Novel neutral water-soluble calix[4]arenes were synthesized via chloro
sulfonylation of lower rim functionalized calix[4]arenes followed by r
eaction with hydroxyl group containing amines. The solubility of these
calix[4]arene sulfonamides in water varies from similar to 10(-5) to
3.1 . 10(-1) M. A route via hydrophobically protected amines improves
the purification.