In the presence of 18-crown-6, potassium permanganate dissolves inbenzene to give “purple benzene” a useful reagent for oxidizing alkenes in an aprotic environment. Use a drawing of the complex to show why dissolves in benzeneand why the reactivity of the permanganate ion is enhanced.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Crown ethers are macrocyclicpolyethers that form complexes with alkali and alkaline-earth metals. These are known for dissolving ionic substances in organic solvents. 18-crown-6 can particularly solubilize potassium salts in non-polar solvent such as benzene.

Step by step solution

01

Crown ethers

Crown ethers are macrocyclicpolyethers that form complexes with alkali and alkaline-earth metals. These are known for dissolving ionic substances in organic solvents. 18-crown-6 can particularly solubilize potassium salts in non-polar solvent such as benzene.

02

18-crown-6

18-crown-6 has the tendency to solubilize metal salts, especially "potassium salts." It happens in both dipolar and nonpolar aprotic solvents.

18-crown-6 makes potassium permanganate more soluble in benzene and it holds the potassium ion tightly which makes permanganate more available for the reaction.

This organic compound is not complexed with other solvent molecules.

Product formed by the reaction of 18-crown-6 with benzene

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free