CROWN ETHER Meaning and
Definition
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Crown ether is a term used in chemistry to describe a class of cyclic polyethers that contain a characteristic crown-shaped structure formed by repeating units of oxygen atoms. These compounds are widely known for their ability to bind metal ions and, therefore, are often used as complexing agents or ligands in various chemical processes.
The typical crown ether structure consists of a ring of 5 to 8 oxygen atoms arranged in a cyclic fashion and connected by methylene (-CH2-) or ethylene (-CH2-CH2-) bridges. This arrangement creates a central cavity or "crown" that is capable of encapsulating metal cations, allowing the formation of stable coordination complexes. The size of the crown is essential, as it determines the size of the metal ion it can accommodate.
Crown ethers exhibit exceptional selectivity and efficiency in metal ion binding due to the presence of oxygen atoms, which act as Lewis bases by donating a lone pair of electrons to coordinate with metal cations. The resulting complexation can greatly influence the properties and reactivity of the metal ion, making crown ethers valuable in processes such as ion selective extraction, transport, or separation.
Furthermore, crown ethers have applications in diverse areas, including analytical chemistry, catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and materials science. Their unique properties, such as their ability to encapsulate guest molecules or provide controlled environments for chemical reactions, have made crown ethers significant components in the construction of molecular machines, sensors, and drug delivery systems.
In summary, crown ethers are cyclic polyethers with a crown-like structure, known for their ability to selectively bind metal cations. Their metal coordination properties make them essential in various applications, from chemical processes to advanced materials.
Common Misspellings for CROWN ETHER
- xrown ether
- vrown ether
- frown ether
- drown ether
- ceown ether
- cdown ether
- cfown ether
- ctown ether
- c5own ether
- c4own ether
- criwn ether
- crkwn ether
- crlwn ether
- crpwn ether
- cr0wn ether
- cr9wn ether
- croqn ether
- croan ether
- crosn ether
- croen ether
Etymology of CROWN ETHER
The word "crown ether" is derived from the combination of "crown" and "ether".
"Crown" refers to the shape and structure of the molecule, which resembles a crown or a ring with multiple points or prongs. The term "crown" was first used by the British chemist Charles Pedersen, who discovered crown ethers in the early 1960s.
"Ether" refers to the class of organic compounds that possess an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. The name "ether" itself comes from the ancient Greek word "aither", which means the upper atmosphere or "pure, fresh air".
So, when these two terms are combined, "crown ether" signifies a specific type of ether molecule with a crown-like structure. Crown ethers are cyclic compounds that contain multiple oxygen atoms in a ring, with the oxygen atoms acting as binding sites for metal ions.
