β-cyclodextrin as a catalyst in organic synthesis

This mini-review, outlines recent (until the end of 2006) key developments in the use of beta-cyclodextrin as a catalyst in organic synthesis. beta-cyclodextrin is a water soluble supramolecular catalyst especially useful for transformations such as oxirane ring-opening, aziridine oxidation of alcohols, hydrolysis of phosphate esters and amidation of acids. It has been used for the selective synthesis of 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, introduction of protecting groups and for ester cleavage. Interestingly, it has also been used in the aza-Michael addition of amines to conjugated alkenes, in photo-Reimer-Tiemann reactions and as a phase transfer catalyst.