Preparation and first characterization of a layered gamma-zirconium phosphate derivative containing benzo 15-crown-5 groups covalently attached to inorganic layers

A layered derivative of gamma-zirconium phosphate containing benzo-15-crown-5 groups covalently attached to inorganic layers has been prepared by replacement of the interlayer dihydrogen phosphate groups of the above layered compound, partially in F- form, by a topotactic reaction in water-acetone solution at 80 degrees C with 4-dihydroxyphosphorylbenzo-15-crown-5. According to the degree of the topotactic replacement, two different phases with interlayer distances 15.7 - 16.7 Angstrom and 26.3 - 27.1 Angstrom, and approximate percentages of replacement 5% - 22% and 45% - 69%, respectively, were obtained, A computer structural model of the phase with the ideal topotactic replacement of 50% was derived. Although it is too early to predict any practical uses of this derivative, the demonstration that crown ethers can be covalently attached to the inorganic layers of gamma-zirconium phosphate opens new prospects in the heterogenization of crown ethers in the surface and interlayer regions of layered solids.