Structural characteristics of cyclodextrins in the solid state

A comparison of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins in the solid state is made. Monomeric features analyzed include orientations of primary hydroxyl groups and pyran ring pucker. Macromolecular features examined include planarity of the oligomer, tilting of pyran rings, and, deviation from Cn symmetry where n = number of monomers. The mean values and standard deviations of these shape descriptors are given for cyclodextrins with and without guests embedded in their interiors. Molecular mechanics calculations using the MM2, AMBER, and CHARMM force fields show that most solid state cyclodextrins are trapped in high-energy conformations relative to the most stable forms found in this study.