The supramolecular self-assembly in aqueous solution of N-alkyl-N'-methyl-4,4'-bipyridinium ([CmMV](2+)) (m = 4, 5, 7, 12), 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (HB), and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene (HN) with cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) was investigated with H-1 NMR, NOESY, ESI-MS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. It has been reported that these three compounds ([CmMV](2+) (m = 12), HN and CB[8]) can form 1:1:1 inclusion complex with the C12 alkyl chain of [C12MV](2+) being present outside the cavity. Here we report that [CmMV](2+) (m >= 5) HB, and CB[8] can form a new supramolecular self-assembly binding mode with the alkyl chain being present inside the cavity. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.