A series of new lipophilic acyclic polyethers containing two carboxylic or hydroxamic acid groups have been prepared. From lipophilic acyclic polyether dicarboxylic acids 2, 9 and 13, the bis(crown ethers) 20-25 were synthesized. From lipophilic acyclic polyether dicarboxylic acids 10-12 and 14, the new macrocyclic diamides 26-32 were prepared in high yields without the use of high dilution techniques or template effects.