The α- (alpha), β- (beta), and γ- (gamma) cyclodextrins correspond to six, seven, and eight glucose units, respectively.

The exterior surface of cyclodextrins is somewhat hydrophilic whereas the interior core is hydrophobic.

[2] γ-Cyclodextrins has the largest cavity size between natural cyclodextrin, thus, it is well-suited to accommodate larger biomolecules and other guests.

γ-Cyclodextrin is widely used in medicine, pharmacy, food industry, cosmetics, textiles.

To increase solubility, hydroxypropylated γ-cyclodextrin derivative (HPγCD) is obtained by treating the natural cyclodextrin with propylene oxide, and sulfobutylether γ-cyclodextrin (SBEγCD) by treating the natural CD with 1,4-butane sultone.