-Novel redox-switchable host molecules (2) composed of a 9,10-bis(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene unit and a crown ether moiety bridging the 1,8-positions have been synthesized. Cyclic voltammetry and X-Ray analyses revealed that the molecules undergo a significant structural change upon oxidation.1 H-NMR titration experiments on the neutral and dication states show that the binding abilities of the dication states for alkali metal cations (Li + , Na + , K + ) are considerably lower than those of the neutral molecules.The binding properties of 2 were also investigated by cyclic voltammetry.