Specific Binding and Precipitation of γ-Cyclodextrin with Monosaccharide in an Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Molecular recognition of carbohydrates is characterized by the confluence of many polar and nonpolar intermolecular forces. However, the understanding of the contribution of these forces in carbohydrate recognition is probably more intriguing due to their molecular complexity. Cyclodextrin(CD) has several hydroxy groups at both rims of the cavity. The early stages in CD chemistry presented a wide range of chemists with a very impressive concept, that of a host-guest complex which has been described as a ball in a bottomless pail. Actually, the ball or guest is not always deeply embedded in the pail cavity. Other interactions play sufficiently significant roles that they recognize the ball. The so-called “rims” of the pail must also be considered. The γ-CD is characterized by a large sized cavity and high solubility for water. We now report the direct evidence that γ-CD recognizes D-fucose using the “rims ” of the cavity.