Cyclodextrin rotaxanes and polyrotaxanes

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are 1 → 4 α-linked cyclic oligomers of anhydroglucopyranose. CDs consist of six, seven, or eight glucose entities and are called α-, β-, or γ-CDs respectively. CDs spontaneously incorporate guest molecules, a necessary prerequisite for rotaxane formation. This review covers both synthesis and properties of CD rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes as published over the last seven years. Topics discussed include axial cyclodextrin inclusion compounds, synthesis of CD [2]-rotaxanes and [3]-rotaxanes, functions of CD inclusion compounds and rotaxanes, daisy chains: rotaxanes from conjugates of CDs and axes, CD pseudopolyrotaxanes, synthesis of CD polyrotaxanes, rotaxanes from covalently linked CDs, and functions of and applications for CD (pseudo)-polyrotaxanes.