Efficient syntheses are described for three new multidentate ligands containing 3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyridyl donor groups; N,N' -bis(3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N' -diacetic acid, N,N''-bis(3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)diethylenetriamine-N,N', N''-triacetic acid, and N,N',N''-tris(3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane.