The effect of heavy metals on the anthracene–Me-β-cyclodextrin host–guest inclusion complexes

Anthracene was used to form an inclusion complex with methylated-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD) in water. In aqueous Me-β-CD solution, typical fluorescence emission of anthracene was observed. Benesi–Hildebrand's method was used to obtain the stoichiometry of the anthracene–Me-β-CD complex. The Stern–Volmer quenching constants, K_sv, and fluorescence quantum yields were calculated according to changes in the fluorescence emission intensity of anthracene–Me-β-CD inclusion complexes by adding various amounts of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ salts in water. The K_sv values and fluorescence quantum yields indicate that Pb²⁺ salts quench the anthracene–Me-β-CD inclusion complexes more efficiently than Cd²⁺ salts.