Title compounds, e.g. I (n = 1, 2), have been conveniently synthesized with good yields via bridging-coupling reactions from catechol, and via coupling-bridging reactions from guaiacol and salicylaldehyde, resp. The complexation properties of them with alkali and alkaline earth metal ions have been investigated by means of visible spectra in solns. The results show that compounds I have selective coloration property with LiClO4 and Ca(ClO4)2 in THF/H2O (95:5, vol./vol.). The mechanism of the coloration reaction is discussed in detail. It shows that the color products are intramol. complex salts as proved by the elemental anal., visible and IR spectra of the complexes prepared from I with Ca(ClO4)2.

Key words: ALKALINE EARTH METAL, REACTION MECHANISM, ALKALI METAL, CROWN ETHER COMPOUNDS, CHLOROFORM, TETRAHYDROFURAN, DMF, TRANSITION ELEMENT, COUPLING REACTION, AZO COMPOUNDS