Formation of nanotubes and secondary assemblies of cyclodextrins induced by BBOT

The study of cyclodextrin nanotubes is a significant topic among the self-assembly behaviors of cyclodextrins. We report herein the interaction of 2,5-bis(5′- tert -butyl-2-benzoxazoyl)thiophene (BBOT) with α-, β-, γ-cyclodextrins (CDs). It has been discovered that the reaction patterns of BBOT with CDs are remarkably different. β-CD forms a simple inclusion complex with BBOT in a stoichiometry of 1:2 (guest:host). β-CD forms a 1:1 inclusion complex with BBOT at its low concentration. At higher concentration of BBOT, the nanotube and secondary assembly of β-CD are formed. As for γ-CD, the nanotube and secondary assembly are formed within the whole concentration range of BBOT studied. The structure of γ-CD nanotubes is different from that of β-CD nanotubes to a certain extent.