Chemistry in cavities

Abstract

Cyclodextrin as a host, in solution and solid state, can exert remarkable influence on the course of chemical reactions. Cyclodextrin complexation can bring about stereo, regio and optical selectivity on the product distribution. Such selectivities arise due to the restriction brought about by the host cyclodextrin on the rotational and translational movements of the guests or intermediates derived from them. Further, the complexation process is selective resulting in geometrical and conformational control on chemical reactions. Examples of photochemical reactions investigated in our laboratory discussed here highlight the emerging role of chemically inert cavities in selective organic transformations.