A new type of calixarene: Octahydroxypyridine[4]arenes

A new type of calixarene has been synthesised. Like resorcinol and a number of resorcinol derivatives, 2,6-dihydroxypyridine has been proven to form c yclic tetramers in moderate yields with a number of aliphatic and two aroma tic aldehydes in acidic media. The problem of the formation of configuratio nal isomers can be reduced by increasing the reaction temperature and time. With electron-rich aromatic aldehydes, 2,6-dihydroxypyridine unexpectedly yields deep-coloured acyclic quinoid systems. The octahydroxypyridine[4]are nes may have a high potential as receptors for molecular recognition and se lf organisation.