Synthesis and Reductive Desulfurization of Crown Ethers Containing Thiophene Subunit

Crown ethers containing 3,4-thiophenediyl and 3,4-thiophenediylbis(methylene) subunits as a ring constituent were prepared starting from 2,5-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-3,4-thiophenediol and 2,5-dichloro-3,4-bis(chloromethyl)thiophene, respectively. A Raney nickel desulfurization of the thiophene-containing crown ethers afforded crown ethers having two adjacent side chains, such as a methyl or ethoxycarbonylmethyl group. The extraction ability of these crown ethers towards alkali metal cations was also examined by the solvent extraction method.