Nitration of Benzo Crown Ethers with Potassium Nitrate in Polyphosphoric Acid

A general method for the nitration of benzo crown ethers with potassium nitrate in polyphosphoric acid has been developed. Mono- and dinitro derivatives of benzo-12-crown-4, benzo-15-crown-5, dibenzo-18-crown-6, and dibenzo-24-crown-8 have been prepared. The role of complex formation in the regioselective tendency for the nitration of dibenzo-18-crown-6 has been demonstrated.