15-Crown-5 is a chemical compound belonging to the class of crown ethers, which are widely used in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science. In everyday life, 15-Crown-5 may not have direct applications for the average person, but its unique properties make it invaluable in the research and development of new drugs, pesticides, and materials that ultimately impact our daily lives through improved healthcare, agriculture, and technology. Its ability to selectively bind with specific ions or molecules has led to significant advancements in various fields, making it a crucial component in many cutting-edge products and processes.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
15-Crown-5, a cyclic polyether compound, is commonly employed in commercial and industrial applications as a phase-transfer catalyst for the extraction of metal ions. Its ability to improve the solubility and separation of metal salts makes it useful in various chemical processes.
In drug and medication applications, 15-Crown-5 is utilized as a complexing agent for alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metal ions. Its ability to selectively bind to specific metal ions allows for the targeted delivery of drugs or imaging agents in biological systems. This property makes it a valuable tool in pharmaceutical research and development.
Moreover, 15-Crown-5 has found use in the manufacturing of ion-selective electrodes, which are vital in various analytical and diagnostic processes. Its ability to selectively bind certain ions enables the electrodes to detect and measure the concentration of specific ions in solution, making them essential tools in industries such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, and quality control.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
15-Crown-5 is a white crystalline solid that is odorless. It is sparingly soluble in water and has a crown ether odor.
With a molar mass of 222.30 g/mol and a density of 1.116 g/cm3, 15-Crown-5 is much lighter than common food items like sugar and salt, which have higher molar masses and densities.
15-Crown-5 has a melting point of 90-92°C and a boiling point of 267-269°C. In comparison, common food items such as butter and chocolate have lower melting points, while oils and fats have higher boiling points.
15-Crown-5 is soluble in water and has a low viscosity. In contrast, common food items like flour and cornstarch are less soluble in water and have higher viscosities.
🏭 Production & Procurement
15-Crown-5 is typically produced through the reaction of dibromoethylene with sodium tert-butoxide in tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent. This results in the formation of 15-Crown-5, which can be further purified through recrystallization techniques.
15-Crown-5 can be procured from various chemical suppliers or manufacturers, who offer it in various quantities based on the needs of the purchaser. The compound is typically transported in sealed containers, such as glass bottles or drums, to prevent contamination during transit.
When procuring 15-Crown-5, it is important to ensure that the compound is handled and stored properly to maintain its purity and stability. It is recommended to keep the compound away from moisture and heat sources to prevent degradation. Additionally, proper labeling and documentation should be provided to comply with regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous chemicals.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 15-Crown-5, a chemical compound commonly used as a phase transfer catalyst in organic synthesis, include its potential for skin and eye irritation. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, should be worn when handling this compound to prevent any contact with the skin or eyes. Additionally, 15-Crown-5 should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat or ignition to minimize the risk of fire or explosion.
Hazard statements for 15-Crown-5 include the potential for skin and eye irritation, as well as the possibility of causing respiratory irritation if inhaled. This chemical compound may also be harmful if swallowed, and can cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. Precautions should be taken to prevent any contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, and proper ventilation should be maintained when working with this compound to prevent inhaling vapors or aerosols.
Precautionary statements for 15-Crown-5 include the need to wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection when handling this compound to minimize the risk of skin and eye irritation. In case of skin contact, the affected area should be washed with soap and water, and contaminated clothing should be removed. If 15-Crown-5 is ingested or inhaled, medical attention should be sought immediately, and the individual should be taken to a well-ventilated area for fresh air. Proper storage and handling procedures should be followed to prevent accidental exposure or release of this chemical compound into the environment.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction of 15-Crown-5 involves exploring its ability to chelate metal ions in solution, leading to applications in catalysis and separations chemistry.
Another area of interest is studying the potential use of 15-Crown-5 as a template for the formation of supramolecular structures, which could have implications in the field of materials science and drug delivery systems.
Furthermore, research could focus on investigating the complexation properties of 15-Crown-5 with various cations, such as alkali and alkaline earth metals, to understand its selectivity and binding strength.
Additionally, studies could be undertaken to explore the modification of 15-Crown-5 to enhance its solubility, stability, and selectivity for specific metal ions, potentially leading to the development of novel ligands for metal-ion recognition.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 15-Crown-5 is 18-Crown-6, which shares a similar crown ether structure with 15-Crown-5 but contains six oxygen atoms in the crown ring instead of five. This larger crown ether is often used as a cation-complexing agent in various chemical reactions due to its ability to selectively bind certain metal ions.
Another related compound is 12-Crown-4, which features a smaller crown ring with four oxygen atoms. Despite its smaller size, 12-Crown-4 exhibits similar properties to 15-Crown-5 and can also be used as a chelating agent to selectively bind metal cations. This compound is commonly employed in various synthetic and analytical chemistry applications.
Additionally, 21-Crown-7 is another compound closely related to 15-Crown-5, featuring a larger crown ring with seven oxygen atoms. This compound is known for its ability to selectively bind potassium ions and is widely used in the field of ion recognition and transport. 21-Crown-7 has unique properties that distinguish it from other crown ethers and make it a valuable tool in various chemical processes.
