The ion and molecular recognition properties of 1, 3-diconjugates of calix[4]arene were studied. These recognitions were carried out in different solvent systems by using various spectroscopy techniques, and in some cases the species of recognition have been demonstrated by single crystal X-ray structure determination and/or by computational modeling studies. An aspect that requires further attention is the aqueous solubility of calix[4]arene conjugates. It is possible to build more binding sites on the calix[4]arene platform by introducing various donor groups in the vicinity of the lower rim phenolic group of calix[4]arene to provide higher coordination for lanthanides and other demanding ions. All of these receptors primarily possesses O- and N-binding centers, but are mostly deprived of carboxylato- and/or thiolato-moieties that may be required to mimic the selective recognition of metal ions by the corresponding apo-proteins.