A benzannulated crown ether that is capable of coordinating metal cations in it's central cavity and displays a particular affinity for potassium cations.1 Mainly used as a phase transfer catalyst2,3,4 and as a chelating agent for many cations5,6. Successfully used in the separation of traces of cesium, cadmium, zinc, lanthanum, barium and gold in solution.7,8
1. "18-Crown-6" in Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, 2004.
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3. Chin. Chem. Lett. 2006, 17, 265.
4. Macromolecules 2007, 40, 3355.
5. Talanta 2001, 54, 1049.
6. Sensor. Actuat. B-Chem. 2005, 107, 756.
7. Molecules 2009, 14, 5001.
8. Anal. Sci. 2001, 17, i725.