Complex Formation between Polyisoprene and Cyclodextrins

AbstractSummary: Polyisoprenes were found to form inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins with high selectivity to give crystalline compounds. β‐Cyclodextrin formed complexes only with polyisoprene of low molecular weight, whereas γ‐cyclodextrin formed complexes with polyisoprenes of high molecular weight. α‐Cyclodextrin did not form complexes with polyisoprene of any molecular weight. The yields of γ‐cyclodextrin complexes increased with increasing molecular weights of the polyisoprenes and reached a maximum of around several thousands, and then decreased.Theoretical depiction of the complex formed between polyisoprene and γ‐CD, as determined by molecular modelling studies. The PIP chain is shown penetrating the γ‐CD cavity, which, in turn, accommodates one to 1.5 monomer units of PIP.imageTheoretical depiction of the complex formed between polyisoprene and γ‐CD, as determined by molecular modelling studies. The PIP chain is shown penetrating the γ‐CD cavity, which, in turn, accommodates one to 1.5 monomer units of PIP.