Calix-bis(benzocrown-6) 6 and 7 were converted into the water-soluble receptors 9, 10, 12 and 15 by introducing hydroxy, carboxy, sulfato or diethanolamino groups at the para position of the phenolic ring and/or on the benzo-ether moieties. The complexation properties of these ionophores were studied for all alkali cations in methanolic and aqueous media. Stability constants were calculated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. All ligands showed a more or less affinity for the larger cations, depending on the nature and the position of the substituents grafted on the benzo-ether chain only or both on the calixarene ring and the benzo-ether loop. For selective Cs þ /Na þ separation, the efficiency of the ligands was evaluated by means of a nanofiltration system. In comparison with the known tetrahydroxylated bis-crown-6 calix[4]arene 1, compounds 9, 12 and 15 represent the most selective ligands for the Cs þ cation in a moderate salted medium ([NaNO 3 ]¼85 g/L).