The planar NNN-pincer complexes [MII(pyN Me2)(OH)]1− (MII = Ni, Cu) fix CO2 in η1-OCO2H complexes; results for the copper system are described. MnII, FeII, CoII, and ZnII behave differently, forming [MII(pyN2Me)2]2− with N4O2 coordination. Incorporation of the NiII pincer into binucleating macrocycle 2 containing a triamino MII locus connected by two 1,3-biphenylene groups affords proximal NiII and MII sites for investigation of the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of Ni-X-M bridge units. This ligand structure is taken as a reference for variations in MII atoms and binding sites and bridges X = OH− and CN− to produce additional members of the macrocyclic family with improved properties. Macrocycle 2 with a 22-membered ring is shown to bind MII = Mn, Fe, and Cu with hydroxo bridges. Introduction of the 4-BuiO group (macrocycle 3) improves the solubility of neutral complexes such as those with NiII-OH-CuII and NiII-CN-FeII bridges. The syntheses of macrocycle 5 with a 7-Me-[12]aneSN3 and macrocycle 6 with a 1,8-Me2-[14]aneN4 MII binding site are described to together with hydoxo-bridged Ni-Cu and cyano-bridged Ni-Fe complexes. This work was motivated by the presence of a Ni⋯(HO)-Fe bridge grouping in a reactive state of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. Attempted decrease in Ni-(OH)-M distances (3.70-3.87 Å) to smaller values observed in the enzyme by use of macrocycle 4 having 1,2-biphenylene connectors led to a mononuclear octahedral NiII complex. Bridge structural units are summarized and the structures of fourteen macrocyclic complexes including eight with bridges are described.