Azo and azoxythiacrown ethers: synthesis and properties

A series of 16- and 18-membered azo- and azoxythiacrown ethers have been synthesized by reductive macrocyclization of the respective bis(nitrophenoxy)oxaalkanes. The aromatic residues located in the polyether region of the molecule were introduced to macrocyclic skeletons and their affinities toward different groups of metal cations in ion-selective electrodes were described. X-ray structures for one dinitropodand and one azoxybenzothiacrown exhibiting strong π–π and π–H interactions have been found.