Experimental Crystal data

R factor = 0.034; wR factor = 0.096; data-to-parameter ratio = 13.4. In the title compound, C17H18O5, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 31.23 (16). In the crystal, the molecules are packed in an antiparallel fashion in layers along the a axis. In each layer, very weak C—H O hydrogen bonds occur between the methoxy and methyl ester groups. Weak C— H interactions between the 40- and 50-methoxy groups and neighbouring benzene rings [methoxy-C–ring centroid distances = 4.075 and 3.486 Å, respectively] connect the layers. Related literature For a related structure, see: Li et al. (2012). For the nature of hydrogen bonding, see Steiner (2002); For related biphenyl structures, see: Leowanawat et al. (2011); Wilson et al. (2008); Percec et al. (2004); Suzuki (1999). For details of the synthesis and amphiphilic supramolecular biphenyl dendrimers, see: Percec et al. (2006, 2007). For general background to self-assembling dendrons and dendrimers, see: Rosen et al. (2009); For the use of aromatic and aliphatic ester derivatives in the synthesis of dendrimers and dendrons, see Nummelin et al. (2000); Twibanire & Grindley (2012)