Modelling of the inclusion process of α-, β-, and γ- Cyclodextrins with 1-bromoadamantane. A comparative molecular mechanics study accounting for the solvent

Results are reported from molecular mechanics modelling of the inclusion process of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) with 1-bromoadamantane in water as the solvent. The dependence of the results on the assumed orientation of the guest molecule with respect to the macrocycle was studied, as well as the dependence on the force field used. The van der Waals interactions have the prevailing contribution for the formation of 1:1 complexes. The solvent favours the separated host and guest. For α-CD the guest molecule is outside of the cavity of the torus, while the two larger macrocycles form inner complexes. Computer estimates were also obtained for the energy stabilization from the association of a second guest molecule (1:2 host-guest complexes). © 1996 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.