A calix [4]arene 10 has been substituted at the lower rim by reaction with propargyl bromide to give either the 1,3-bis(propargy1) derivative 20, which is formed regioselectively, or the tetrakis(0-propargyl)calix [4]arene 3 under different reaction conditions. The molecular structure of 2b has been characterized by X-ray analysis (monoclinic, space group P2,lc, Z = 4, a = 10.960(1), b = 24.302(3), c = 10.673(1) A, P = 112.99(8)", R = 0.05 16). The molecules of 20 in the crystal are arranged in a "head-to-head, tail-to-tail" manner with aphenyl substituent of one molecule partly enclosed in the bowlic cavity of another. Since the two OCH,CECH groups are accessible, 2b can be polymerized by heating to 250°C and the polymerized propargyl calix[4]arene derivatives are stable up to 460°C. Compound 3 exists as a mixture of conformers, the ratio of partial cone to 1,3-alternate conformations being 4: 1 or 2: 1, dependent on the preparative conditions. These propargyl calix[4]arene derivatives can be further derivatized to form silver(1) or gold (1)