Stereoselective thermal transfer of fructose from sucrose to cyclodextrins

Branched cyclodextrins (CDs) have been formed by the thermal transfer of a fructosyl group from sucrose to O-6 of one of the glucose residues of cyclomaltohexa- and hepta-ose (α-CD and β-CD). In each case the fructosyl group adds almost entirely in the β configuration. The resultant fructosylcyclodextrins (Fru-CDs) show increased solubility in water and, in the case of Fru-β-CD increased ability to solubilize sparingly soluble compounds by inclusion, relative to the parent cyclodextrins. However, the Fru-CDs have similar abilities to form complexes as their respective parent CDs. Fru-CDs act as inhibitors of invertase.