18-Crown-6

18-Crown-6 is a crown ether, a type of large cyclic polyether, with the formula [C₂H₄O]₆. Its name reflects its structure: an 18-membered ring containing 6 oxygen atoms. The remarkable property of 18-crown-6, discovered by chemist Charles Pedersen, is its ability to selectively bind with specific metal cations. The central cavity of the 18-crown-6 molecule is perfectly sized to encapsulate a potassium ion (K⁺), holding it tightly through ion-dipole interactions with the oxygen atoms. This ability to solubilize inorganic salts in nonpolar organic solvents makes it an invaluable tool in organic synthesis and phase-transfer catalysis, enabling reactions that would otherwise be impossible. Explore searchable catalogue of hundreds of molecules, including details on how models were generated. NotesIf you happen to break something, use superglue to fix it. It will make the broken part even stronger.I decided to go with the ball-and-stick type, as it is easiest to color, is rigid, and looks aw