Synthesis, structure, and conformation of ortho-linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes

ortho-Linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes (n=2, 3) were prepared by one-step cyclooligomerization of catechol and meta-dichlorinated nitrogen containing heterocycles or via a two-step reaction process. Solid state structure of the ortho-linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes (n=2, 3) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. 1,3-Alternate and 1,3,5-alternate conformations were found for ortho-linked oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrazine (1) and oxacalix[3]arene[3]pyrazine (2), respectively. However, a core conformation with C₃ symmetry was found for ortho-linked oxacalix[3]arene[3]pyrimidine (4), which is completely different from that of its isomer, compound 2.