Geraniol and alpha-terpineol are insoluble in water volatile compounds. alpha-Terpineol is a potentially important agent for medical applications. Formation of molecular complexes with p-cyclodextrin would lead to the increase of water solubility and bioavailability. beta-Cyclodextrin forms 2:2 inclusion complexes with both enantiomers of alpha-terpineol and their precursor geraniol. Solid state complexes are thoroughly characterized by single X-ray crystallography and their stability over vast range of temperatures is proven by TG analysis. Intermolecular host-guest, host-host and guest-guest interactions give good insight into the nature of formed inclusion complexes. Stability constants of the complexes in solution are determined by HPLC. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.