Calixarenes 11. Crystal and molecular structure ofp-tert-butylcalix[8]arene

Monoclinic prisms were obtained by slow evaporation of a pyridine solution ofp-tert-butylcalix8]arene: space groupP2₁/c,a=20.312(3),b=23.020(2),c=20.006(6) ; =113.05(2)⁰;V=8707.6 ų;Z=4. Refinement led to anR value of 0.166 for 4231 reflections which, although high, is sufficient to establish the conformation of the molecule as a pleated loop in which the eight hydroxyl groups are arranged in a slightly undulating, almost planar, intramolecularly hydrogen bonded cyclic array. The possible inferences for the conformation ofp-tert-butylcalix8]arene in solution are discussed. Supplementary Data relating to this article are deposited with the British Library as Supplementary Publication No. SUP 82019.