<p>Pyridine-2,6-carboxamides bearing α- or β-naphthyl- and α- or β-anthryl residues were prepared using simple method from pyridine-2,6-carboxylic acid dichloride and the respective aromatic amines. For the obtained receptors, selective binding of lead(II) and copper(II) was found. Ion–receptor interactions were studied using UV–vis spectroscopy, spectrofluorimetry, <sup>1</sup>H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The reversible lead(II) and copper(II) binding was discussed in regard of type of aromatic residue and amide bond localisation in aromatic ring, and binding model was proposed.</p
