Methyl‐Substituted α‐Cyclodextrin as Affinity Material for Storage, Separation, and Detection of Trichlorofluoromethane

The severely ozone‐depleting trichlorofluoromethane is still appearing in several recycling processes or industrial applications. A simple and selective supramolecular complex formation of per‐methylated α‐cyclodextrin (1) with the highly volatile trichlorofluoromethane (2) is reported. This interaction moreover leads to thermally stable crystals. Per‐methylated α‐cyclodextrin is successfully exploited as a reversible and selective adsorption material for liquid and airborne trichlorofluoromethane as well as an affinity material for the chemical sensing and detection of this particular volatile organic component. The sweet trap: The ability of per‐methylated α‐cyclodextrin to selectively form a stable supramolecular complex with the highly volatile trichlorofluoromethane is investigated. The applicability of this supramolecular complex formation is successfully demonstrated as a material for adsorption, separation, and detection of trichlorofluoromethane.