Encapsulation of a contrasting agent (closo-dodecaiodododecaborate) in HP-γ-CD prevents hemolysis

Na₂B₁₂I₁₂ has many of the properties desired by an X-ray contrast agent but is lethal at the concentrations needed for medical imaging. We demonstrate here that PBS solutions with >50 mM Na₂B₁₂I₁₂ induce hemolysis, consistent with the previously reported superchaotropic nature of the anion. The presence of <1 equiv. of 2-hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin prevents hemolysis and suggests a strategy for exploiting B₁₂I₁₂²⁻ as an X-ray contrast agent.

Sophia E. Hollowa and Timothy C. Johnstone (2022) Encapsulation of closo-dodecaiodododecaborate in 2-hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin prevents hemolysis. Chem. Commun. First published19 Jan 2022. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CC06348K