DESolution of CD and CB Macrocycles

Supramolecular chemistry utilizing the macrocyclic hosts cyclodextrins (CDs) and cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) is traditionally performed in aqueous media; however, their solubility is typically poor, especially for the family of CB[n]s. Through derivatization of these macrocycles their solubility can be augmented to enable enhanced solubility in water and in some organic solvents. The increase in solubility of these derivatized macrocycles allows for their use in a wider range of chemical environments and giving rise to myriad potential applications. The dissolution of parent CDs (α-, β- and γ-) and CB[n]s (n=6–8) in deep eutectic solvents (DES) is reported, showing dramatic enhanced solubility of the larger species in both families, CB[7] and CB[8] as well as β- and γ-CD, respectively. Furthermore, the host–guest properties are maintained in this new solvation medium.