Synthesis and characterization of trans-di(nitrobenzo)- and di(aminobenzo)-18-crown-6 derivatives with high selectivity

The dibenzo-18-crown-6 derivatives such as di(nitrobenzo)-18-crown-6 and di(aminobenzo)-18-crown-6 were synthesized by nitration reaction and catalytic hydrogenation with high selectivity. The chemical structures were determined by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and UV. Regarding the mixture of Ac2O and HNO3 as nitrating agent, the reaction exhibited commendable trans-isomer selectivity. Effects of nitrating agent ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time on yield of trans-di(nitrobenzo)-18-crown-6 were investigated. The yield of trans-di(nitrobenzo)-18-crown-6 was 62.9% for nitrating agent ratio of 1/1, reaction temperature of 50 °C and reaction time of 5 h. Moreover, effect of reaction time on trans-di(aminobenzo)-18-crown-6 was also studied.