Novel fully lower-rim, carbonate-bridged calix[8]arene derivatives were successfully synthesized in high yield by the condensation of p-alkyl substituted calix[8]arenes with triphosgene. Different bases and catalysts were used for the preparation depending on the p-alkyl substituted groups of the calix[8]arenes. The conformational features of the derivatives were examined by H-1 NMR analysis. Thermosetting formulations were prepared from a mixture of bisphenol A polycarbonate with calix[8]arene carbonate derivatives using sodium benzoate as a catalyst. Their crosslinking behaviors were studied using differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis. No glass-transition temperatures were observed after annealing at 280-300 degreesC. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.