Molecular recognition by modified cyclodextrins with flexibility

Abstract Several monosubstituted cyclodextrins having an aromatic moiety and a flexible arm were prepared. From NMR measurements, the structure of macrocyclic ring and the position of the phenyl moiety in the ring have been determined. The inclusion behaviour and molecular recognition ability of the hosts suggest that the optimal length of the arm, the size of hydrophobic moiety, and some weak interaction points, cause host molecules to be flexible and conformation reorganization, which makes it possible to engineer modified cyclodextrins for optimal function and selectivity.