Abstract We present the rational design and anion-binding properties of the first anion- templated pseudorotaxanes and catenanes in which the “wheel” component is provided by a calix [4] arene macrobicyclic unit. The designs and syntheses of two new calix [4] arene macrobicycles, 2 and 3, are presented, and the abilities of these new species both to bind anions and to undergo anion-dependent pseudorotaxane formation are demonstrated. ...