A number of supramolecular catalysts based on metal complexes of calix[4]arenes andcyclodextrins have been designed. The modified
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-cyclodextrins or calix[4]arenes possessing ahydrophobic host cavity were found to be very efficient as mass-transfer promoters for thebiphasic
Wacker oxidation of higher olefines in water or ionic liquids. Palladium complexes withsuch ligands showed high substrate selectivity and chemiselectivity to methyl ketones. Theresorcinarene iron complexes were active in the hydroxylation of phenol with a high selectivityto catechol and hydroquinone.