The process of potassium metal dissolution in tetrahydrofuran containing 15-crown-5 and the properties of the solution were studied. The changes in concentration of potassium anions and electrons as a function of time were determined by means of 39K NMR and ESR spectroscopies. Enhanced stability of the solution with 15-crown-5 relative to that containing 18-crown-6 or 12-crown-4 was revealed.

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Cyclohexano-15-crown-5, cyclohexano-18-crown-6, dicyclohexano-15-crown-5, and dicyclohexano-18-crown-6, but not dicylohexano-16-crown-5, in THF dissolve potassium metal to form dark blue potassium alkalide solutions at ambient temperature. On standing, the potassium alkalide complexes decompose and the solutions turn colorless at differing rates. Identification of the products provides insight into the decomposition mechanism.

Dipotassium polyoxaalkane-a,w-diolates (1 -5) and ethylene were found to be formed in the decomposition reaction of solutions of 18-crown-6 in tetrahydrofuran containing dissolved potassium. A mechanism of that decomposition process due to the action of the potassium anion is proposed.

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