Sugar-sensitive supramolecular structures based on phenylboronic Acid-modified cyclodextrins.

Supramolecular structures were developed from phenylboronic acid-modified cyclodextrins (PBA-CyDs). The intermolecular interaction between the PBA moiety and the CyD cavity was proved using two dimensional (2D)-NMR and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. PBA-α-CyD formed a head-to-tail supramolecular polymer, whereas PBA-β-CyD formed a head-to-head dimer. The supramolecular structures were disintegrated in the presence of sugars owing to the resulting boronate sugar interactions.