Formation of an α-cyclodextrin/16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid complex and its deposition on gold surfaces

Abstract

Using 1H NMR, XRD and XPS techniques we show new findings concerning the nature of the complex formed between 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHA) and α-cyclodextrin. Stabilization was achieved by dipole-induced dipole interactions between the carboxyl groups of the MHA with the hydroxyls on the cavity rim of the α-cyclodextrin. Deposition of the complex onto a gold substrate with subsequent ethanol washing showed retention of the thiol moiety and removal of cyclodextrin. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.