Regioselective O-substitution of C-undecylresorcin[4]arene.

Selectively functionalized resorcinarenes were obtained by weak-base-promoted O-alkylation of C-undecylresorcin[4]arene 1. Tetrasubstituted derivatives with C(4)-1,3,5,7, C(2v)-1,2,5,6, C(s)-1,2,4,7, and C(i)-1,2,4,6 pattern were obtained in workable yields by using K(2)CO(3) as the base in acetone at reflux. The good regioselectivity with respect to the statistical distribution was explained in terms of preferential formation of H-bonded monoanions. Heptaaroylated resorcin[4]arenes were also easily obtained by reaction of 1 with aroyl chlorides in pyridine.