1,8-Dimethyl-1,8-dihalo-1,8-digermacyclotetradecanes. The first germamacrocycles with anion transport capability

Abstract
It has been shown that 1,8-dichloro-1,8-dimethyl-1,8-digermacyclotetradecane transports chloride anion more effectively than bromide anion in a U-tube test. The dibromo analogue also can transport anions. The efficiency of transport of open chain analogues with a similar environment around germanium is inferior to that of cyclic systems which confirms the essential role of the ring structure for anion transport. The anion transport capability was examined for other germanium-containing 14-membered rings. A possible mechanism for anion transport is proposed.