General Reactivity of Cyclodextrins

This difference of reactivity has been used to direct the perfunctionaHzation of each position, or the monofunctionalization if a default of reagent is employed. But this cannot direct the multifunctionalization toward a particular pattern. 

Another way to perfunctionalize cyclodextrins is to use the difference of reactivity of each position toward deprotection. Perbenzylated a-cyclodextrin 10a is obtained quantitatively using benzyl chloride and sodium hydride in anhydrous DMSO [18]. 

It is hence possible to access cyclodextrins selectively perfunctionahzed in good yields withoutlong purification processes. Potential appHcations of these derivatives include stationary phase for chiral separations, model for the design of artificial enzymes, and building blocks for supramolecular architectures [4, 21]. 

Monofunctionalization of cyclodextrins has been for a long time the almost exclusive reaction used to functionalize those molecules in a practical manner. It mostly relies on the use of a reagent in default. A few examples have been developed in which a sterically hindered intermediate is formed, preventing the approach of a second molecule of reagent. 

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