Cyclodextrins (CD's) are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides with relatively hydrophobic cavities. It is well known that CDs are able to complex a variety of organic compounds, forming inclusion complexes. Reactivity within CD cavities is quite distinct from reaction in solution.

There is much interest in understanding the processes that lead to the photoyellowing of paper. The fibers in mechanical pulp that are of interest are those containing cellulose and lignin. It is a fact that photoyellowing is a result of the photodegradation of lignin.

Our studies have focused on the photochemistry of -guaiacoxyacetoveratrone (a model of lignin) when complexed to CD's. The objectives were to investigate intermediates formed upon laser flash photolysis and examine the mobility of such intermediates within the CD matrix. Laser flash photolysis employing an excimer laser was used for our studies. It was discovered that when -guaiacoxyacetoveratrone is complexed to CD there is formation of the excited triplet state, formation of radicals (guaiacoxyl, phenacyl), photoejection of an electron from the ketone, and formation of the corresponding radical cation. Diffuse reflectance in the solid state was attempted to investigate processes in the solid state. Mobility studies have yet to be carried out.

The second part of my research is confidential, but was related to the mobility of oxygen species in supramolecular structures.