Introduction to the Chirality of Resorcinarenes

Resorcinarenes constitute a very attractive class of macrocycles possessing a cavity capable of complexing small molecules. They can be simply transformed into chiral derivatives by functionalisation of their hydroxy groups as well as the “ortho” position at the resorcinol ring. The appropriate modifications lead to various chiral resorcinarene derivatives. The chirality of these compounds results from their structure (the axial chirality) or from the presence of chiral auxiliaries. Moreover, the synthesis of chiral resorcinarene derivatives from chiral substrates is also possible. In this short review, we wish to present the strategies and methodology of the synthesis of chiral resorcinarenes, treating this article as an introduction to the chirality of resorcinarenes. Keywords: Calixarene, Resorcinarene, Chirality, Symmetry