Complexation of nitrostyrenes with soluble β-cyclodextrin polymer studied by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography

Cyclodextrin complexation decreases the apparent lipophilicity of hydrophobic guest molecules. A higher complex stability results in a larger decrease of lipophilicity as determined by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography. The method was applied to study the complex formation of 33 nitrostyrene derivatives with a water soluble cross linked -cyclodextrin polymer (weight average molecular weight: 4300). The substituents in thepara position of the benzene ring had a higher impact on the complex stability than those in themeta andortho positions. The substituents on the alkyl side chain influenced the complex stability to the same extent as those on the benzen ring.