Molecular Recognition in Organic Solvents by Cyclodextrin Dimers

Abstract

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a class of cyclic oligosaccharides consisting of several α-(1,4)-linked d-glucose units. They have a cavity of sub-nanometer size, into which a guest molecule of the appropriate size and shape can be selectively incorporated. The ability of CDs to form inclusion complexes with guest molecules has been widely used both academically and industrially. However, most of inclusion complex formation with CDs has been limited to aqueous media. Recently, the authors succeeded in developing CD derivatives that can effectively include guest molecules in oils and nonpolar organic solvents. This review describes molecular recognition in organic solvents by new CD dimers with different linkers and substituent groups, which were designed and synthesized based on the knowledge obtained so far.

graphical abstract