Stoichiometrically different inclusion complexes of 2-aminofluorene and 2-amino-9-hydroxyfluorene in β-cyclodextrin:: A spectrofluorimetric study

beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CDx) forms inclusion complexes with 2-aminofluorene (2AF) and 2-amino-9-hydroxyfluorene (2AHF) in different stoichiometries (Guest-host ratio 1:1 and 1:2 respectively) which is discussed on the basis of study by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The ground and the excited state acidity constants for the neutral-monocation equilibrium of the two fluorophores in aqueous beta-CDx medium are determined by spectrophotometric and fluorimetric titration methods respectively. The dual fluorescence observed for 2AHF monocation in aqueous solution is due to the formation of monocation-water exciplex. This monocation-water exciplex formation is hindered in beta-CDx solution by the inclusion complexation. Based on the results obtained, the structures of the inclusion complexes are proposed.