Final answer:
15-crown-5 is a crown ether that allows the solvation of particularly sized metal ions such as potassium cations (K+), by forming a complex with them through ion-dipole interactions, aiding in their dissolution in non-polar organic solvents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecule 15-crown-5 is a cyclic compound that has the ability to complex with certain metal ions, particularly those that are similar in diameter to the inner ring of the crown ether. 15-crown-5 has five oxygen atoms with ethylene bridges between them, forming a 15-membered ring. This structure allows it to solubilize metal ions that fit within the cavity of the ether, typically potassium cations (K+) due to their optimal size match with the ether's internal dimensions. The interaction is predominantly driven by ion-dipole interactions between the potassium ion and the oxygen atoms in the ether.
Essentially, 15-crown-5 acts like a 'claw' that grabs around the metal ion, aiding its dissolution in solvents where it might normally be insoluble, such as in non-polar organic solvents. The formation of this complex can significantly alter the properties of the solvated ion, impacting reactivity and solubility, and is a useful tool in synthetic and analytical chemistry for facilitating reactions that involve metal ions.