The binding abilities of two multidentate tripodal amine catechol ligands, cis,cis-1,3,5-tris[(2,3-dihydroxybenzylamino) ) and showed potential to form strong encapsulated tris(catechol) type complexes. The coordination modes, binding ability and selectivity of the ligands towards Ga(III) and In(III) have been discussed with the help of experimental evidences, and supported with molecular modeling calculations.