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18-Crown-6, off-white solid, easily deliquescent, low melting point, can be used as a metal ion complexing agent, organic reagents, pharmaceutical intermediates and phase transfer catalysts, etc

One of the main characteristics of crown ethers is their ability to form stable complexes with various metal salts, ammonium salts, organic cationic compounds, etc. By utilizing this property, various salts can be dissolved in organic solvents. Crown ethers can chelate cations within the ring, and due to the presence of organic genes facing outward, they can form complexes and also dissolve in non-polar organic solvents. At this point, the non-solvated anions exist in the solvent as exposed anions, resulting in great activity. 

Crown ethers can dissolve alkali metals and organic alkali metal compounds in organic solvents. Therefore, it has found widespread applications in organic synthesis, optical resolution, heavy metal chelation, separation, analysis, as well as physiological activity in medicine, biochemistry, and other fields. For example, as a phase transfer catalyst, many reactions that are difficult or even do not occur under traditional conditions can proceed smoothly. This type of reaction has a fast rate, simple conditions, convenient operation, and high yield. For example, the condensation reaction yield of benzoin in aqueous solution is extremely low. If 7% crown ether is added to the aqueous solution, a yield of 78% benzoin can be obtained. This reaction can also be carried out in benzene (or acetonitrile). Although potassium cyanide is insoluble in benzene, if 18-crown-6-ether is added, not only can the reaction occur, but the yield can reach up to 95%.