Three novel macrobicyclic cryptands I (n = 1-3) were synthesized by the reaction of diaza-15-crown-5, diaza-18-crown-6, and diaza-21-crown-7 with 4-chloro-2,6-bis(3-chlorocarbonyl-2-oxapropyl)anisole prepared from 4-chloro-2,6-bis(3-carboxyl-2-oxapropyl)anisole, which was obtained via the condensation of 4-chloro-2,6-dihydroxymethylanisole with Na chloroacetate. The complexation of I for alkali metal cations were studied by 1H NMR. The influence of central group and bottom ring size in the mols. I on IR, 1H NMR and complexation behavior is also discussed.

Key words: INFRARED SPECTROPHOTOMETRY, PROTON MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROMETRY, CRYPTAND, ANISOLE P, CROWN ETHER