The 1,7,13-triaza[18]annulenes 9a−c were prepared by multi-step processes in which the final step consisted of a threefold cyclic condensation reaction of the Schiff bases 8a−c. Due to the length of the nine peripheral alkoxy chains, discotic liquid crystalline phases were obtained for 9b,c. The three nitrogen atoms in the central 18-membered ring not only permit protonation, but they can also serve