Synthesis of Methylene-Bridged Resorcin[4]arene Dimers

AbstractMethylene-bridged resorcin[4]arene dimers were synthesized by the Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed hydroxymethylation of partially acetylated resorcin[4]arenes, and their preliminary complexation properties with tetraethylammonium ion were examined in CD3OD by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The dimers adopted a closed capsular conformation in this solvent and bound the guest molecule into their cavity.