Herein we describe a method for combining supramolecular catalysis with imininum-based organocatalysis in the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction. Both supramolecular host and L-proline are required for the reaction to occur, implying that encapsulation of the substrates and co-catalyst are necessary for the reaction to occur. We explore the substrate scope for a variety of E-cinnamaldehydes and dienes. Finally, we probe the supramolecular assembly processes responsible for the observed catalysis using NMR spectroscopic methods.
![Graphical abstract: Combining iminium and supramolecular catalysis for the [4 + 2] cycloaddition of E-cinnamaldehydes](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/D2OB01171A.jpg)