Abstract
Cyclodextrins (CDs) are oligosaccharides consisting of cyclic α(1,4)-linked glucopyranose subunits. They have cage-like three-dimensional structures. CDs have many applications due to their ability to form inclusion complexes. This review has addressed the historical background of CD discovery and highlighted the chemical and physical properties of cyclodextrins. In addition, the paper has also discussed the roles of CDs in supramolecular chemistry, the mechanisms involved in their formation of inclusion complexes, the techniques involved in characterizing inclusion complexes, and the applications of CDs in various fields.