Abstract
An overview of overlapping cyclodextrin and polymer research is given. Three areas of interest are explored in particular: (i) polymers with cyclodextrins in their chains, (ii) pseudopolyrotaxanes of cyclodextrins and polymer chains and (iii) supramolecular polymers and gels formed by low-molecular-weight cyclodextrins.
The essential role of the cyclodextrin capability of forming inclusion complexes was found. Innovative molecular and supramolecular structures such as topological gels, molecular tubes and isolated wires are introduced and applications such as molecular switches, injectable gels, chromatographic materials and ordered polymer materials are discussed.
As the most innovative applications require regio-specifically mono- or disubstituted cyclodextrins, the methods of their preparation are also mentioned.