Synthesis and structural analysis of the polymetallated alkali calixarenes [M4(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-4H)(thf)x]2.n THF (M=Li, K; n=6 or 1; x=4 or 5) and [Li2(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-2H)(H2O)(mu-H2O)(thf)].3 THF.

To study the structures and reactivities of alkali metallated intermediates of calix[4]arenes, three compounds were isolated: [Li(4)(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-4H)(thf)(4)](2).6 THF (1), [Li(2)(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-2H)(H(2)O)(mu-H(2)O)(thf)].3 THF (2), and [K(4)(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-4H)(thf)(5)](2).THF (3). The structure of 1 is shown to be dependent on the coordinating solvent. Partial hydrolysis of 1 leads to the formation of 2. The potassium compound 3 features a different structure to that of 1, due to a higher coordination number as well as stronger cation-pi-bonding interactions.