A procedure using HClO4 and PbO2 allows the straightforward oxidation of para-substituted and unsubstituted calix[n]arenes into the corresponding calix[n]quinones in approximately 82 % yield per quinone unit. These mild conditions constitute a good alternative to the classical procedure that involves highly toxic thallium(III) salts in trifluoroacetic acid.
Lavendomme, R., Troian-Gautier, L., Zahim, S., Reinaud, O., & Jabin, I. (2016). One Step Synthesis of Calix[n]quinones through the HClO4/PbO2-Mediated Oxidation of Calix[n]arenes. European Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2016(9), 1665-1668. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejoc.201600092 (Original work published 2016)