Solubilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by β-cyclodextrin and carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin

The solubilization of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) by β-cyclodextrin and carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin(CMCD) has been investigated. The presence of β-CD and CMCD greatly engance the solubility of PAHs in water. The solubilization effect of cyclodextrins is caused by formation of inclusion complexes of PAHs with cyclodextrin. The degree of solubilization power is related to the “fit” of PAH structure within the cavity of β-CD or CMCD. The better the fit of the molecule, the greater the solubilization power. β-CD shows higher solubilization power than CMCD at low concentration.