The novel title macrocycles, based on methylene-bridged 1,5-naphthalene units, have been obtained by template effect in a thermodynamically controlled synthesis. In detail, the prism[5]arene 1 or the prism[6]arene 3 was selectively removed from the equilibrium mixture by using the complementary ammonium-templating agent. When only the solvent 1,2-DCE was used, the 1,4-confused derivative 2 was obtained. The prism[5]arene here described shows a deep π-electron-rich aromatic cavity that exhibits a great affinity for the quaternary ammonium guests, originating from favorable cation···π and + NC–H···π interactions. This recognition motif is the basis of the templated synthesis of the prism[ n ]arenes here reported.

A novel catalytic feature of a hexameric resorcinarene capsule is highlighted. The self-assembled cage was exploited to promote the Friedel-Crafts benzylation of several arenes and heteroarenes with benzyl chloride under mild conditions. Calculations showed that there are catalytically relevant hydrogen-bonding interactions between the bridging water molecules of the capsule and benzyl chloride, which is fundamental for the activation of the C-Cl bond. The capsule controls the reaction outcome. Inside the inner cavity of the capsule, N-methylpyrrole is preferentially benzylated in the unusual β-position while mesitylene reacts faster than 1,3-dimethoxybenzene despite the greater π-nucleophilicity of the latter compound.

The absolute configuration of antiinflammatory marine sesterterpenes belonging to the manoalide and cacospongionolide structural type has been determined by comparison of the CD spectra of the natural compounds with those of analogues that have been stereoselectively synthesized. In the derived acetates the relative stereochemistry of the stereogenic centres in the pyranofuranone moiety is assigned from 1H‐NMR data and the absolute configuration from CD spectra. The absolute configuration of the naturally occurring marine sesterterpenes thorectolide monoacetate, manoalide monoacetate, petrosaspongiolide M and cavernosolide has been determined.

The hexameric resorcinarene capsule as an artificial enzyme to rule the regio and stereochemistry of a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.

The hexameric resorcinarene capsule reported by Atwood in 1997 is able to act as a supramolecular catalyst. Its inner cavity provides a unique environment, in which organic reactions can be efficiently catalyzed, thanks to the confinement effect of the substrates. In addition, different stereo‐ and regiochemical outcomes can be observed with respect to reactions in the bulk solvent. The hexameric capsule shows some catalytic features reminiscent of natural enzymes. In particular, highlights of the capsule discussed herein include 1) its ability to recognize the substrates (substrate selectivity), 2) the possibility of stabilizing the transition states and intermediates through secondary interactions, 3) an inherent Brønsted acidity, and 4) its ability to act as a hydrogen‐bond catalyst. In addition, it is also shown how the catalytic activity of the hexameric capsule can be modulated in the presence of competitive alkylammonium guests, which show high affinities for its internal cavity. These aspects are discussed through a critical examination of data reported in the literature in recent years.

The confined space inside self‐assembled capsules or cages provides a unique environment in which organic reactions can be efficiently catalyzed, thanks to the confinement effect of the substrates. In confined spaces the chemical reactions can show unusual mechanisms due to the conformational control of the substrates, steric constrictions, stabilization of species by secondary interactions, and solvent exclusion. Consequently, the classical rules of the organic reactivity are often broken. Thus, many examples reported to data in the literature confirm the paradigm stated by D. J. Cram in 1989: “These carceplexes represent a new state of matter whose interiors are new phase…”. The confined space inside the self‐assembled capsules or cages represents a new phase for the chemical reactivity where there is still so much to explore. In this review we highlight the best‐known cases of reactivity in confined spaces, focusing our attention on the driving forces that drive the encapsulated reactions toward uncommon outcomes. Literature examples that constitute the landmarks in the topic of supramolecular catalysis in confined spaces are also reviewed.

A novel catalytic feature of a hexameric resorcinarene capsule is highlighted. The self‐assembled cage was exploited to promote the Friedel–Crafts benzylation of several arenes and heteroarenes with benzyl chloride under mild conditions. Calculations showed that there are catalytically relevant hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the bridging water molecules of the capsule and benzyl chloride, which is fundamental for the activation of the C−Cl bond. The capsule controls the reaction outcome. Inside the inner cavity of the capsule, N‐methylpyrrole is preferentially benzylated in the unusual β‐position while mesitylene reacts faster than 1,3‐dimethoxybenzene despite the greater π‐nucleophilicity of the latter compound.

[8]Cycloparaphenylene derivative 1 has been synthesized and its recognition abilities toward pyridinium guests have been investigated and compared with the [8]CPP macrocycle. The results showed a fine-tuning of the binding properties of [8]CPP 1 toward pyridinium cations due to the presence of the 1,4-DMB ring. DFT calculations indicate that the close steric fitting between the rigid cavity of 1 and the pyridinium guest is the crucial factor for the stabilization of their supramolecular complex through C-H···π and N···π interactions.