The relationship between the stereochemical properties (shape or molecular geometry in general sense) and electrochemical ones (typically number of separate redox proceses, their nature and potentials) is very fundamental, however, not easily answerable. The nitro substituted calix[4]arenes appeared to be suitable series of compounds enabling correlation of electrochemical data (redox potential, current, reversibility) with actual shape, conformation and dynamic behavior of the molecules dissolved in solution due to their well defined geometry and clear polarographic and voltammetric response.
Electrochemical methods can be therefore used as a straightforward alternative to e.g. temperature dependent NMR spectroscopy. The present contribution is focused on thiacalix[4]arenes, their similarities and distinctions from their methylene bridged analogues.