Cyclodextrins host-guest chemistry in analytical and environmental chemistry

Native and modified cyclodextrins (CDs) have been shown to dramatically affect the properties of guest molecules solubilized within the relatively hydrophobic interior. By monitoring changes in photophysical processes, researchers have been able to determine the stoichiometry and association constants of the resulting complexes. In addition, chemical modification of the CD structure as well as the selective binding of analytes within the CD cavity has lead to remarkable advances in analytical and environmental applications of CDs. In this review, we discuss a selection of fundamental studies performed in our laboratory, primarily using fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool to study the properties of CD host-guest complexes. In addition, this review includes recent studies conducted in other laboratories which are concerned with exploiting the unique properties of CDs and their inclusion complexes in order to study energy transfer through the use of photochemical antennas as well as the development of chemical and environmental sensors.