An alpha-cyclodextrin protected with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl groups on the primary alcohols and ordinary benzyl groups on the secondary alcohols was prepared and subjected to DIBAL (diisobutylaluminum hydride)-promoted selective debenzylation. Debenzylation proceeded by first removing two dichlorobenzyl groups from the 6A,D positions and then removing one or two benzyl groups from the 3A,D positions.