Macrocyclic polyethers are well-known complexing agents for alkali-metal and alkaline earth-metal cations. The influence of alkali-metal cations upon the polycondensation rate of acyclic and cyclic dibenzo polyethers with formaldehyde in formic acid and alkali-metal cation sorption by some of the resultant resins have been investigated. For certain dibenzo polyether and alkali-metal cation combinations, polymer formation is markedly reduced. The alkali-metal cation that provides the best fit for the macrocyclic polyether cavity produces the greatest retardation of polymer formation. It is proposed that metal ion complexation renders the dibenzo polyether monomer inert to polymerization under the reaction conditions. No template effect for alkali-metal cation sorption by dibenzo polyether carboxylic acid resins was observed.