An isomeric series of homologous crownophanes (ie, macrocycles possessing structural features of crown ethers and cyclophanes) has been prepared via a concise and modular synthetic route. Macrocyclization is achieved in reasonable yield during the course of an enaminone-triggered benzannulation with bis (aryl ethynyl ketone) reaction partners. The crownophanes examined were active alkali cation binding agents in the gas phase, but ...