Synthesis of a conformationally restricted polyoxygenated crownophane

A new polyoxygenated crownophane has been synthesized from syringaldehyde and diethyleneglycol by means of McMurry pinacol reaction, whereas ring closing metathesis with Grubbs’ catalyst failed in producing the macrocyclization to the corresponding stilbenophane. The NMR data of the crownophane show a restricted conformational space accessible to the phenyl rings.