Synthesis and complexation properties towards the ammonium cation of aza-coronand analogues containing sucrose

1′,2,3,3′,4,4′-Hexa-O-benzyl-sucrose was converted in good yields into the macrocyclic receptors containing two and three nitrogen atoms in the ring. Their complexation properties towards the ammonium cation were significantly higher than for receptors without any nitrogen atoms in the ring.