The crystal structure of the 1:1 complex of beta-cyclodextrin with trans-cinnamic acid.

The crystal structure of the 1:1 complex of beta-cyclodextrin (cyclomaltoheptaose) with trans-cinnamic acid was studied by X-ray diffraction. Two beta-cyclodextrin molecules related by a twofold crystal axis form dimers in the hydrophobic cavity of which, two guest molecules are entirely buried. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic C2 space group with channel-type molecular packing. The oxygen atoms of the carboxylate group of the trans-cinnamic acid molecule form strong hydrogen bonds with two water molecules lying in the interdimeric space of the hydrophobic channel.