page_title: Alpha-Cyclodextrin
section_title: Structure
hierarchical_section_title: Alpha-Cyclodextrin / Structure
caption_attribution_description: English: Alpha-cyclodextrine
context_page_description: α-Cyclodextrin is a hexasaccharide derived from glucose. It is related to the β- and γ- cyclodextrins, which contain seven and eight glucose units, respectively. All cyclodextrins are white, water-soluble solids with minimal toxicity. Cyclodextrins tend to bind other molecules in their quasi-cylindrical interiors. This inclusion behavior leads to applications in medicine. The compound is of wide interest because it exhibits host–guest properties, forming inclusion compounds.
context_section_description: In α-cyclodextrin, the six glucose subunits are linked end to end via α-1, 4 linkages.  The result has the shape of a tapered cylinder, with six primary alcohols on one face and twelve secondary alcohol groups on the other. The exterior surface of cyclodextrins is somewhat hydrophilic whereas the interior core is hydrophobic.
caption: Three representations of α-cyclodextrin.
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