Crown ethers (macrocyclic polyethers) that contain a 1, 3-xylyl unit and bear intraannular functionality at the 2-position have been prepared in several laboratories. The intraannular groups include hydroxy1, l" hydroxymethyl?'methoxy,'" methoxymethyl,', 2 allyloxy, 5 carboxylic acid, 6p7 metho~ ycarbonyl, 6*~ amino, 8 nitro, 8 and sulfinic acidg substituents. Of particular interest has been the influence of such inward-facing groups upon metal ion ...