Cyclodextrins are composed of glucose units connected by glycosidic linkages to form a series of oligosaccaride rings comprised of 6, 7 and 8 glucose units (alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin, respectively). The cyclodextrins are shaped like donuts, with a very hydrophobic cavity in the center. While the height of the cyclodextrin cavity is the same for all three types, the number of glucose units determines the internal diameter of the cavity.

Beta-Cyclodextrin crystallizes as a dimer but only one monomeric unit is shown here.

between wireframe and spacefilling models. View the model along the axis of the cylinder. What is the orientation of the axial C-H bonds lining the central cavity?