β-Cyclodextrine, poudre blanche

β-cyclodextrin is most commonly used as a complexing agent. It is reported to be useful for the selective precipitation of enantiomeric, positional or structural isomers. It also forms a water soluble complex with dansyl chloride for fluorescent labeling of proteins.

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides consisting of 6, 7, or 8 glucopyranose units with hydrophobic interiors, usually referred to as α-, β-, or γ-cyclodextrins, respectively. Lipophilic drugs of a size compatible with the hydrophobic core of a cyclodextrin can form complexes, resulting in increased aqueous solubility of the drugs. Cyclodextrins are non-toxic in many species (mice and rabbits), and do not denature proteins or interfere with enzymatic reactions.

Soluble in water, 1 M NH₄OH: 50 mg/ml (clear, colorless solution).