Definition of cyclodextrins

Cyclic oligoglucosides containing 5 to ca. 10 glucose residues in which an enclosed tubular space allows reception of a guest molecule to form a clathrate. The synonymous term Schardinger dextrins is not recommended. (-Cyclodextrin has 6 glucose residues; -cyclodextrin has 7.) Semi-systematically -cyclodextrin is called cyclomaltohexaose. 2-Carb-37.4.1. See also dextrins.