Self-assembly of 2,8,14,20-tetraisobutyl-5,11,17,23-tetrahydroxyresorc[4]arene

We report herein the observation of a hexameric structure of a hydroxyresorc[4]arene in the solid state, enclosing a large interior space. This artificial molecular container is stabilized only by hydrogen bonds. The tendency to form aggregates in solution is demonstrated mainly by means of ESI-MS methods.