Two new ligand systems related to the previously described DOTTADs have been generated in a simple one step reaction. The first, trans-DOTTADs, were formed by Vilsmeier formylation (followed by cyclisation and N-demethylation) of 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyrazine-dicarboxylic acid, to give the novel bis-pyridinopyrazine dialdehyde ligands. The corresponding pyrazine diester, reacted similarly to an intermediate iminium ion stage, which gave trans-DOTTAD imines on work-up with amines. The treatment of Hantzsch ester with two equivalents of benzaldehyde gave 7-phenyl-2-(2-phenylethenyl)-7,8-dihydropyrano[4,3-b]pyridin-5-one-3-carboxylic acid. This product underwent similar cyclisation with Vilsmeier reagents to give, for example, 6-methyl-2-(2-phenylethenyl)-8-(phenylhydroxymethyl)-6H-[1,6]naphthyridin-5-one-3-carboxylic acid, an example of a semi-DOTTAD.