Catalytic hydrogenation of norbornadiene by a rhodium complex in a self-folding cavitand

The inclusion of [Rh(nbd)₂]BF₄ (nbd=norbornadiene) in a deep-cavity cavitand produces a catalytically active species that promotes the hydrogenation of norbornadiene to norbornene (see picture). The structure of the cavitand acts as a second-sphere ligand and modifies the stability, selectivity, and reactivity observed for the free organometallic complex in solution.