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Chemical structure of 12-Crown-4 | 294-93-9
CAS: 294-93-9
SKU: S1318
12-Crown-4 | SKU: S1318
Synonyms: 1,4,7,10-Tetraoxacyclododecane; Ethylene Oxide Cyclic Tetramer (EOCT)
Chemical structure of 12-Crown-4 | 294-93-9
12-Crown-4 (CAS 294-93-9), systematically 1,4,7,10-tetraoxacyclododecane, is a small cyclic polyether whose twelve-membered ring holds four oxygen atoms sized specifically to encircle the lithium cation. Sarchem Labs supplies it as a colorless liquid, with a COA and SDS on every order. Reached for in coordination chemistry, phase-transfer catalysis, and lithium-selective sensing.
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Specifications

Boiling Point70°C (existing Sarchem spec)
Melting Point16°C
Density1.089 g/mL at 25°C
ColorColorless
IUPAC Name1,4,7,10-Tetraoxacyclododecane
Formula Weight176.21 g/mol
Physical FormClear liquid, colorless
Chemical Name or Material12-Crown 4-Ether
UN Number2810
Molecular FormulaC8H16O4
SMILES StringC1COCCOCCOCCO1
Refractive Index1.463
CAS Number294-93-9
MDL NumberMFCD00005103
PubChem CID9269
FDA UNIIK6069P2C2A
InChIKeyXQQZRZQVBFHBHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Beilstein Registry Number1363064
RTECS NumberXF0550000

Applications

Lithium-selective ionophore for ion-selective electrodes/sensing
Coordination chemistry ligand (size-selective host-guest complexes)
Phase-transfer catalyst
Ring-opening polymerization catalytic promoter (e.g., polysiloxane synthesis)
Lithium-battery/electrochemistry research model ligand

Product Description

What is 12-Crown-4?

12-Crown-4 is a cyclic polyether (crown ether) whose twelve-membered, four-oxygen ring is sized to selectively bind the lithium ion — larger crown ethers bind sodium or potassium instead. This size-based selectivity is why chemists reach for this specific ring size whenever lithium needs to be isolated or detected on its own.

Uses of 12-Crown-4

Used as a ligand for coordination chemists studying alkali-metal complexation, in lithium-selective electrodes/sensors, and as a phase-transfer catalyst pulling lithium salts into organic media. Also a catalytic promoter in specialty polysiloxane polymerization, and a model compound in battery-chemistry research on Li+ transport.

Safety Information

  • Signal Word: Danger | GHS Pictograms: GHS06 (Fatal), GHS08 (Health Hazard)
  • Hazard Statements: H330 (Fatal if inhaled), H361 (Suspected reproductive toxicity), H315, H319
  • Transport: UN2810, DOT Class 6.1 | WGK: 3
  • PPE: Respiratory protection (mandatory), chemical-resistant gloves, tight-fitting goggles/face shield — fume hood required

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FAQs: 12-Crown-4

As a lithium-selective ionophore/ligand in coordination chemistry, phase-transfer catalysis, and lithium sensing/battery research.

Yes — "Danger," fatal if inhaled (H330), the most severe acute-toxicity category; requires fume hood and respiratory protection.

294-93-9 — 1,4,7,10-tetraoxacyclododecane, C8H16O4.

Its 12-membered, four-oxygen cavity closely matches Li+'s small ionic radius; larger cations like Na+/K+ don't fit as well.

176.21 g/mol; colorless liquid, mp 16°C, bp 70°C.