Abstract. Encapsulation of caffeic acid (CAA), ferulic acid (FEA) and sinapic acid (SIA) molecules with α-CD and β-CD was studied by UV-visible, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence and molecular modelling techniques. This analysis reports the dual emission properties of the above hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) in the aqueous cyclodextrin (CD) solution. The shorter wavelength bands originated from the locally excited state and the longer wavelength bands due to the emission from an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state. The ratio of the TICT emission to the normal emission increased along with α-CD and β-CD concentration. The guest:host inclusion complexation studies indicates (i) HCAs forms 1:1 inclusion complex and (ii) acrylic group present in the interior part of the CD cavity and OH/OCH 3 groups present in the upper part of the CD cavity. pH studies suggest proton transfer reactions follow the same trend in these molecules. PM3 optimizations were also carried out to assign the encapsulation of the HCA molecules.