The synthesis and characterization of the new tetra-azamacrocycle 1,4,7,10-tetraaza[12]-(2,6)anisolephane (L) are reported. The stepwise basicity constants were determined using potentiometric (0.15 mol dm - 3 NMe 4 Cl, 298+/-0.1 K) and NMR ( 1 H and 1 3 C) techniques. L behaves as a tetraprotic base: logK 1 =9.62; logK 2 =9.03; logK 3 =5.44; logK 4 =1.9. NMR experiments allowed the determination of the protonation sequence. The influence of the anisolic group inside the macrocyclic cavity upon the basicity behaviour is discussed. The equilibrium constants of the species formed by L with Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) are reported and discussed. The formation constants for the oxygenated species [CoLO 2 ] 2 + , [CoLHO 2 ] 3 + and [CoL(OH)O 2 ] + are: logK=7.6(1), 15.8(1) and -1.3(1), respectively.