Bis(1,3-dioxan-2-yl)arenes: precursors to linked porphyrins

The crystal structures of two linked-prophyrin precursors have been determined. In the crystalline state, 1,4-bis[2-(1,3-dioxan-2-yl)phenyl]butane, C24H30O4, (I), exists in a stair-like conformation with dioxane rings in chair conformations. The molecule is positioned on an inversion center. In the crystalline state, 1,2-bis(1,3-dioxan-2-yl)benzene, C14H18O4, (II), is arranged in zigzag chains. In each chain, molecules of (II) are tilted 106.2 (1) degree relative to each other. They are also oriented to form a weak C-H...O contact (H...O 2.43 A).