Two new C-2 symmetric bis-cellobiose and bis-glucose azacrown derivatives were prepared according to the one-step procedure using azacrown ethers and azidosaccharides. Their complexes with aspirin and paracetamol were studied with the use of proton NMR spectroscopy. It was found that these pseudo-cryptands bind aspirin and paracetamol but each one in a different manner. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.