Chemical Clockwise Tridifferentiation of α- and β-Cyclodextrins: Bascule-Bridge or Deoxy-Sugars Strategies

New methods of modification of α-cyclodextrin

While being some of the oldest supramolecular hosts, cyclodextrins remain very popular as molecular binders in materials, devices, artificial enzymes and more. The popularity is undoubtedly connected to the ready availability, carbohydrate biomass origin, biodegradability and water solubility of the cyclodextrins. Many of these applications require synthetic modification of the cyclodextrin - at the simplest the attachment of a linker - but also often attachment of several functional groups, lids, bridges etc. Here we review state of the art methods of modifying α-cyclodextrin, which include direct modications of unprotected α-cyclodextrin and protection/deprotection method to partially modified cyclodextrins.

A study of the DIBAL-promoted selective debenzylation of α-cyclodextrin protected with two different benzyl groups

An α-cyclodextrin protected with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl groups on the primary alcohols and ordinary benzyl groups on the secondary alcohols was prepared and subjected to DIBAL (diisobutylaluminum hydride)-promoted selective debenzylation. Debenzylation proceeded by first removing two dichlorobenzyl groups from the 6A,D positions and then removing one or two benzyl groups from the 3A,D positions.

Programmed Synthesis of Hepta-Differentiated β-Cyclodextrin: 1 out of 117655 Arrangements

Cyclodextrin poly-functionalization has fueled progress in their use in multiple applications such as enzyme mimicry, but also in the polymer sciences, luminescence, as sensors or for biomedical applications. However, regioselective access to a given pattern of functions on β-cyclodextrin is still very limited. We uncover a new orienting group, the thioacetate, that expands the toolbox available for cyclodextrin poly-hetero-functionalization using diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H) promoted debenzylation. The usefulness of this group is illustrated in the first synthesis of a precisely hepta-hetero-functionalized β-cyclodextrin. By way of comparison, a random hepta-functionalization would give 117655 different molecules. This synthesis is not simply the vain quest for the Holy Grail of CD hetero-functionalization, but it illustrates the versatility of the DIBAL-H oriented hetero-functionalization strategy, opening the way to a multitude of useful functionalization patterns for new practical applications.

Qualitative evaluation of regioselectivity in the formation of di- and tri-6-O-tritylates of α-cyclodextrin

The quantitative analysis of reaction products showed that the reaction of 6^A,6^D-di-O-trityl-α-cyclodextrin (CD), AD-isomer, with trityl chloride in pyridine at 55 °C gave 6^A,6^B,6^E-tri-O-trityl-α-CD, the amount of which was only 25% of that of simultaneously formed 6^A,6^B,6^D-tri-O-trityl-α-CD. This indicates that the bulky trityl groups of glucopyranose-A and -D (Glu-A and -D, respectively) in the AD-isomer mainly retard the additional tritylation of the C(6)-OH of the adjacent glucopyranoses in a counter-clockwise direction (Glu-F and -C, respectively). ¹H NMR spectra of the AD-isomer showed that the O(6)-H and C(6)-H signals of Glu-C and -F are shifted upfield due to the ring current of the trityl groups. Thus, it is concluded that the bulky trityl groups on Glu-A and Glu-D are oriented to Glu-F and Glu-C, respectively, and sterically retard additional tritylation on Glu-F and Glu-C. Similar steric hindrance was also observed in the additional tritylations of mono-6-O-trityl-α-CD, 6^A,6^B-di- and 6^A,6^C-di-O-trityl-α-CD’s.

Cyclodextrin and phosphorus(iii): a versatile combination for coordination chemistry and catalysis

The relevance of cyclodextrins equipped with P(iii) atoms in coordination chemistry and homogeneous catalysis is discussed.

Backbone-modified amphiphilic cyclic di- and tetrasaccharides

Synthesis of backbone-modified cyclic di- and tetrasaccharides, their guest solubilizations in aqueous and organic solutions, and glycosidic bond stabilities are reported.

An "against the rules" double bank shot with diisobutylaluminum hydride to allow triple functionalization of α-cyclodextrin

Frustration leads to overreaction: when diametrically opposed regioselective debenzylation is frustrated, an unexpected double debenzylation reaction affords original tetrafunctionalized cyclodextrins in a controlled and efficient manner. A rationale of the reaction is proposed based on a kinetic study.