Abstract A high-yield synthesis of o, o′ crown ether-bridged stilbenes 3b–e by reductive McMurry condensation of (2-formylphenyl) oligoethylene glycols 2b–e with facile (E/Z) diastereomer separation by selective cation complexation is described. Derivatization of the stilbene double bonds of (E)-or (Z)-3b–e affords dihydroxy crown ethers 4c, d and 5c, d diastereo-and enantioselectively. Likewise, trans-and cis-epoxides 11b–d and 12b–d are ...