Synthesis and complexing properties of [2.n](2,6)pyridinocrownophanes

[2.n](2,6)Pyridinocrownophanes (3a-e) were efficiently prepared by intramolecular [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of vinylpyridine derivatives under irradiation using a 400-W high-pressure mercury lamp through a Pyrex filter. They were of cis-configuration with respect to the cyclobutane ring, which was proven by the specific methine proton NMR resonances at delta 3.98-4.08. From ESI-MS analysis 3a-e were found to form 1:1 complexes with Ag+ cation. In a liquid-liquid extraction, 3 showed the highest affinity toward Ag+ cation among several heavy metal nitrates. In this series, 3c possessing four ethereal oxygen atoms was found to show the highest Ag+ affinity, according to the liquid-liquid extraction and determination of stability constant with the cation. The photoreactivity of precursor vinylpyridines is discussed by the predictor gamma(r(c)) proposed by Caldwell.