'Cloverleaf' crown ether resorcin[4]arenes

Crown ether resorcin[4]arenes 1a, 1b, and 2b with a novel connectivity have been prepared from diquinoxaline cavitands in yields of 68%, 73%, and 25%, respectively. The reaction involves bridging the contiguous oxygen atom pairs with tri-, tetra- or pentaethylene glycol ditosylates.