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.