Poly (propyleneimine)(PPI) dendrimers functionalized with C 16 alkyl chains acted as efficient tertiary amine catalysts for an intramolecular Michael reaction. The substrate was accommodated in a reactive conformation within a sterically confined nanocavity consisting of regularly arranged tertiary amino groups of the PPI dendrimers.
[Clark, James H.; Cork, David G.; Gibbs, Hugh W. Journal of the Chemical Society, Perkin Transactions 1: Organic and Bio-Organic Chemistry (1972-1999), 1983 , p. 2253 - 2258]