O-alkyl resorcarenes: where are we now?

This review describes the current position in the emerging field of direct synthesis of O-alkyl resorcarenes through the use of O-protected precursors. The use of this approach for the selective synthesis of the diastereoisomers of resorc[4]arenes, the synthesis of parent resorcarenes and pyrogalloranes and the preparation of chiral partially alkylated resorc[4]arenes are highlighted. The applications of such molecules, with regard to their role as ligand platforms, for binding of cations, organic electron acceptors and in chiral discrimination are discussed.