CROWN ETHERS Meaning and
Definition
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Crown ethers are a class of chemical compounds that are characterized by their unique ring structure, made up of a central core with a series of ether oxygen atoms extending outward like a crown. These compounds are typically cyclic polyethers, meaning they consist of multiple repeating units of ethylene oxide linked together to form a ring.
The central core of crown ethers can be varied, but it often contains carbon atoms or other heteroatoms such as nitrogen or sulfur. The length of the ether oxygen chains can also vary, determining the size of the crown ether ring.
Crown ethers are known for their ability to complex with metal cations, specifically alkali and alkaline earth metals. The size and shape of the crown ether ring determine the selectivity and efficiency of these interactions. The formation of these complexes is driven by the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged metal cation and the negatively charged ether oxygen atoms.
Due to their ability to complex with metal ions, crown ethers have a wide range of applications. They are commonly used as phase transfer catalysts, which facilitate the transfer of ions or molecules from one solvent phase to another. Crown ethers can also be used as extractants in metal ion separation processes, as components in drug delivery systems, and as receptors in supramolecular chemistry.
Overall, crown ethers are versatile compounds with unique ring structures that allow them to interact selectively with metal cations, making them valuable tools in various scientific and industrial applications.
Common Misspellings for CROWN ETHERS
- xrown ethers
- vrown ethers
- frown ethers
- drown ethers
- ceown ethers
- cdown ethers
- cfown ethers
- ctown ethers
- c5own ethers
- c4own ethers
- criwn ethers
- crkwn ethers
- crlwn ethers
- crpwn ethers
- cr0wn ethers
- cr9wn ethers
- croqn ethers
- croan ethers
- crosn ethers
- croen ethers
Etymology of CROWN ETHERS
The term "crown ethers" originates from the structural resemblance of these compounds to a crown or a crown-like structure. The word "ether" refers to the functional group present in these compounds, which consists of an oxygen atom bonded to two organic groups. The name "crown ethers" was first used in the 1960s by the British chemists Charles Pedersen and Sir Derek Barton to describe a class of cyclic polyethers that possess a ring-like structure with repeating oxygen atoms resembling the valuable crowns worn by royalty. These cyclic polyethers were found to have unique properties, including the ability to selectively bind certain metal ions, leading to the name "crown ethers", which has been widely accepted ever since.
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