Synthesis and solid-state structures of new cyclophane host molecules

Five new cyclophane host molecules (corrals) are prepared by linking together two α,α′-di(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-diisopropylbenzene or α,α′-di(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-diisopropylbenzene units with two permethylene spacers. Three small cyclophane hosts (boxes) are synthesized by cyclization of α,α′-di(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-diisopropylbenzene with di(bromomethyl)benzene compounds. Solid-state structures of one corral and one box are reported.