Alkali metal reduction of crown ether encapsulated alkali metal cations.
Kyle G PearceSamuel E NealeMary F MahonClaire L McMullinMichael S HillPublished in: Chemical communications (Cambridge, England) (2024)
[{SiN Dipp }BeClM] 2 ({SiN Dipp } = {CH 2 SiMe 2 N(Dipp)} 2 ; M = Li, Na, K, Rb) are converted to ionic species by treatment with a crown ether. Whereas the lithium derivative reacts with Na or K to provide [{SiN Dipp }BeCl] - [M(12-cr-4) 2 ] + (M = Na, K), the resultant sodium species is resistant to reduction by potassium. These observations are rationalised by a hybrid experimental/theoretical analysis.