Compounds with large three-dimensional molecular structures containing ether chains linked by three-coordinate nitrogen atoms. Thus cryptands are macropolycyclic polyaza-polyethers. For example, the compound (2,2,2)-cryptand has three chains of the form -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH2-. These chains are linked at each end by a nitrogen atom. Cryptands, like the *crown ethers, can form coordination complexes with ions that can fit into the cavity formed …
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