X-Ray crystallography proves that alkali cations can act as conformational templates for 1.5-bridged calix[8]arenes 1H(6), 3H(6), folding their skeleton in a 'tub-shaped' conformation composed of four 3/4-cone clefts. This templation occurs even for neutral 1H(6) to give a (1H(6)Cs)(+).Cl- complex, where Cs+ was found perfectly fitting inside the eight calix[8]arene oxygens cavity. Conventional 'electrostatic' coordination with O atoms occurs whereas cation-pi interactions can be excluded. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.