| Abstract | An overview of overlapping cyclodextrin and polymerresearch is given. Three areas of interest are explored
in particular: (i) polymers with cyclodextrins in their
chains, (ii) pseudopolyrotaxanes of cyclodextrins and polymer
chains and (iii) supramolecular polymers and gels
formed by low-molecular-weight cyclodextrins. The essential
role of the cyclodextrin capability of forming inclusion
complexes was found. Innovative molecular and supramolecular
structures such as topological gels, molecular
tubes and isolated wires are introduced and applications
such as molecular switches, injectable gels, chromatographic
materials and ordered polymer materials are discussed.
As the most innovative applications require regiospecifically
mono- or disubstituted cyclodextrins, the
methods of their preparation are also mentioned.
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