Separation ability and stoichiometry of cyclodextrin complexes

Gas-liquid chromatography has been applied to search relations between selectivity towards isomers and stoichiometry of cyclodextrin complexes. The model tested compounds were: dimethylnaphthalenes and alpha- and beta-pinenes as constitutional isomers; cis/trans decalins, anetholes and isosafroles as diastereomers and as enantiomers (+/-)-alpha-pinenes and (+/-)-camphenes. Experimental retention data are used to confirm a simple theoretical model that allows distinguishing formation of G x CD complexes (1:1) and G x CD2 complexes (1:2). Based on the experimental data, stability constants K were evaluated. It has been found that remarkable selectivity factor alpha may appear both within the range of 1:1 stoichiometry (beta-CD complexes of decalins and of alpha- and beta-pinenes) and 1:2 stoichiometry (alpha-CD complexes with (+/-)-alpha-pinenes and (+/-)-camphenes). Occasionally selectivity arises from a different composition, when one isomer forms a 1:1 stoichiometry complex while another forms a 1:2 complex (dimethylnaphthalenes, cis/trans-anetholes and cis/trans-isosafroles).