Synthesis and alkali metal binding properties of novel N-adamantylaza-crown ethers

New N-adamantylaza-crown ethers 1-8 have been synthesized and their respective alkali metal picrate extraction profiles have been obtained. These results are compared with the results obtained for the parent aza-18-crown-6 and N-benzylaza-18-crown-6. Among the crown hosts studied, 2, and 6, proved to be the best alkali metal picrate extractants and displayed significant levels of complexation with K+ and Rb+. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.