Download full text in PDF Opens in a new window. Article suggestions will be shown in a dialog on return to ScienceDirect. ... Please enable JavaScript to use all the features on this page. ... The conversion of 2-lithio-1,3-xylyl crown ethers (2), obtained by reaction of the 2-bromo-1,3- xylyl crown ethers (1) with -butyllithium at −70 °C, with an electrophile is a generally applicable method for the synthesis of 1,3-xylyl crown ethers with intraannular acidic groups.