Decomposition of the crown ether ring in the reaction of K−, K+(15-crown-5)2 with oxetane

A cleavage of both oxacyclic rings occurs in the reaction of K−, K+(15-crown-5)2 with oxetane in tetrahydrofuran solution. Oxetane ring opening leads to the formation of organometallic compounds, which react with the crown molecule. Potassium methoxide, potassium n-propoxide as well as potassium tetra(ethylene glycoxide) vinyl ether are the main reaction products. It means that crown ether can act both as an activator and as a reagent under studied conditions.