Crown Ether Complexes and Methods for Poducing the Same

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This invention describes new types of crown ether complexes (and related cryptates) that can encapsulate metal cations, featuring orthoester motifs, and methods for preparing these complexes using simple, one-pot reactions. These dynamic macrocyclic compounds are stable in neutral and basic conditions but degrade (and thus release their contents) under mildly acidic conditions, such as those found in physiological environments. The invention also enables functionalizing these cages with labels for pharmaceutical and diagnostic purposes and addresses improved synthesis and stability over prior art.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Traceless delivery of metal ions (e.g., sodium, lithium) in biological and pharmaceutical applications, such as drug delivery systems
• Diagnostic imaging and detection, using labeled complexes as contrast agents or tracers
• Use as electrolytes in sodium or lithium-ion batteries to improve ionic conductivity
• Molecular sensing applications, where functionalized complexes detect or signal the presence of specific metal ions
• Research in supramolecular chemistry, systems chemistry, and the development of dynamic chemical systems
• Integration into polymer materials to create functional materials with responsive or sensing properties

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Simple, cost-effective, and high-yield one-pot synthesis from readily available starting materials
• Constitutional dynamism: complexes are stable in neutral/basic conditions but selectively degrade in mildly acidic (physiological) environments, enabling controlled cargo release
• Versatility in cation and anion selection allows adaptation to various end-use needs (e.g., choosing which ion to encapsulate and deliver)
• Functionalization with labels (radioactive, fluorescent, etc.) enables use in diagnostic and imaging technologies
• Improved stability in water and neutral conditions compared to classical orthoesters
• Potential for higher ionic conductivity in battery electrolytes, improving energy storage technologies

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a crown ether complex having the formula (IV): as well as corresponding crown ether complexes having the formulae (V-i) and (V-ii). Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods of preparing the compound having the formula (IV) and the crown ether complexes having the formulae (V-i) and (V-ii) as well as corresponding pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions.