Study on the supramolecular systems of 5-(2-hydroxy phenyl)-10,15,20-tris (4-methoxy phenyl) porphyrin with cyclodextrins

In neutral phosphate buffer solutions of pH 7.4, the inclusive complexation of 5-(2-hydroxy phenyl)-10,15,20-tris(4-methoxy phenyl) porphyrin (o-HTPP) with alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD), beta-CD, heptakis (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-CD (TM-beta-CD), SBE-beta-CD, HP-beta-CD and gamma-CD has been examined by means of UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The formation of inclusion complexes has been confirmed on the base of changes of spectroscopy properties. The o-HTPP forms 1:2 inclusion complexes with TM-beta-CD and 1:1 inclusion complexes with the other five cyclodextrins. The formation constants (K) of o-HTPP for the formation of the inclusion complexes have been estimated from the absorbance and fluorescence intensity changes in neutral phosphate buffer solutions. The K value (2.89x10(7)), which is the formation constant for the formation of the 1:2 inclusion supramolecular, is nearly 10(4) times than those of the 1:1 inclusion complexes. Compared to the other five cyclodextrins, the strongest inclusion ability of TM-beta-CD can be explained that the hydrogen bond plays significant role in the inclusion process. UV-vis experiments also showed that the cavity of TM-beta-CD causes the transform of the state of o-HTPP. In addition (1)H NMR data and 2D-ROSEY NMR spectra support the inclusion conformation of the o-HTPP-CD supramolecular system, indicating the interaction mechanism of inclusion processes.     

Study on vitamin K3-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and analytical application

The inclusion interaction of the complexes between Vitamin K(3) (VK(3)) and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) and sulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrin (SBE-beta-CD) were studied by using steady-state fluorescence measurements. The various factors affecting the inclusion process were examined in detail. The formation constants and inclusion stoichiometry for VK(3)-CDs were determined. The results showed that the inclusion ability of beta-CD and its derivatives was the order: SBE-beta-CD>HP-beta-CD>beta-CD. The related inclusion mechanism is proposed to explain the inclusion process. A method of determining VK(3) was established with the linear range was 2.5 x 10(-6)-5.0 x 10(-4) M, and was used to determine the VK(3) tablets. The recoveries were in the range of 97.52-103.5%. The results were satisfactory.     

Study on the inclusion behavior between meso-tetrakis[4-(3-pyridiniumpropoxy)phenyl]prophyrin tetrakisbromide and beta-cyclodextrin derivatives in aqueous solution

The interaction of a cationic water-soluble porphyrin, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-(3-pyridiniumpropoxy)phenyl]prophyrin tetrakisbromide (TPPOC3Py), with beta-CD and HP-beta-CD in aqueous solution has been studied by UV-vis, 1H NMR, 2D-NOESY and MALDI-TOF MS, and it reveals that a stable 1:1 inclusion complex between TPPOC3Py and HP-beta-CD or beta-CD has formed, in which one of the meso substituents of porphyrin ring has deeply penetrated through the cavity of HP-beta-CD from secondary face. The inclusion constants of the complexes of TPPOC3Py-beta-CD and TPPOC3Py-HP-beta-CD are (1.6+/-0.2)x10(3) M-1 and (8.9+/-0.4)x10(4) M-1, respectively.     

Study on the supramolecular system of meso-tetrakis (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin and cyclodextrins by spectroscopy

The ability of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), sulfurbutylether-beta-CD (SBE-beta-CD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-CD (HP-beta-CD) to break the aggregate of the meso-Tetrakis (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4) and to form 2:1 inclusion complexes has been studied by adsorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The formation constants are calculated, respectively by fluoremetry, from which the inclusion capacity of different CDs is compared and the inclusion mechanism of charged-beta-CD (SBE-beta-CD) is quite different from that of parent beta-CD. At lower pH, the complexation between HP-beta-CD and H2TPPS(2+)4 (the form of the diprotonated TPPS4) hampers the continuous protonation of the pyrrole nitrogen of TPPS4 and the hydrophobic cavity may prefer to bind an apolar neutral porphyrin molecule. 1HNMR data support the inclusion conformation of the porphyrin-cyclodextrin supramolecular system, indicating the interaction of meso-phenyl groups of TPPS4 with the cavity of CDs. For this host-guest inclusion model, cyclodextrin, being regarded as the protein component, which acts as a carrier enveloping the active site of heme prosthetic group within its hydrophobic environment, provides a protective sheath for porphyrin, creating artificial analogues of heme-containing proteins. However, the TPPS4, encapsulated within this saccharide-coated barrier, its physico-chemical, photophysical and photochemical properties changed strongly.     

Study on the supramolecular system of 5-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrin with cyclodextrins and its analytical characteristics

The supramolecular systems of 5-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrin (p-HTClPP) with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-CD (TM-beta-CD), carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CM-beta-CD) and sulfurbutylether-beta-CD (SBE-beta-CD) have been investigated by means of absorption, fluorescence and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The formation of inclusion complexes has been confirmed on the base of changes of spectroscopy properties. "The double reciprocal method" has been used to determine the stoichiometry and the inclusion constants of p-HTClPP with the four cyclodextrins (CDs). The results show that p-HTClPP can form 1:1 inclusion complexes with the four CDs. Compared with parent native beta-CD, the inclusion abilities of modified beta-CDs with p-HTClPP are stronger. It indicates that the hydrophobic effect plays an important role in the inclusion procedure. The mechanism of inclusion interaction was examined by (1)H NMR technique. During the study of p-HTClPP-TM-beta-CD supramolecular complex, an efficient enhancement of fluorescence intensity was observed. Based on this phenomenon, fluorometric method for the determination of p-HTClPP was developed. The relationship between fluorescence intensity and the concentration of p-HTClPP is linear from 1.0 x 10(-9) to 7.0 x 10(-6)mol L(-1). The limit of detection is 8.3 x 10(-10)mol L(-1) and the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) is 1.3% (n=8). This research will provide useful information for further application of p-HTClPP.     

Study on the inclusion complexes of cryptotanshinone with beta-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin

The inclusion complexes of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and HP-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) with a kind of tanshinone, cryptotanshinone (CTan) were investigated by using spectrophotometry. Stable inclusion complexes were established in solution and in solid state and were characterized by UV, IR and 1H NMR spectra, respectively. The optimum pH for inclusion is about 7.5. Stoichiometry of the inclusion complex is 1:1. The stabilities of beta-CD and HP-beta-CD to CTan were in the order: beta-CD相似文献   

Preparation and study on the inclusion complexes of two tanshinone compounds with beta-cyclodextrin

Solid inclusion complexes of two tanshinones (Tans): tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), tanshinone I (Tan I) with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) were synthesized by coprecipitation method. The solid inclusion complexes were characterized by using several analytical techniques: (1)H NMR spectra, IR spectra and thermal analysis. Stoichiometry of the inclusion complexes of Tans with beta-CD or HP-beta-CD is 1:1 which was investigated in solution. The formation constants of the complexes were determined by UV spectrophotometry. For same kind of CD, the stability was in the order: Tan IIA > Tan I; for same guest, the stability was in the order: HP-beta-CD > beta-CD. The effect of temperature on the inclusion interaction was examined and the thermodynamic parameters of inclusion process, Delta G, Delta H, Delta S were determined as well. The experimental results indicate that the inclusion process was an exothermic and enthalpy-driven process accompanied with a negative entropic contribution. The inclusion interaction between CD and Tans satisfied the law of enthalpy-entropy compensation.     

Study on inclusion interaction of piroxicam with beta-cyclodextrin derivatives

The inclusion behavior of piroxicam (PX) with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD), and carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CM-beta-CD) was investigated by using steady-state fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. The various factors affecting the inclusion process were examined in detail. The remarkable fluorescence emission enhancement upon addition of CDs suggested that cyclodextrins (CDs) were most suitable for inclusion of the uncharged species of PX. The stoichiometry of the PX-CDs inclusion complexes was 1:1, except for beta-CD where a 1:2 inclusion complex was formed. The formation constants showed the strongest inclusion capacity of beta-CD. NMR showed the inclusion mode of PX with CDs.     

Thermodynamic study on the effects of beta-cyclodextrin inclusion with berberine.

The fluorescence enhancement of berberine (Berb) as a result of complex with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) is investigated. The association constants of alpha-CD and beta-CD with Berb are 60 and 137 M(-1) at 20 degrees C in pH 7.20 aqueous solution. Effects of temperature on the forming inclusion complexes of beta-CD with Berb have been examined through using fluorescence titration. Enthalpy and entropy values calculated from fluorescence data are -33.7 kJ mol(-1) and 74.3 J x mol(-1) K(-1) respectively. It was found that the dielectric constant of beta-CD cavity is about 24 in a rough analogy with absolute alcohol. These results suggest that the extrusion of 'high energy water' molecules from the cavity of beta-CD and hydrophobic interaction upon the inclusion complex formation are the main forces of the inclusion reaction. Effect of pH on the association of beta-CD with Berb was also studied. Mechanism of the inclusion of beta-CD with Berb is further studied by absorption and NMR measurements. Results show that beta-CD forms a 1:1 inclusion complex with Berb.     

Study of the complexation of fisetin with cyclodextrins

In this work, the interaction between fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) (Fis) and cyclodextrins (CDs) (alpha and beta) was studied through UV-vis absorption, steady-state fluorescence, induced circular dichroism, and (1)H NMR experiments with dependence on temperature and pH. Some experimental data were compared with quantum-mechanics studies based on the SAM1 (AMPAC) semiempirical model, as well as with the B3LYP and MPW1PW91 functional models from density functional theory using the 6-311G and 3-21G basis sets. The spectroscopic measurements show that Fis does not form stable complexes with alpha-CD. On the other hand, at pH 4.0 and 6.5, the complex Fis-beta-CD is formed in a Fis:beta-CD 1:1 stoichiometry and an equilibrium constant (K) of 900 +/- 100 M(-1). In basic medium (pH 11.5), K decreases to 240 +/- 90 M(-1) because Fis deprotonation leads to its better solubilization in water. Molecular modeling points out that Fis is not totally inserted into the inner cavity of beta-CD. The formation of the inclusion complex renders an environment that enhances intramolecular excited state proton transfer. The inclusion complex is formed preferentially via entry of the Fis phenyl group into beta-CD.     

Novel behavior of O-methylated beta-cyclodextrins in inclusion of meso-tetraarylporphyrins

[structure: see text] The mechanism for formation of extremely stable 1:2 inclusion complexes of water-soluble meso-tetraarylporphyrins with heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (TMe-beta-CD) in aqueous solutions has been studied by means of NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. To simplify the system, 5,10,15-tris(3,5-dicarboxylatophenyl)-20-phenylporphyrin (1) was used as a guest porphyrin, because 1 forms only a 1:1 inclusion complex with cyclodextrin (CD). As host compounds, native beta-CD and the O-methylated-beta-CDs such as heptakis(2,3-di-O-methyl)- (2,3-DMe-beta-CD), heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)- (2,6-DMe-beta-CD), and TMe-beta-CDs were used. The thermodynamic parameters for complexation such as binding constants (K) and enthalpy (DeltaH degrees ) and entoropy changes (DeltaS degrees ) were determined by means of isothermal titration calorimetry. The K value for complexation of 1 with CD increases in the order beta-CD (K = (1.2 +/- 0.1) x 10(3) M(-)(1)) < 2,6-DMe-beta-CD ((1.2 +/- 0.1) x 10(4) M(-)(1)) < TMe-beta-CD ((6.9 +/- 0.4) x 10(6) M(-)(1)) < 2,3-DMe-beta-CD ((8.5 +/- 0.5) x 10(6) M(-)(1)), indicating participation of the secondary OCH(3) groups in extremely strong complexation of 1 with CD. Complex formation of 1 with beta-CD and 2,6-DMe-beta-CD is an enthalpically and entropically favorable process, while that with TMe-beta-CD and 2,3-DMe-beta-CD is an enthalpically much more favorable but an entropically less favorable process. The thermodynamic parameters suggest that inclusion of 1 into the cavities of TMe-beta-CD and 2,3-DMe-beta-CD is promoted by van der Waals interactions, which are stronger than those in the cases of beta-CD and 2,6-DMe-beta-CD. (13)C NMR spectra show that the conformations of both TMe-beta-CD and 2,3-DMe-beta-CD are altered upon inclusion of 1, while those of beta-CD and 2,6-DMe-beta-CD are mostly retained. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that induced-fit type complexation of 1 with TMe-beta-CD and 2,3-DMe-beta-CD causes extremely strong binding of the host to the guest.     

Preparation and characterization of inclusion complexes of pefloxacin mesylate with three kinds of cyclodextrins

The ability of alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD, beta-CD and HP-beta-CD) to break pefloxacin mesylate (PM) aggregates by forming inclusion complexes has been studied using 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), 13C NMR and fluorescence spectra. The inclusion constants are determined to compare the corresponding inclusion capacity. Solid-inclusion complexes of PM with CDs are synthesized by coprecipitation method, and all the inclusion ratios are found to be 1:1. Additionally, spatial characterization of complexes has been proposed based on two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance technique (2D NMR) and spatial conformation is also investigated to propose two possible models between PM and CDs.     

Study on inclusion complex of cyclodextrin with methyl xanthine derivatives by fluorimetry

The inclusion complexes of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and HP-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) with caffeine, theophylline and theobromine were investigated by fluorimetry. Various factors affecting the formation of inclusion complexes were discussed in detail including forming time, pH effect and temperature. The results indicate that inclusion process was affected seriously by laying time and pH. The forming time of beta-CD inclusion complexes is much longer than that of HP-beta-CD. The optimum pH range is about 7-12 for caffeine, 8-10 for TP, 10.5-12 for TB. The intensities of their fluorescence increase with the decreasing of temperature. Their maximum excitation wavelengths are all in the range of 280-290 nm. The emission wavelength of caffeine and theophylline are both in the range of 340-360 nm, and that of theobromine is about 325 nm. The fluorescence signals are intensified with the increasing concentration of CD. The stoichiometry of the inclusion complexes of CD with these three methyl xanthine derivatives are all 1:1 and the formation constant are all calculated.     

Improved syntheses of bis(beta-cyclodextrin) derivatives, new carriers for gadolinium complexes

In the last decade a number of reports have been published on the synthesis and characterization of bridged cyclodextrin dimers (bis-CDs) connected with linkers of different lengths and structures. These dimers, having two hydrophobic cavities in close proximity, display much higher binding affinities and molecular selectivities than parent CDs, forming stable supramolecular adducts. We describe new synthetic protocols for the preparation of bis(beta-CDs) bearing 2-2', 3-3' and 6-6' bridges. Some of the critical steps were carried out either under high-intensity ultrasound (US) or microwave (MW) irradiation. Bis(beta-CDs) containing 6-6' ureido- and thioureido-bridges were prepared in high yields by a MW-promoted aza-Wittig reaction using polymer-bound triphenylphosphine, while those containing 2,2' and 3,3' bridges were prepared from mono-alkenyl beta-CDs by the cross-metathesis reaction (homodimerization) in the presence of 2(nd)-generation Grubbs catalyst under sonochemical conditions. By these improved protocols CD dimers could be obtained in gram amounts to prepare stable adducts of bis-CDs with contrast agents (CAs) containing gadolinium(iii) chelates. In the case of Gd(iii) chleate "G-1" the inclusion complexes were found to be 2 to 3 orders of magnitude more stable than that formed by beta-CD (K(ass) = 4.3 x 10(4) M(-1)vs 8.0 x 10(2) M(-1)). Relaxivity increased as well by factors of 3 and 4, viz. from 9.1 mM(-1) s(-1) (beta-CD) to 27.7 and 35 mM(-1) s(-1).     

New insights in cyclodextrin: surfactant mixed systems from the use of neutral and anionic cyclodextrin derivatives

The kinetics of the hydrolysis of 4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (MBSC) have been studied in mixed systems made up of surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTABr), and cyclodextrin, beta-CD or SBE-beta-CD(Captisol). The use of SBE-beta-CD instead of beta-CD allowed us to indicate certain characteristics of the mixed cyclodextrin-surfactant system: (a) The percentage of uncomplexed cyclodextrin is higher for SBE-beta-CD than for beta-CD when we use SDS, but the opposite effect was observed when we use TTABr. This behavior can be explained by taking into account the increase in salinity when we add SBE-beta-CD, and the electrostatic forces between the SBE-beta-CD and the surfactant that have influence on the complexation. (b) The presence or even the charge of cyclodextrin has no effect on the properties of surfactant micelles once they have been formed; in particular, it does not alter K(s)(m) or k(m), parameters very sensitive to the micellar system structure. Therefore, we can conclude that for surfactants concentrations lower than the micellization point, the charge of cyclodextrin modifies the cyclodextrin-surfactant interactions but once the micelles have been formed there is no interaction between them and the cyclodextrins.     

Study on the interaction of 5-pyridine-10,15,20-tris-(p-chlorophenyl)porphyrin with cyclodextrins and DNA by spectroscopy

The interaction of 5-pyridine-10,15,20-tris-(p-chlorophenyl)porphyrin (PyTPP) with beta-CD and TM-beta-CD were examined by UV-vis absorption, fluorescence and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. PyTPP prefers to form the 1:1 inclusion complex with TM-beta-CD but hardly form inclusion complex with beta-CD. An inclusion constant (K) for the formation of PyTPP-TM-beta-CD inclusion complex has been evaluated to be 4.4x10(3)L/mol from the absorbance changes. This K value is nearly the same as that 4.5x10(3)L/mol obtained from the fluorescence intensity changes. Compared to beta-CD, the inclusion ability of TM-beta-CD with PyTPP is stronger. It indicates that the hydrophobic effect plays an important role in the inclusion procedure. The mechanism of inclusion interaction was carried out by 1H NMR technique. Furthermore, the interaction of PyTPP with DNA is shown here. It can bind DNA by out-side stacking along the DNA helix but not by intercalation because of the high electron density in the porphyrin core. The binding constant and binding number of PyTPP to DNA are 4.3x10(3) and 1.3, respectively. The interaction of PyTPP with DNA was further carried out in the presence of TM-beta-CD. The significant decrease of the binding constant and binding number were observed and the interaction of porphyrin-bound DNA has been inhibited, which was due to the fact that PyTPP inter into the cavity of TM-beta-CD and influence binding affinity of PyTPP to DNA.     

Assembly behavior of inclusion complexes of beta-cyclodextrin with 4-hydroxyazobenzene and 4-aminoazobenzene

To further reveal the factors governing the supramolecular assembly of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) inclusion complexes, two aggregates (1 and 2) were prepared from the inclusion complexes of beta-CD with 4-hydroxyazobenzene and 4-aminoazobenzene, respectively, and their binding behavior were investigated by means of X-ray analysis, UV-vis, NMR, and circular dichroism spectra in both solution and the solid state. The obtained results indicated that the beta-CD/4-hydroxyazobenzene complex 1 could form head-to-head dimers (triclinic system, space group P1) in the solid state, which were further self-assembled to a linear supramolecular architecture by the intra- and interdimer hydrogen bond interactions as well as the intradimer pi-pi interactions. However, when the included guest 4-hydroxyazobenzene was switched to a 4-aminoazobenzene, the resultant beta-CD/4-aminoazobenzene complex 2 (monoclinic system, space group P2(1)) could be self-assembled to a wave-type supramolecular aggregate under similar conditions. Furthermore, the combination of crystallographic and spectral investigations jointly revealed the inclusion complexation geometry of beta-CD with 4-hydroxyazobenzene and 4-aminoazobenzene in both solution and the solid state, which demonstrated that the disparity of substituents in the azobenzenes played an important role in the inclusion complexation and molecular assembly, affecting not only the structural features of aggregates but also the binding abilities of azobenzenes with beta-CD.     

Molecular recognition thermodynamics and structural elucidation of interactions between steroids and bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s

A series of bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin(CD))s (2-7) were synthesized, i.e., bridged bis(beta-CD)s 2 and 3 bearing binaphthyl or biquinoline tethers and bridged bis(beta-CD)s 4-7 possessing dithiobis(benzoyl) tether, and their complex stability constants (KS), enthalpy (DeltaH degrees), and entropy changes (DeltaS degrees) for the 1:2 inclusion complexation with representative steroids, deoxycholate, cholate, glycocholate, and taurocholate, have been determined in an aqueous phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.20 at 298.15 K by means of titration microcalorimetry. The original conformations of bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s were investigated by circular dichroism and 1H ROESY spectroscopy. Structures of the inclusion complexes between steroids and bridged bis(beta-CD)s in solution were elucidated by 2D NMR experiments, indicating that anionic groups of two steroid molecules penetrate, respectively, into the two hydrophobic CD cavities in one 6,6'-bridged bis(beta-CD) molecule from the secondary rim to give a 1:2 binding mode upon inclusion complexation. The results obtained from titration microcalorimetry and 2D NMR experiments jointly demonstrate that bridged bis(beta-CD)s 2, 3 and 5-7 tethered by protonated amino group possessing different substituted groups can enhance not only the molecular binding ability toward steroids by electrostatic interaction but also molecular selectivity. Thermodynamically, the resulting 1:2 bis(beta-CD)-steroid complexes are formed by an enthalpy-driven process, accompanied by smaller entropy loss. The increased complex stability mainly results from enthalpy gain, accompanied by large conformational change and extensive desolvation effects for the 1:2 inclusion complexation between bis(beta-CD)s and steroids.     

Study on the interaction of methylene blue with cyclodextrin derivatives by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy

The ability of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD), and carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CM-beta-CD) to break the aggregate of the methylene blue (MB) and to form 1:1 inclusion complexes has been studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Experimental conditions including concentrations of various cyclodextrins (beta-CD, HP-beta-CD and CM-beta-CD) and media acidity were investigated for the inclusion formation in detail. The formation constants are calculated by using steady-state fluorimetry, from which the inclusion capacity of different cyclodextrins (CDs) is compared. The results suggest that the charged beta-cyclodextrin (CM-beta-CD) is more suitable for inclusion of the cationic dye MB than the neutral beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CD, HP-beta-CD) at pH>5. A mechanism is proposed which is consistent with the stronger binding of MB with CM-beta-CD compared with the other CDs at pH>5.     

A spectroscopic study of the inclusion of azulene by beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins

The inclusion of azulene (AZ) inside the cavities of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) was studied using absorption, fluorescence and induced-circular dichroism spectroscopy. The inclusion of AZ into the cavity of beta-CD has a stoichiometry of 1:1, whereas that of AZ/gamma-CD complex is 1:2. The equilibrium constants for the formation of the two complexes were calculated to be 780+/-150 M(-1) for AZ:beta-CD and (4.5+/-0.86)x10(5) M(-2) for AZ:(gamma-CD)(2). The latter is due to a stepwise equilibrium mechanism in which a 1:1 complex is formed with a binding constant of 775 M(-1), followed by the formation of a 1:2 complex with a binding constant of 580 M(-1). The difference between the two binding constant values is slight, indicating an almost equal contribution from each of the gamma-CD molecules to the overall binding in AZ:(gamma-CD)(2). From the induced-circular dichroism spectra, the inclusion of AZ was found to be axial in AZ:beta-CD and nearly axial in AZ:(gamma-CD)(2).