Jan 15, 2026Leave a message

What is the molecular weight of Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin?

Hey there! As a supplier of Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin, I often get asked, "What is the molecular weight of Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin?" Well, let's dive right into it.

First off, let's understand what Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin is. It's a modified form of beta - cyclodextrin. Beta - cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of seven glucose units linked by α - 1,4 - glycosidic bonds. The structure looks like a truncated cone with a hydrophobic cavity inside and a hydrophilic outer surface.

When we talk about Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin, we've made some changes to the beta - cyclodextrin molecule. The hydroxybutyl groups are introduced onto the glucose units of beta - cyclodextrin. These groups enhance the solubility and other properties of the original beta - cyclodextrin, making it more useful in a variety of applications.

Now, to the main question: the molecular weight. The molecular weight of pure beta - cyclodextrin is approximately 1134.98 g/mol. But for Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin, it's not that straightforward. The degree of substitution (DS) of the hydroxybutyl groups affects the molecular weight.

The degree of substitution refers to the average number of hydroxybutyl groups per glucose unit. Since there are seven glucose units in beta - cyclodextrin, if we have a low degree of substitution, say DS = 1, it means on average, there is one hydroxybutyl group on one of the seven glucose units. As the DS increases, more hydroxybutyl groups are attached to the glucose units, and the molecular weight goes up.

A common range for the degree of substitution of Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin in the market is around 3 - 5. When we calculate the molecular weight, we need to consider the atomic weights of the elements involved. A hydroxybutyl group (C₄H₉O) has a molecular weight of approximately 73.11 g/mol.

Let's do a rough calculation. If we assume a degree of substitution of 3:
The additional mass from the hydroxybutyl groups = 3 × 73.11 g/mol = 219.33 g/mol
Adding this to the molecular weight of beta - cyclodextrin (1134.98 g/mol), we get an approximate molecular weight of Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin of about 1134.98+219.33 = 1354.31 g/mol

Cationic CyclodextrinCationic cyclodextrin used in the printing and dyeing industry

However, in reality, due to the statistical nature of the substitution process, the actual molecular weight can vary within a certain range. Usually, the molecular weight of commercially available Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin is in the range of 1300 - 1800 g/mol, depending on the degree of substitution.

Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin has a wide range of applications. In the pharmaceutical industry, it's used as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs. The hydrophobic cavity can encapsulate the drug molecules, increasing their solubility in water and improving their bioavailability. In the food and beverage industry, it can be used to mask unpleasant tastes and odors, and also as a stabilizer for flavors and colors.

There are also other types of cyclodextrins that might interest you. For example, Cationic Cyclodextrin has unique properties due to its positive charge. It can be used in applications where electrostatic interactions are important, such as in some drug delivery systems.

Another interesting one is Hyperbranched Cyclodextrin. Its hyperbranched structure gives it a large surface area and multiple functional groups, which can be useful in areas like catalysis and adsorption.

And then there's Chlorpropanol Cyclodextrin. This type of cyclodextrin has specific chemical reactivity due to the presence of chloropropanol groups, and it can be used in some chemical synthesis and modification processes.

If you're in the market for Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin or any of these other cyclodextrins, we're here to help. We offer high - quality products with consistent molecular weights and properties. Whether you're a small - scale research lab or a large - scale industrial manufacturer, we can meet your needs. If you have any questions about our products, the molecular weights, or how they can be used in your specific applications, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to have a chat and discuss how we can work together to get you the best solutions.

So, if you're interested in purchasing Hydroxybutyl Beta Cyclodextrin or exploring other cyclodextrins we offer, start a conversation about procurement. We're ready to provide excellent service and products tailored to your requirements.

References

  • Cyclodextrin Chemistry: Preparation, Properties, and Application. CRC Press.
  • Pharmaceutical Applications of Cyclodextrins: Basic Science and Product Development. Springer.

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