Complexes of Carbohydrates with Metal Cations. XIX. The Effect of the Size of the Cation and of the Inter-oxygen Distances

Abstract

The variation of the strength of complex formation of small polyols with cations has been examined along the series of lanthanides. The strength depends on the ionic size of the cation and on the shape and flexibility of the complexing molecule. In many cases a maximum is found around the middle of the lanthanide series. Some compounds which do not form complexes with cations separate satisfactorily on cation-exchange resin columns. More frequent use of such columns is advocated.