Determining Functional Group Locations in β-Cyclodextrin Nitrates

An IR spectroscopic method for estimating individually the degree of substitution of hydroxyl groups by nitrates in the 2-, 3-, and 6-positions of the glucopyranose ring in partial cyclodextrin nitrates was devised. Calibration curves were constructed and molar extinction coefficients were obtained for ONO₂ groups in each position. The primary error sources affecting the accuracy of determining the functional group locations in β-cyclodextrin were analyzed. The relative error of the measured amounts of nitrates in the cyclodextrin glucopyranose ring 2- and 3-positions was 10%; in the 6-position, 20%.