The stabilization of transition states by cyclodextrins and other catalysts

This chapter describes the stabilization of transition states by cyclodextrins and other catalysts. It deals with a particular aspect of the chemistry of cyclodextrins: the effects that they can have on organic reactions by virtue of their abilities to bind to many organic and inorganic species. The main emphasis of this chapter is on catalysis, because this is of greater interest, the Kurz method can also be applied to retardation. In fact, the smooth transition from retardation, through inactivity, to full catalysis can be quantified and analyzed in relation to the structure of the species concerned. Moreover, there are some examples involving catalysis by acids and bases, metal ions, micelles, amylose, catalytic antibodies, and enzymes to give an idea about the ways Kurz's approach may be usefully applied to other catalysts. This chapter concludes that the treatment addressed in the chapter stimulates use and exploration of the Kurz approach to analyzing transition state stabilization. © 1994, Academic Press Limited