The crystal structures of potassium [2.2]paracyclophane-4-sulfonate (1), [2.2]paracyclophane-4,15-disulfonic anhydride (2), [2.2]paracyclophane-4,15-disulfonimide (3), N-n-propyl-[2.2]paracyclophane-4,15-disulfonimide (4), N-isopropyl-[2.2]paracyclophane-4,15-disulfonimide (5), N-cyclopropyl-[2.2]paracyclophane-4,15-disulfonimide (6) and N-phenyl-[2.2]paracyclophane-4,15-disulfonimide (7) were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structural changes caused by sulfonation are discussed with respect to the parent [2.2]paracyclophane (tricyclo[8.2.2.24,7]hexadeca-4,6,10,12,13,15-hexaene). The main features are a change in the non-bonding distances between the para-phenylene rings and a rotation of these rings with respect to the molecular symmetry plane. The rings are rotated away from each other in the case of monosulfonation (1), but are rotated in the opposite way in the case of the disulfonic anhydride (2) or the disulfonimide compounds (3)–(7). The results are also discussed in terms of the parameters proposed by Keehn [(1983), Organic Chemistry, A Series of Monographs 45, edited by P. H. Keehn & S. M. Rosenfeld, Vol. 1, pp. 69–238. New York: Academic Press] showing that (bonded and non-bonded) angles involving the para-phenylene rings are mainly affected.