Synthesis, separation and configurational analysis of phosphonated and
partially phosphonated cavitands derived from resorcinarenes are desc
ribed, The configuration of all diastereomers has been elucidated by t
heir H-1, P-31 NMR spectra and C-13 relaxation times. In all cases the
course of the bridging reaction favours the formation of the sterical
ly more crowded stereoisomers having the P=O groups oriented outward w
ith respect to the cavity.