Synthesis and characterization of pyrrolidin-2-one fused N-confused calix[4]phyrins

A facile method for the synthesis of pyrrolidin-2-one fused N-confused calix[4]phyrins is provided by reactions of 5,10,15,20-tetraaryl-2-aza-21-carbaporphyrin with acyl chlorides in the presence of triethylamine. The H-1 NMR and UV-vis spectra of products indicate their loss of macrocyclic aromaticity.