Inclusion of inorganic polyoxomolybdate molecules into β-cyclodextrin: By slow crystallization or rapid crystallization

We find that single inorganic polyoxomolybdate molecule can self-assemble with β-CD molecule forming a novel β-CD/MoxOyn− inclusion complex under rapid crystallization conditions. Experiments have proven that it is rapid crystallization of β-CD that leads to formation of surplus β-CD nuclei, which immediately include single inorganic molecule into them forming this inclusion complex. We believe that this research opens a new field of inorganic species/β-CD inclusion complex and also opens new way to synthesize inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials by using β-CD as template via a green and efficient route.

► Single polyoxomolybdate molecule has been included into cyclodextrin (β-CD) molecules. ► Experiments prove that it is rapid crystallization of β-CD that leads to the complex. ► This research opens a new research filed of β-CD inclusion compounds.