New bifunctional compounds obtained by selective hydrolysis of tetrathiacalix[4]arene tetraethyl esters with Cs2CO3

A new strategy for the synthesis of bifunctional compounds, based on 1,3-alternate tetrathiacalix[4]arene precursors functionalized by pairs of carboxylic acid and ester groups located on opposite sides of the macrocycle platform is described. These building blocks were prepared by the Cs2CO3 induced selective hydrolysis of tetrathiacalix[4]arene tetraester derivatives. A mechanism for the selective hydrolysis is suggested. The structures of the compounds are elucidated by NMR spectroscopic analysis and X-ray single crystal diffraction.