β-Cyclodextrin as the suitable molecular container for isopulegol enantiomers

Isopulegol, an insoluble in water and highly volatile compound, due to its neuroactive properties is a potentially important agent for medical applications. Formation of "host-guest" molecular complexes with cyclodextrins would lead to the increase of its water solubility and bioavailability. Interactions between native cyclodextrins (α, β and γ) and isopulegol enantiomers were studied in solution proving the formation of inclusion complexes for β- and γ-cyclodextrins. For the more stable complexes with β-cyclodextrin crystal structures were obtained showing the formation of molecular capsules forming molecular container able to accommodate two guest molecules.