The conformation of mono-6-O-p-nitrobenzoyl-β-cyclodextrin was studied with B3LYP/6-311g**//PM3 calculations in vacuum and in water solution. It was concluded that the p-nitrobenzoyl group of the molecule should be located above the primary hydroxyls of the cyclodextrin instead of being completely enclosed by the cavity. It was proposed that the behavior might be caused by the requirement of a cis ester bond in the self-included conformation of the molecule. The conformation of mono-6-Op-nitrobenzoyl-β-cyclodextrin was studied with B3LYP / 6-311g ** // PM3 calculations in vacuum and in water solution. It was verified that the p-nitrobenzoyl group of the molecule should be located above the primary hydroxyls of the cyclodextrin instead of being completely enclosed by the cavity. It was proposed that the behavior might be caused by the requirement of a cis ester bond in the self-included conformation of the molecule.