Lithium cryptates, solvation

In the complexation reaction cryptand must compete with solvent molecules for the cations in solution. Thus solvents such as methanol with low dielectric constant and solvating power offer a preferrable reaction environment but we have achieved quantitative yields in water. The main problem encountered in syntheses of cryptates has been the presence of other cations such as Na and KT competing for the cryptand. Care is taken to minimize the concentration of competing cations of size similar to the cation intended for complexation by using lithium salts for buffering solutions.-... 

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