Alkali Metal Reduction of Crown Ether Encapsulated Alkali Metal Cations

Abstract

[{SiNDipp}BeClM]2 ({SiNDipp} = {CH2SiMe2N(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 [{SiNDipp}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.