Density functional theory, UV absorption, and Raman spectroscopy are used to investigate the structure and properties of TDO in aqueous solution. The equilibrium structures, UV absorption spectra, interaction energies, and Raman spectroscopy data of TDO, AIMSA, and 12 TDO or AIMSA clusters are calculated. Raman spectroscopy experiments are carried out by 488 and 208 nm laser excitation. The Raman spectra of TDO in solid and aqueous phases have been compared, and the most possible structure for TDO in aqueous phase was deduced from analysis of the DFT calculations for the examined models, the experimental UV absorption spectrum, and Raman spectra of TDO. The interaction energy results show that TDO's solubility in water is originated from the TDO-water cyclic oligomer. The calculated UV absorption and Raman spectra of the I-2 center dot 2H(2)O-cyc cluster model agree with the experimental results of TDO in aqueous solution very well.