Improved synthesis of 1,5-dinaphtho[38]crown-10

We have devised a method of achieving the much-used macrocyclic polyether, 1,5-dinaphtho[38]crown-10, in three steps by a route that is more efficient and requires fewer purification procedures than those reported in the literature to date. The strategy can also be extended to the synthesis of asymmetric crown-10 ether derivatives with one 1,5-dinaphtho ring system.