Crystal and molecular structure of calix[4]arene originating from pyrogallol

First example of X-ray diffraction analysis of the crystal structure of cal ix[4]pyrogallolarene is reported. The compound was prepared by acid-catalyz ed condensation of pyrogallol with propionaldehyde in a water-alcohol mediu m, and it gave rise to a system of "host-guest" type. Calixarene molecules in a cone conformation are packed in molecular layers; therewith each "host " molecule contains an ethanol molecule in the cavity. Hydroxy groups, etha nol and water molecules form a hydrophilic layer between two layers; as a r esult arises an endless bilayer structure.