Methoxy-prism[5]arene PrS[5] Me is demethylated by a supramolecularly assisted reaction. In the presence of a tetramethylammonium cation, PrS[5] Me is demethylated by BBr 3 in high yield, while in its absence a 55/40 mixture of PrS[5] OH / PrS[6] OH is formed. The dealkylation of prismarenes, such as PrS[6] R (R = Et, n Pr) and c- PrS[5] Me , can be easily obtained in high yields in the presence of BBr 3 .

Water-soluble tetrasulfonate resorcin[4]arene ( 1a and 1c ) and pyrogallol[4]arene ( 1b ) macrocycles were synthesized and investigated for their dispersing properties in cement-based mortars. Mortar tests clearly show that these polyhydroxylated macrocycles (nonpolymeric) work as cement dispersants. Setting time determinations indicate that the macrocycles 1a and 1b show a retarding effect that is reminiscent of the behavior of superplasticizers (SPs) functionalized with polyhydroxylated β-CDs. Finally, the addition of sulfate anions to the cement paste does not affect the dispersing abilities of 1b , probably due to the sulfate anion capture by H-bonding interactions with its OH groups at the upper rim.