Fluorescence enhancement of epicocconone in its complexes with cyclodextrins

The interactions of epicocconone with two supramolecular hosts, α- and β-cyclodextrin have been investigated using fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. 1:1 and 1:2 complexes formed with both the cyclodextrins are marked by the enhancement of fluorescence of epicocconone. A significantly greater fluorescence enhancement is observed with α-CD than with β-CD. This observation fortifies the contention that microviscosity has a significant influence on the excited state dynamics of epicocconone, as the space available for the fluorophore within its complex with α-CD is significantly lesser than that available in its complexes with β-CD, even though the fluorophore is shielded from water in both the cases.