A rapid and convenient synthesis of two small aza-cryptands containing a 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane backbone is reported. This strategy can be applied to the preparation of many other aza-cages by varying the nature of the cross linker. Moreover, the two remaining secondary amine sites may allow the functionalization of these ligands or their grafting on a polymer. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.