Synthesis of Schiff Base Calix[4]arene Crowns

This letter reports the synthesis of Schiff base calix[4]arene crowns containing m-xylylene phenol subunit, in which calix[4]arene Schiff base crowns 2a, 2b and 2c were formed by 1:1 condensation of calix[4]arene diamine 1 with dialdehydes (2, 6-diformyl-4-chlorophenol 3a, 2, 6-diformyl-4-methylphenol 3b, 2, 6-diformyl-4-tert-butylphenol 3c) under high dilute condition in refluxing anhydrous ethanol in 65-70% yield.