Final answer:
18-crown-6, a crown ether with formula C12H24O6, is adept at solvating group 1 metal ions, especially the K+ ion, due to its symmetrical structure and oxygen atoms that form strong complexes with these ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
18-crown-6 is an organic compound with the formula C12H24O6, known for its ability to solubilize certain metal ions in aqueous solutions. Its structure allows it to encapsulate and solvate specifically group 1 metal ions, due to its size and the arrangement of electron-donating oxygen atoms. The cavity created by 18-crown-6 perfectly fits the dimensions of a K+ ion (potassium ion), which enables the formation of stable complexes in solution, providing a useful tool in various chemical applications including phase transfer catalysis and the study of potassium-mediated processes.