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