Abstract

The interactions of α, β, and γ-cyclodextrins and selected naphthalene derivatives as observed through fluorescence lifetime measurements are discussed in detail. These systems can be quickly characterized with the use of the parameters obtained from experimental fluorescence decay curves. The formation of inclusion complexes can be followed with the appearance of a long-lived fluorophore which contributes to the total fluorescence according to the cyclodextrin concentration. This fluorophore is determined to be an inclusion complex between a naphthalene and cyclodextrin.