A simple strategy for the synthesis of highly symmetric macrocycles incorporating carbohydrates is presented. The application of this strategy to the synthesis of optically active tetra-gluco-24-crown-8 (1), bis-gluco-15-crown-5 (3), and bis-gluco-21-crown-8 (5) is described. Preliminary studies showed that macrocycles 1, 3 and 5 complex ammonium salts. These macrocyclic compounds have been used as