This review describes the synthesis, the properties, and the functions of some cyclodextrin derivatives. Cyclodextrins are cylindrical molecules and well known to form host-guest complexes, but they are not amphiphilic molecules. Specific modification of primary and secondary hydroxyl groups transforms cyclodextrins into some water soluble surfactants or lipophilic derivatives soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform. Certain lipophilic derivatives form well-defined monolayers at water-air interface and multilayers as Langmuir-Blodgett films on solid plates. Characteristic feature of these derivatives is to form specific host-guest complexes. Complexation occures in surfactant aggregates as well as in monolayer or multilayer membranes.