Synthesis of new chiral crown ethers containing a (p-methoxyphenoxy)methyl moiety and their chiral recognition ability towards amino acid esters

Novel crown ethers 9-13 containing a chiral subunit derived from 3-(p-methoxyphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol 7 were prepared in enantiomerically pure forms. Chiral recognition properties of these receptors towards L- and D-amino acid derivatives were examined by the UV-vis titration method. These receptors exhibit good chiral recognition towards the isomers (up to K-1/J(p) = 5.81, Delta Delta G(0) = 4.30 kJ mol(-1)) in CHCl3 at 25 degrees C. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.