Calix[4]pyrrole: Synthesis and anion-binding properties: An organic chemistry laboratory experiment

Simple calixpyrrole macrocycles, which provide an easy-to-synthesize example of an anion-binding agent, are presented. The method, which involves the purification of the crude product by following the utilization of thin-layer chromatography and recrystallization, helps reinforce the utilization of such commonplace organic chemistry techniques with respect to a useful synthesis while remaining within the time constraints of a typical organic laboratory.