is equal to 3.92 ± 0.06 and 4.40 ± 0.05, respectively) than benzocrown ethers. This makes them an attractive alternative for benzocrown ethers as components in supramolecular synthesis.