SYNTHESIS AND INTRAMOLECULAR INCLUSION STUDIES OF TRYPTOPHAN-MODIFIED-BETA-CYCLODEXTRINS

beta-cyclodextrins functionalized by D or L-tryptophan were synthesise d. NMR, circular dichroism and fluorescence investigations were carrie d out showing the clear intramolecular inclusion of the tryptophan in the cyclodextrin cavity. The derivatives act as a fluorescent sensor w hich is useful for detecting organic species in solution. Furthermore, derivatives L and D show different sensitivity with regard to their i nteraction with a guest. The difference might be due to the dispositio n of the indole with respect to the cavity of the cyclodextrin, induce d by the chirality of the tryptophan.