Selective monohydrolysis of a calix[4]arene tetraethyl ester with trifluoroacetic acid and its inhibition by Na⁺ion: evidence for hydronium ion complexation

Abstract

Calix[4]arene tetraethyl ester (1a) is hydrolysed by trifluoroacetic acid with the loss of one, and only one, ester group to form a monoacid triester; the process, which is inhibited by Na+ ion, is believed to involve specific hydronium ion complexation within the calixarene receptor.