Synthesis of macrocyclic polyethers and polyether diesters and preparation of their cationic complexes

New macrocyclic polyethers, 2,3,5,6-bis-[5'(5')-chlorobenzo]-1,7,10-trioxacyclododeca-2,5-diene (I), 2,3,5,6-bis-[5'(5')-chlorobenzo]-1,7,10,13-tetra oxacyclo pentadeca-2,5-diene (II), and 2,3,5,6-bis-[5'(5')-chlorobenzo]-1,7,10,13,16-penta oxa cyclo octadeca-2,5-dien (III), and macrocylic lactones 2,3,5,6-bis-[5'(5')-chlorobenzo]-1,7,10,13-tetraoxacyclopentadeca-2,5-diene-8,15-dione (IV) and 2,3,5,6-bis[5'(5')-chlorobenzo]-1,7,10,13,16-pentaoxacyclooctadeca-2,5-diene-8,18-dione (V) were synthesized. Complexes of ligands III and V with metal cations were prepared. Furthermore, their metal-picrate extraction with some metal salts was attempted. Structures of the ligands and complexes were confirmed using spectroscopic techniques. (C) 2008 Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences