Improved procedures for the synthesis and purification of alkanoyl-and aroylbenzo crown ethers are reported. Several new alkanoyl-and a-hydroxyalkylbenzo crown ethers were prepared. Alkylbem crown ethers were prepared in high yield by the Raney nickel catalyzed hydrogen-transfer reductions of the corresponding acyl-or hydroxyalkylbenzo crown ether compounds. The reduction of the tosylhydrazones of acylbenzo crown ethers with sodium ...