Synthesis and self-inclusion of bipyridine-spaced cyclodextrin dimers

The synthesis and conformational behavior of two cyclodextrin dimers containing aromatic bipyridine spacers is presented. The proton NMR spectra of these dimers in aqueous solution show a doubling of signals in the aromatic region due to complete or partial self-inclusion of the spacer. The degree and the strength of self-inclusion is dependent on the substitution pattern of the bipyridine unit. This unexpected difference in the self-inclusion behavior is revealed by 2D NOESY and circular dichroism spectra.