1.12 – Cyclodextrin

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligomers of d-(+)-glucopyranose units linked through α-1,4-glycoside bonding. CDs are produced from starch, not from fossil resources, and are practically nontoxic. CDs recognize hydrophobic guest compounds, of which shape and size match the cavity, to form inclusion complexes in aqueous media. CDs have thus been widely used in industry and academia as functional compounds with molecular recognition ability. This entry overviews CDs; the historical background, basic characteristics and inclusion behavior, industrial applications, and cutting-edge applications.