A reaction of a distal dibromo diketocalix[4]arene with excess MeLi, followed by acid-catalyzed dehydration, yields a derivative with a pair of opposite exocyclic double bonds, and a pair of trans methyl groups at the bridges. A reaction of a tetrabromo calix[4]arene derivative with excess MeLi yields a calix[4]arene derivative with all methylene bridges monomethylated in all- cis fashion.