Abstract A general strategy for the synthesis of oligobipyridine ligands 2–5 containing from two to five 2, 2′-bipyridine subunits, for helical metal complexes is described (sec Scheme). Both the unsubstituted parent strands (a series) as well as their derivatives bearing fester or amide functions in the 4, 4′-positions of the bipyridine moieties (b–d series) have been obtained.