Tetranitroresorcin[4]arene: synthesis and structure of a new stereoisomer

The direct reaction between 2-nitroresorcinol and acetaldehyde in alkaline medium yields tetranitro-C1-resorcin[4]arene in a moderate 8.2% overall yield which was characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography, 1H NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). In solution and in the solid state, the product adopts a unique, thermally stable and unprecedented rcct-boat conformation.