Synthesis of calix[4]arenes modified with germanium‐containing side chains on the upper rim

With the expectation to prepare a new type of heteroditopic host, a series of calix[4]arenes modified with germanium‐containing side chains at the upper rim was prepared. Compounds 1 and 2 bear two or four triethylgermyl moieties respectively, and compounds 3 and 4 bear two or four trimethylgermyl moieties respectively. For 1 and 2 , the hydroxy groups at the lower rim are either tosylated (series a) or kept free (series b). For reference, a carbon analog of 3 , compound 5 , was also prepared. Unfortunately, all calixarenes prepared failed to show any appreciable cation transport property, indicating that the structure designed, i.e. a calixarene with germanium‐containing side chains at the upper rim, cannot meet the requirement for an appropriate heteroditopic host. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.