New trans-disubstituted macrocyclic ligands, 1,8-[N,N-bis(3-formyl-12- hydroxy-5-methyl)benzyl]-5,12-dioxo-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L 1), 1,8-[N,N-bis(3-formyl-12-hydroxy-5-bromo)benzyl]-5,12-dioxo-1,4, 8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L2), N,N-bis[1,8-dibenzoyl]-5,12- dioxo-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L3), N,N-bis[1,8-(2- nitrobenzoyl)]-5,12-dioxo-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L4), and N,N-bis[1,8-(4-nitrobenzoyl)]-5,12-dioxo-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L5) were synthesized. The ligands were characterized by elemental analysis, FT IR, 1H NMR and mass spectrometry studies. The crystal structure of L1 is also reported. The copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of these ligands were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, FT IR, UV-Vis and mass spectral studies. The cyclic voltammogram of the complexes of ligand L1-3 show one-electron quasi-reversible reduction wave in the region -0.65 to -1.13 V, whereas that of L4 and L5 show two quasi-reversible reduction peaks. Nickel(II) complexes show one electron quasi-reversible oxidation wave at a positive potential in the range +0.95 to +1.06 V. The ESR spectra of the mononuclear copper(II) complexes show four lines, characteristic of square-planar geometry with nuclear hyperfine spin 3/2. All copper(II) complexes show a normal room temperature magnetic moment value μeff 1.70-1.73 BM which is close to the spin only value of 1.73 BM. Kinetic studies on the oxidation of pyrocatechol to o-quinone using the copper(II) complexes as catalysts and hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenylphosphate using the copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes as catalysts were carried out. The ligands and their complexes were also screened for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and human pathogenic fungi. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.