Selective O-alkylations with glycol chlorohydrins via the Mitsunobu reaction. A versatile route to calix[4]- and 1,1′-binaphthocrowns

Selective monoalkylation of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene and BINOL with oligoethylene glycol chlorohydrins was achieved under the Mitsunobu protocol using DEAD/TPP. The method provides a simple access to ether precursors capable of cyclising to various crowns.