New types of lower rim proximally bridged thiacalix[4]arenes have been prepared by direct aminolysis of starting tetraacetate derivative in the cone conformation using aliphatic alpha,omega-diamines. X-ray crystallography revealed the highly preorganized array of -C(O) NH-bonds resulting in strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding between amide groups of both bridges. The length of the corresponding diamine was found to have an essential influence on the yield of these bridged molecules. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.