Polymers Containing Non-Covalently Bound Cyclodextrins

Abstract

We summarize and review the formation, characterization, behaviors, and possible uses of polymers that are threaded through, but only partially covered by cyclodextrins (CDs), which we call non-stoichiometric polymer–CD inclusion compounds (ICs) or non-stoichiometric (n-s) polymer–CD ICs. Emphasis is placed on comparison of the behaviors of unthreaded neat polymers with those that are threaded through and partially covered by CDs. These comparisons lead to several suggested uses for (n-s) polymer–CD ICs.