New macrocyclic polyethers with remote binding sites

The synthesis and binding properties of new macrocyclic polyethers are described. These systems incorporate 2,2′‐bipyridyl functions in such a fashion that binding of metal nuclei can occur at either the macro‐cycle or the bipyridyl function. Evidence is presented that binding of alkali metals occurs at the crown ether cavity while binding of transition metals occurs at the bipyridyl function. Simultaneous binding of two different metals is interpreted in terms of electronic and allosteric effects.