a b s t r a c tThe formation of an inclusion complex between the sulfonated b-cyclodextrin (Sb-CD) with dopamine (DA) was confirmed using UV-vis measurements and NMR methods. It was also established that a 1:1 complex was formed between the Sb-CD and the DA, where the inclusion occurred predominantly through the aromatic ring of the DA and the hydrophobic CD cavity. The results also suggest that a change in the anion, of supporting electrolyte, had an influence on the DA-Sb-CD complexation while no change was observed for the cation.