Part 1 From resinous tar to molecular baskets: the resinous tar; glistening crystals - the Zinke products; more crystals - the Niederl products; cyclic tetramers - proofs of structure; the petrolite chapter; cyclic tetramers and the quest for enzyme mimics; unraveling the literature; nomenclature of the calixarenes. Part 2 Making the baskets - synthesis of calixarenes: procedures for one-step base-induced syntheses; procedures for one-step acid-catalyzed synthesis of calixarenes; procedures for one-step formation of calixarenes under neutral conditions; multi-step synthesis of calixarenes; mechanisms of calixarene-forming reactions; homocalixarenes, oxacalixarenes and homooxacalixarenes; heterocalixarenes. Part 3 Proving the baskets - the characterization and properties of calixarenes: x-ray crystallography - the ultimate proof of structure; proof of structure by chemical interconversion; physical properties of calixarenes; spectral properties of calixarenes; TLC and HPLC analysis of calixarenes. Part 4 Shaping the baskets - conformations of calixarenes: conformations of flexible calixarenes in the solid state; conformations of flexible calixarenes in solution; resorcinol-derived calixarenes; conformations of non-hydroxylic calixarenes; conformationally immobile calixarenes; the conformations of calixarene oxyanions. Part 5 Embroidering the baskets - reactions of calixarenes and introduction of functional groups: reactions at the "lower rim" of the calix; reactions at the "upper rim" of the calix; oxidation reactions of calixarenes. Part 6 Filling the baskets - complex formation with calixarenes: solid state complexes; solution state complexes in nonaqueous solvents; solution state complexes of water-soluble calixarenes. Part 7 Using the baskets - calixarenes in action: the patent literature of calixarenes; calixarenes in industry; calixarenes as complexers of neutral compounds; calixarenes as catalysts and biomimics; calixarenes as physiological compounds.
