A template directed [2+2] Schiff base condensation of 2,6-diformyl pyridine and 1,3 diaminopropane afforded the 20 membered Ns macrocycle "VT". The X- ray structure of the barium templated VT has been determined (M.G.B. Drew, at the University of Reading). Complexes of first transition series ions, obtained by transmetallation, have been characterized using electronic, infrared and esr spectroscopy. Results indicate that VT provides a cavity suitable for single atom bridged binuclear assemblies. The Schiff-base strategy was further used to yield macrobicyclic cyclophanes from the [2+3] condensation of tris(amino ethyl) amine ie tren, with a series of aromatic dicarbonyls. X-ray structures and 'Hnmr. studies show that these macrobicycles have very different conformations in their complexed and uncomplexed forms.