Single-Step Synthesis of D3h-Symmetric Bicyclooxacalixarenes

Bicyclooxacalixarenes are obtained in up to 95% yield by condensation of phloroglucinol with electron-poor meta-dihalogenated benzenes or pyridines. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that these compounds adopt highly symmetrical, all-1,3-alternate cage-like structures. [structure: see text]