A deep cavitand receptor 2 based on a resorcinarene scaffold and functionalized with a bis(pyridyl)dipyrrolidine tetradentate ligand has been obtained. Binding of divalent metal ions (M 2+ = Mn 2+ , Fe 2+ and Zn 2+) at the tetradentate ligand results in the formation of cavitand complexes 2•M(OTf) 2. The complexes exhibit selective binding of alkylammonium ions and amides within the cavitand. 2•M(OTf) 2 (M = Fe(II) and Mn(II)) catalyze selective hydroxylation of aliphatic C-H bonds and epoxidation of olefins with hydrogen peroxide, exhibiting selectivity patterns consistent with the implication of high valent metal-oxo species. Furthermore, 2•Fe(OTf) 2 reacts with IO 4 to form an oxoiron(IV) complex [2•Fe(O)] 2+ , without decomposition of the supramolecular container. This species is relatively stable at 0 °C, yet engages in fast oxygen atom transfer reactions.