Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">ortho</Emphasis>-methyl groups in the benzene rings of the macrocyclic frame on the chemistry of phosphacavitands

Effect of ortho-methyl groups in the benzene rings of the macrocyclic matrix on the chemistry of cavitands with phosphorous amide bridges in the upper rim is studied. The presence of ortho-methyl groups is shown to prevent formation of phosphacavitands of C _4v symmetry and favor formation of macrocyclic systems of C _2v symmetry, enhance solubility of phosphacavitands in organic solvents, hinder oxidation of phospha(III)cavitands and decrease the yield of phospha(V)cavitands, prevent formation of binuclear molybdenum complexes of phosphorous amide cavitands, and favor formation of their tetranuclear analogs.