The synthesis and solidstate conformations of a number of N,N′-linked carbazoles and indoles has been investigated. Using xylyl-based linkers, the o, m and p-linked carbazoles and indoles 4–6, 8–10 and 12, 13 were prepared. Likewise, unsymmetrical derivatives were also prepared. Investigation using X-ray crystallography showed that the heterocycles adopted either stretched or folded conformations