Four different 4-functionalised pyridine-based ligands were synthesized with aminomethyl, oxazolinyl, pyrazolyl and methylimidazolyl groups at the 2- and 6-position. The nitrogens of these groups together with the pyridine nitrogen can act as terdendate ligands for metal ions. Synthetic handles on the 4-position of the pyridine :group were introduced via ether or ester bonds leading to monofunctional, bifunctional and amphiphilic ligands. (C) 2003 Published by Fisevier Science Ltd.