Method for the production of p-alkylcalix¬4 arenes

摘要

The objective is a simple and economical preparation of p-alkylcalix[4]arenes of the general formula I where n is 4. The compounds are prepared from a pre-condensation product prepared from p-alkylphenol and formaldehyde, or from p-tert-alkylcalix[8]arenes or from a mixture of p-alkylphenol and paraformaldehyde, in each case in the presence of alkali metal hydroxides as catalyst, in a mixture of straight-chain hydrocarbons having a chain length of C11 to C20 at 217 to 257 DEG C. The p-alkylcalix[4]arenes are isolated directly from the reaction batch in well-crystallised form. The process is particularly suitable for the preparation of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (formula I, R = t-C4H9, n = 4) and p-tert-amylcalix[4]arene (formula I, R = t-C5H11, n = 4). The compounds prepared according to the invention can be used for metal ion extraction or for ion-sensitive electrodes, as stabilisers for polymer materials and as starting material for the synthesis of calix[4]arene derivatives.