Ce travail a été effectué dans le cadre d’une convention de cotutelle entre les Universités de Corse et d’Antananarivo. Il a contribué à la caractérisation de cinq Plantes de Madagascar à travers la composition chimique de leurs huiles essentielles (HE). Quatre plantes aromatiques et médicinales (Cymbopogon giganteus var. madagascariensis, Tana bojeriana, Croton kimosorum et Croton sp.) poussent à l’état spontané dans la région sub-aride du sud-ouest de Madagascar (Toliara) alors que l’espèce Vepris madagascarica est présente dans la forêt dense humide du nord-est (Vohémar). Ainsi, nous avons étudié par combinaison CPG (IR), CPG-SM et RMN 13C la composition chimique d’huiles essentielles obtenues par hydrodistillation (appareil type Clevenger) et par entraînement à la vapeur d’eau (Alambic).Les huiles essentielles de Cymbopogon giganteus Chiov. var. madagascariensis (A. Camus) ou Ahibero possèdent une composition chimique comparable avec celles des espèces Cymbopogon giganteus Chiov. africaines décrites dans la littérature. Elles sont dominées par les quatre menthadiénols (cis- et trans-p-mentha-1(7),8-dièn-2-ol, cis- et trans-p-mentha-2,8-dièn-1-ol) et le limonène. Nous avons aussi identifié quatre hydropéroxydes possédant le squelette p-menthane. Une monographie de l’huile essentielle d’Ahibero a été proposée à l’intention des utilisateurs de cette huile essentielle.La composition chimique de l’HE de Tana bojeriana Baker est caractérisée par la présence majoritaire de l’-phellandrène (30,4%), de la carvone (22,3%), du limonène (13,3%) et du dill éther (7,7%). Cette composition chimique apparait très proche de celle d’Anethum graveolens (Apiaceae). La présence du trans-p-menth-2-èn-1,6-diol et du p-mentha-1(7),2-dièn-6-ol lui confère une certaine originalité Elle pourrait donc constituer une alternative aux huiles essentielles qui sont bien implantées sur le marché des Plantes Aromatiques et Médicinales (PAM).La composition chimique de l’HE de feuilles de Vepris madagascarica (Baill.) H. Perrier est caractérisée par une très forte teneur en (E)-anéthole (78,2%). L’étude comparative de la composition chimique des huiles essentielles de feuilles (fraîches et séchées) et d’écorces de tronc confirme la prédominance du (E)-anéthole (69,5 à 84,6%). Compte tenu de la répartition restreinte de cette plante aromatique et en vue d’une gestion durable de cette espèce, son exploitation devrait être limitée aux huiles essentielles des feuilles qui pourraient ainsi constituer une source de (E)-anéthole, composé très utilisé en agro-alimentaire.Deux espèces de Croton endémiques de Madagascar ont été étudiées, Croton kimosorum Leandri (Zanapoly ou Napoly) et Croton sp. (Andriambolamena ou Riamena). Les huiles essentielles de ces deux plantes aromatiques et médicinales sont caractérisées par la présence du linalol (Zanapoly) et du limonène(Andriambolamena). La première HE est caractérisée par une majorité de composés oxygénés tandis que la seconde est dominée par les composés oléfiniques monoterpéniques. Dans les deux cas, de nombreux sesquiterpènes oxygénés ont été identifiés. Parmi eux, l’épi--bisabolol, jamais décrit dans une HE du genre Croton, est trouvé pour la première fois dans les deux espèces. / This study was conducted under an agreement of co-supervision between the Universities of Antananarivo (Madagascar) and Corsica (France). It contributed to the characterization of five malagasy plants through the chemical composition of their essential oils (EO). Four aromatic and medicinal plants: Cymbopogon giganteus var. madagascariensis, Tana bojeriana, Croton kimosorum and Croton sp. grow wild in the south-western region of Madagascar (Toliara) whereas the species Vepris madagascarica is widespread in the rainforest of the north-eastern region (Vohémar). The identification of components of EOs produced by hydrodistillation (Clevenger type apparatus) and by steam distillation (Alembic) has been obtained by combination of GC (RI), GC-MS and 13C NMR.Cymbopogon giganteus Chiov. var. madagascariensis (A. Camus) EO or Ahibero EO of Madagascar has similar chemical composition with Cymbopogon giganteus Chiov. african species described in literature. Its chemical composition is dominated by four p-menthadienols (cis- and trans-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, cis- and trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol) and limonene. Moreover, four peroxides derivatives bearing the p-menthane skeleton were also identified. A monography has been proposed to Ahibero EO users.Tana bojeriana Baker EO is characterized by the predominance of -phellandrene (30.4%), carvone (22.3%), limonene (13.3%) and dill ether (7.7%). The chemical composition of this EO was very close to that of Anetum graveolens (Apiaceae family), constituents. The presence of trans-p-menth-2-en-1,6-diol and p-mentha-1(7) ,2-dien-6-ol, gives some originality to Tana bojeriana EO. It could be therefore an alternative for essential oils that are already well established on the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants market.The chemical composition of Vepris madagascarica (Baill.) H. Perrier leaf EO is characterized by a high content of (E)-anethole (78.2%). The comparative study of the chemical composition of leaves (fresh and dried) and bark trunk EOs confirmed the predominance of (E)-anethole (69.5 to 84.6%). Taking account of the restricted distribution of this aromatic plant and the need for sustainable management of this species, its potential use would be limited to leaf oil and could be a source for this compound widely used in food industry.Two species of Croton endemic from Madagascar were studied, Croton kimosorum Leandri (Zanapoly or Napoly) and Croton sp. (Andriambolamena or Riamena). Both aromatic and medicinal plants EOs are characterized by the presence of linalool (Zanapoly) and limonene (Andriambolamena). Croton kimosorum is characterized by a majority of oxygenated compounds, while the second is dominated by hydrocarbon monoterpenes. In both cases, several oxygenated sesquiterpenes are identified. Among these, the epi--bisabolol, never reported in of Croton EOs, was found for the first time in both species.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Changes in land use can take into soil chemical and physical quality degradation. In the hillside areas of the Rio Grande do Sul State (RS) land degradation vulnerability is elevated, due to the combination of a strong undulated to mountainous relief and shallow soils. The general purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical and physical attributes of soils located in the Sul-riograndense Plateau Border under different land uses. Two representative sites of the Plateau Border, characterized by steep slope areas with prevalence of family farms, were selected (Silveira Martins county (SM) and São João do Polêsine county (SJ)), and also a transition area situated between the Plateau Border and the Medium Plateau (Júlio de Castilhos county (JC)). In SM soil samples were collected in areas of no-tillage (PD), tillage (PC), reforestation (RF) and native forest (MN). In SJ soil samples were collected under native forest (MN), secondary forest (MS), old cropping (LV), new cropping (LN) and abandoned cropping (LA) areas. In JC the samples were collected under native forest (MN), native prairie (CN) and no-tillage (PD) areas. Samples were collected from 0 to 10cm and from 10 to 20cm. Modifications were observed in soil chemical and physical attributes due to the different land uses when compared to the native forest. In systems that do not receive constant external additions, a decrease in soil chemical fertility was observed. Soil organic matter content decreased as the land use intensity increased. C-O-alquyl was the carbon group that presented the largest contribution in the spectra of 13C NMR, independent of the land use system. The main physical alterations observed were the decreases of soil macroporosity, total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity and the increase in soil density when compared to soil natural conditions. Soil aggregation parameters did not show to be good indexes to identify changes due to the land use in this study. / As mudanças na utilização das terras podem levar à degradação da qualidade química e física do solo. Nas áreas de encosta do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) a vulnerabilidade à degradação das terras é elevada, devido a combinação de relevo forte ondulado a montanhoso e solos com pequena profundidade efetiva. O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi avaliar as características químicas e físicas do solo de áreas situadas no Rebordo do Planalto na região central do RS, sob diferentes usos da terra. Para isso foram selecionadas duas áreas representativas da região denominada Rebordo do Planalto, caracterizada por áreas de encosta com predomínio da agricultura familiar em pequena escala (Silveira Martins (SM) e São João do Polêsine (SJ)) e uma área de transição entre o Rebordo do Planalto e o Planalto Médio (Júlio de Castilhos (JC)). Em SM foram coletadas amostras de solo no sistema de plantio direto (PD), plantio convencional (PC), reflorestamento (RF) e mata nativa (MN). Em SJ foram coletadas amostras de solo sob os usos na mata nativa (MN), mata secundária (MS), lavoura velha (LV), lavoura nova (LN) e lavoura abandonada (LA). Em JC as amostras foram coletadas em áreas de mata nativa (MN), campo nativo (CN) e plantio direto (PD). As amostras foram coletadas na profundidade de 0-10 e 10-20 cm. Através dos resultados obtidos, observaram-se modificações nas características químicas e físicas do solo em função dos diferentes usos da terra, ao comparar com a mata nativa. Em sistemas que não recebem adições constantes de fontes externas, ocorreu uma depressão da fertilidade química. A matéria orgânica do solo teve diminuição nos teores, conforme aumentou a intensidade de uso da terra. O grupo C-O-alquil foi o grupo de carbono que apresentou a maior contribuição nos espectros de RMN 13C, independente do sistema de uso da terra. As principais alterações físicas ocorridas em comparação com as condições naturais do solo, foram diminuições da macroporosidade, porosidade total e condutividade hidráulica saturada e aumento na densidade do solo. Os parâmetros de agregação do solo, neste trabalho, não se mostraram como bons índices de avaliação para identificar mudanças em função dos diferentes usos da terra.

L’utilisation de molécules issues d’une synthèse maîtrisée est une approche très intéressante pour les biologistes car elle met à leur disposition des molécules bien caractérisées et d’une grande pureté. Dans un premier temps, nous avons synthétisé des triglycérides structurés. Ce sont des molécules lipidiques dans lesquelles les acides gras d’intérêt sont estérifiés sur le squelette glycérol en position connue. Les acides gras introduits appartiennent à la série oméga 3 (acides linolénique (ALA), eicosapentaènoique (EPA) et docosahexaènoique (DHA). Ils sont estérifiés spécifiquement en position interne ou externes car la biodisponibilité des lipides alimentaires, apportés sous forme de triglycérides, varie en fonction de la position de l’acide gras sur le squelette glycérol. L’utilisation de ces lipides structurés a été validée par des études de biodisponibilité, in vivo, chez le rat, qui ont montré que l’ALA était très bien assimilé quelle que soit sa position sur le glycérol. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons synthétisé un acide a-linolénique fluorescent, sous forme d’ester méthylique, pour obtenir in fine un TG fluorescent. Celui-ci nous permettra suivre, par imagerie, le devenir de l’ALA dans des cellules en culture, modèles de la barrière intestinale. Les différentes molécules synthétisées sont apparues comme un outil fondamental permettant de mieux connaître le devenir métabolique des triglycérides dans l’organisme. / Biologists are very interested in the use of molecules obtained by a well-controlled synthesis because such molecules are well characterized and of high purity. First, we synthesized pure structured triglycerides in other words lipid molecules in which fatty acids are esterified onto a known position of the glycerol backbone. The introduced polyunsaturated fatty acids belong to the omega 3 series (linolenic (LNA),eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA acids). As the bioavailability of lipids depends upon their position on the glycerol skeleton , we prepared triglycerides esterified with omega 3 fatty acids either qt one of the external positions or at the internal one. The use of these structured lipids was validated byr in vivo studies on rats that showed a good assimilation of LNA whatever its position was. Secondly, we synthesized an ? linolenic acid as methyl ester labeled with a fluorophore To obtain in fine a fluorescent triglyceride. This last one will be use for the spatio-temporal follow-up, in culture cell, of the LNA. The synthesized molecules are a promising tool to better understand the triglycerides’ metabolism in the human being.

The work presented in this thesis has two parts. The first part deals with methodological developments in the area of solid-state NMR, relevant to the study of partially ordered systems. Liquid crystals are best examples of such partially ordered systems and they are easily oriented by the magnetic field used for the NMR study. They provide spectra rich in information useful for the study of structure and dynamic s of the oriented molecule. Dipolar couplings and anisotropic chemical shifts are relatively easy to obtain for these systems. However, the methodologies used for extracting the required information are constantly undergoing change, with newer ideas being used for optimal use of the technique and increasing the sensitivity of the methodology. In this thesis, existing methods used for obtaining dipolar couplings from oriented liquid crystalline samples are examined in detail and conditions for optimal use of the methods are investigated. Different approaches for enhancing the sensitivity of the techniques are also proposed. Estimation of chemical shift anisotropy of carbons for a molecule that is used as a building block for several mesogens has been obtained and its utility for estimating the order parameters of the system have been examined. The second part of the thesis deals with the application of solid state NMR methods to the study of a number of novel liquid crystalline systems and for the estimation of dynamics, order and orientation of the mesogenic molecules in the magnetic field. Chapter-2 deals with a detailed and systematic study to improve the sensitivity of cross-polarization based separated local field (SLF) NMR spectroscopy techniques such as PISEMA(Polarization Inversion Spin Exchange at the Magic Angle) and PDLF(Pro-ton Detected Local Field). The chapter has been further divided into three sections. Section-A describes the optimization procedure for cross-polarization period for reducing zero-frequency peaks in SLF experiments. Polarization Inversion(PI) is one of the important components of PISEMA and plays a crucial role in enhancing the dipolar cross-peaks and suppressing the axial-peaks. Shortening this period has the advantage of less r.f. power input into the system, thus less susceptibility to sample heating. Therefore it is crucial to arrive at the optimum condition for which maximum sensitivity and resolution are obtained. A detailed experimental investigation of the role of the initial po1arization period has been carried out for two different samples of static oriented liquid crystalline material at two different temperatures and a contact time of 2ms has been found to be optimal for such samples. Insection-B of this chapter, the initial preparation period of the experiment is considered as a possible means of increasing the sensitivity of the experiment. Thus the use of cross-polarization via the dipolar bath by the use of a diabatic demagnetization in the rotating frame(ADRF-CP) has been proposed to be incorporated into PISEMA. To understand the CP dynamics, magnetization in double-and zero-quantum reservoirs of an ensemble of spin-1/2 nuclei and their role in determining the sensitivity the experiments have been theoretically examined. Experimentally, a modification incorporating ADRF-CP is shown to result in enhancement of signal-to-noise by as much as 90% in the case of rigid single crystals of a model peptide and up to 50% in non-rigid, partially ordered liquid crystalline systems. In section-C another useful SLF technique known as PDLF spectroscopy has also been examined. In this case a sweep of one of the r.f. amplitudes(RAMP-CP),rather than ADRF is found to work well. The reason for the different behaviours has been discussed. Chapter-3 highlights two experimental approaches used to extract the chemical shift anisotropy(CSA) tensor information from rotating solids. Section-A is devoted to the measurement of the CSA values of thiophene by using MAS side band analysis, by extracting the principal values from the intensities of just a few spinning side bands. Experiments have been performed on thiophene-2 carboxylic acid and thiophene-3 carboxylic acid samples and the carbon CSA values have been obtained. In section-B, CSA values of carbons of the core unit of the liquid crystal4- hexyloxybenzoic acid (HBA) have been obtained by using the recoupling pulse sequence SUPER(Separation of Undistorted Powder patterns by Effortless Recoupling).HBA belongs to an important class of thermotropic liquid crystals which are structurally simple and often used as starting materials for many novel mesogens. As this molecule could serve as an ideal model compound, high resolution13C NMR studies of HBA in solution, solid and liquid crystalline phases have been also undertaken. The CSA values obtained from the 2D SUPER experiment showed good agreement to those computed by DFT calculations. The CSA values were used for obtaining the order parameter of the system at different temperatures. These matched well the order parameter obtained from the 13C-1 H dipolar couplings in the nematic phase determined by SLF spectroscopy at various temperatures. A knowledge of the CSA of the carbons is thus very useful, as they can be used for gaining knowledge about the system from the chemical shifts obtained from a simple 1D spectrum. In chapter-4, 1-and 2-dimensional13CNMR techniques have been utilized to obtain extensive information about some novel mesogenic molecules. Four molecules of different structure and topology have been taken up for study. These molecules have the following features. Mesogen-1 has a terminal hydroxyl group. Such systems with further modification can result in mesogenic monomers for side chain liquid crystalline polymers. Mesogen-2 has a dimethyl amino group at one end and has three phenyl groups connected by appropriate linking units that form the core. In the third case, mesogen-3, the terminal hydroxyl group of mesogen-1 is replaced with a hydrogen such that13C-1 H dipolar couplings provide directly information on molecular ordering and orientation. In the fourth case, mesogen-4, the core is built with four phenyl rings. Here the fourth ring is linked to other three rings via a flexible chain unit. In each of these cases the 2DSLFNMR experiments have been carried out where13C-1 H dipolar couplings as well as13C chemical shifts were used for obtaining the order parameters of various segments of the molecule. The data provide useful insight into the phase behaviour, ordering and orientation of the molecules. Chapter-5 discusses the applications of the natural abundance 13CNMR techniques to thiophene based mesogens, that have the potential for use in molecular electronics material. Typically, these molecules consist of phenyl rings appropriately connected by linking units with thiophene. Different core units as well as different linking units to thiophene have been considered. The six mesogens thus obtained have been investigated in detail using 1D and 2D NMR methods.13C-1 H dipolar couplings have been used to obtain ordering information, that show interesting correlation to the molecular orientation and dynamics.

Les produits issus de la biomasse végétale connaissent depuis quelques années un succès grandissant dans de nombreuses industries (aromathérapie, cosmétique, parfums, etc.). L’objectif de notre étude était, d’une part de contribuer au développement des méthodes d’identification et de quantification des constituants des mélanges naturels par RMN 13C et RMN 1H (par exemple le squalène dans l’huile d’olive), et d’autre part, de contribuer à la caractérisation chimique de deux conifères introduits en Corse, le pin d’Alep (huile essentielle) et le cèdre de l’Atlas (huile essentielle, huile pyrolytique et résine).La première partie concerne la quantification du squalène présent dans l’huile d’olive. En effet, ce triterpène linéaire participe à la stabilité oxydative de l’huile d’olive et joue un rôle important dans la réduction des risques de certains cancers. Il s’agissait de mettre au point un protocole expérimental basé sur la RMN 1H ou 13C en utilisant un appareil de routine (9,4 Tesla). La quantification par RMN 13C s’est avérée fiable et elle a été appliquée à la quantification du squalène dans 25 échantillons d’huile d’olive de Corse.La seconde partie de nos travaux concerne la caractérisation chimique de l’huile essentielle de pin d’Alep introduit dans trois stations de Corse (Capo di Feno, Saleccia et Tre Padule de Suartone). L’analyse détaillée de l’huile essentielle de cônes, par combinaison des techniques chromatographiques et spectroscopiques, a permis d’identifier 48 composés. La composition chimique est largement dominée par les monoterpènes (Alpha-pinène et myrcène) et un sesquiterpène oléfinique ((E)-Béta-caryophyllène). La RMN 13C a permis d’identifier divers diterpènes, dont le 8,12-époxy-14-labdèn-13-ol. Ce composé est décrit pour la première fois dans l’huile essentielle de pin d’Alep. L’analyse de 15 échantillons d’huile essentielle de cônes a mis en évidence trois types de compositions : Alpha-pinène ; myrcène ; Alpha-pinène/myrcène. Enfin, l’analyse de 47 échantillons d’huile essentielle d’aiguilles, associée à un traitement statistique des données (ACP, AFD), a permis de mettre en évidence une variabilité chimique intraspécifique. Ainsi, les échantillons se répartissent en trois groupes selon leur teneur en (E)-Béta-caryophyllène (groupe I), en E-Béta-caryophyllène/Alpha-pinène/myrcène (groupe II) et en myrcène (groupe III).La dernière partie a été consacrée à l’étude de Cedrus atlantica. L’analyse détaillée d’une huile essentielle commerciale (du Maroc) a permis d’identifier 20 constituants, les composés majoritaires sont les Alpha-, Béta- et Gamma-himachalène. Par ailleurs, 7 composés absents de notre bibliothèque de données spectrales ont été identifiés par RMN 13C. Les compositions chimiques des huiles pyrolytiques artisanales du Maroc sont également dominées par les himachalènes et la (E)-Alpha-atlantone. Enfin, nous avons réalisé l’analyse qualitative et quantitative par RMN 13C, sans séparation préalable, de 28 échantillons de résine de C. atlantica récoltés dans les 5 forêts de Corse référencées par l’ONF (Bavella, Bonifato, Ospedale, Pineta et Vizzavona). A côté des acides résiniques, nous avons également identifié 3 lignanes (pinorésinol, laricirésinol et 9-acétate de laricirésinol). Pour l’ensemble de ces composés, nous avons mis en évidence trois types chimiques. Enfin, nous avons mis au point et validé un protocole expérimental de quantification des lignanes par RMN 1H. / Natural products isolated from plants acquired, in recent years, a growing success in many industries (aromatherapy, cosmetic, perfumes). The objective of our study was to contribute, on the one hand, to the development of methods involving 13C and 1H NMR for the identification and quantification of the components of natural mixtures, and on the other hand, to the chemical characterization of two conifers brought to Corsica, Aleppo pine (essential oil) and atlas cedar (essential oil, pyrolysis oil and resins).The first part concerned the quantification of squalene present in olive oil. Indeed, linear triterpene participated in the oxidative stability of olive oil and play an important role by decreasing some kind of cancers risks. It’s deal with to elaborate an experimental part based on NMR 1H and 13C by using routine apparatus (9.4 Tesla). Quantification by NMR 13C is reliable and have been applied to squalene quantification in 25 samples of Corsican olive oil.The second part of our work concerned the chemical characterization of the essential oil of Aleppo pine brought to Corsica in three different stations (Capo di Feno, Saleccia and Tre Padule de Suartone). A detailed analysis of cone essential oil, using the combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, leads to the identification of 48 compounds. Chemical composition is extensively dominated by monoterpens (Alpha-pinene and myrcene) and one olefinic sesquiterpen ((E)-Béta-caryophyllene). 13C NMR allowed to the identification of various diterpens, particularly the 8,12-epoxy-14-labden-13-ol. This compound is described for the first time in aleppo pine essential oil. Fifteen samples of cone essential oil were analysed allowing differentiating three kinds of compositions: Alpha-pinene; myrcene; Alpha-pinene/myrcene. Finally, analysis of 47 samples of needles essential oil, associated with statistical treatment of the results (PCA and PFA), suggested the occurrence of an intraspecific chemical variability. Samples are divided into three groups, based on their high contents in (E)-Béta-caryophyllene (groupe I), in (E)-Béta-caryophyllene/Alpha-pinene/myrcene (groupe II) and in myrcene (groupe III).The last part concerned the study of Cedrus atlantica. A detailed analysis of commercial essential oil leads to the identification of 20 constituents. Main compounds are Alpha-, Béta- and Gamma-himachalene. Moreover, seven compounds, not yet referenced in our home-made NMR spectral data library, were identified by NMR 13C. Chemical compositions of handwork pyrolysis oils from Morocco were also dominated by the himachalene’s and (E)--atlantone. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 28 samples of Cedrus atlantica resins, obtained from the five Corsican forests referenced by the Office National des Forêts of Corsica (Bavella, Bonifato, Ospedale, Pineta and Vizzavona) have been done, without any step of chromatography. Beside resinic acids, we have been identified three lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol and lariciresinol-9-acetate). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of these compounds, leads to the occurrence of three types of chemical composition. Finally, we have developed and validated a method for quantification of lignans by 1H NMR.

<p>  </p> <p>Organic synthesis is the application of one or more reactions to the preparation of a particular target molecule, and can pertain to a single-step transformation or to a number of sequential chemical steps depicted by a scheme overall. The selection of a reaction or series of reactions while considering chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivities in addition to protecting group strategies & redox manipulations highlights the complexity in designing & executing a synthetic plan while making a judgement about what is the most effective and efficient plan to synthesize any given chemical compound among numerous available options. To this end, chemical synthesis is the unifying theme of this thesis & was utilized and strategically applied to construct increasingly complex and diverse molecular architectures. </p> <p>Being the precise science that organic chemistry is, this discipline extends into many areas such as technology, biology & medicine, and even into the fine arts since it fosters unparalleled creativity and imagination in its practice. Research foci in chemical synthesis can encompass both the discovery and development of powerful reactions and the invention of strategies for the construction of defined target molecules, natural or man-made, more or less complex. Studies in the former area, synthetic methodology, fuel and enable studies in the latter area, target molecule and total synthesis campaigns, where the latter area offers a testing ground for the former. Consequently, the bulk of this research work is in organic methodology and will be covered in greater depth during chapters 2 and 3 where strategies, optimizations, & analyses are elaborated upon in light of searching & navigating the vast body of chemical literature in an effort to broaden and strengthen one's laboratory expertise as a synthetic chemist. Lastly, chapter 4 focuses not on traditional synthesis but on organic structure analysis relying on various techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) and/or X-ray crystallography to hypothesize and confirm established structures, specifically phenolic oligomers. An ability to use spectroscopic data to evaluate organic structures by combining practical experience with fundamental knowledge will serve as a hallmark skill in one’s ability to problem-solve as an organic chemist.</p>

Este projeto nasceu inserido num contexto de crescentes pesquisas em direção à construção de um cabedal de conhecimento acerca das ciências ambientais que tratam e estudam a dinâmica dos reservatórios de carbono e suas contribuições para o Efeito Estufa. Extrapolações de novos mapas digitalizados de solos sugerem que os espodossolos hidromórficos da Amazônia podem estar com uma contagem de carbono subestimada em até 12,3 Pg de C e trabalhos anteriores mostram que o carbono imobilizado neste perfil pode sofrer mineralização devido ao corte na rede de drenagem ou rebaixamento do nível freático, podendo assim contribuir em grande parte para o aumento de emissão dos Gases do Efeito Estufa. Nesta circunstância, coube a este trabalho, caracterizar espectroscopicamente, a matéria orgânica estocada em profundidade em 9 perfis de solo da região de São Gabriel da Cachoeira - AM, na floresta amazônica. Foram analisadas 127 amostras em quantidade de carbono e por fluorescência induzida por laser (FIL). A partir destas análises preliminares, foi possível selecionar 12 amostras de 2 perfis para análise mais detalhada através da extração das substâncias húmicas. Foram realizadas análises para obtenção da textura destes perfis, análise dos ácidos húmicos como relação C/N, espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR), RMN de 13C no estado sólido, fluorescências bidimensional e tridimensional com aplicação do método estatístico análise dos fatores paralelos (PARAFAC) e também análise dos ácidos fúlvicos como carbono orgânico total (TOC), espectroscopia na região do ultra-violeta e visível e fluorescência 3D associada ao PARAFAC. Em geral, as amostras se dividiram em 3 grupos diferentes, onde a matéria orgânica em superfície se mostrou lábil e recente, a matéria orgânica nos horizontes B húmicos se mostraram com características recalcitrantes e a matéria orgânica contida nos horizontes onde existia água livre (lençol freático), se mostraram com características diferentes, indicando não serem tão jovens quanto as em superfície, porém mais jovens do que a armazenada no Bh, devido a uma possível migração por movimentos laterais do lençol freático. A correlação entre os resultados mostrou que a textura do solo é importante para o acúmulo da matéria orgânica e conseqüentemente sua humificação. Os resultados de fluorescência corroboraram a interpretação dos dados de RMN, FTIR e textura, apontando que o Perfil 4 (mais próximo ao rio) por ter C2 maior nos horizontes intermediários, contém maior quantidade de exsudatos microbianos frescos. Para o Perfil 5, que é uma mancha de Espodossolo dentro de um Latossolo e encontra-se mais longe do rio, os fluoróforos mais representativos são oriundos de anéis aromáticos mais antigos e conseqüentemente mais humificados, devido às maiores intensidades de C1 e C3. Vale ressaltar que esta interpretação se alinha com os resultados de datação do 14C desta região. Foi notório que a humificação ocorre a partir do começo do horizonte Bh e que seu acúmulo pode ocorrer tanto nos horizontes intermediários (Bh) quanto mais os profundos (úmidos). Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que uma drenagem excessiva das bordas dos rios nesta região que acumula carbono em profundidade, poderá expor a MO guardada e estocada a longo tempo, contribuindo para o aumento da temperatura global e por conseguinte catalisando um desequilíbrio no clima da sua maior reguladora no mundo: a Floresta Amazônica. / This project was born inserted in a context of increasing research towards building knowledge about environmental science that treat and study the dynamics of carbon reservoirs and their contribution to the greenhouse. Extrapolation of new digital soil maps suggests that Amazonian hydromorphic Spodosols may be with a carbon accounting underestimated by up to 12.3 Pg of C and previous work show that the carbon fixed in this profile may suffer mineralization due to the cut in the drainage network or lowering of the water level and can contribute largely to the increased emission of greenhouse gas. In this circumstance, it was instructed to this work, the spectroscopic characterization, of the stored organic matter in depth at 9 soil profiles of São Gabriel da Cachoeira - AM, in the Amazon rainforest. 127 samples were analyzed for amount of carbon and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). From these preliminary analyzes, it was possible to select 12 samples of 2 profiles for humic substances extraction and further detailed analysis. Analyzes were conducted to obtain the texture of these profiles, analysis of humic acids as C/N ratio, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), solid state 13C NMR, two and three dimensional fluorescence with applying of the Parallel factors analysis (PARAFAC) statistical method and also fulvic acid analysis as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), ultra-violet and visible region spectroscopy and 3D fluorescence associated with PARAFAC. In general, the samples were divided into 3 different groups, wherein the surface organic matter evinced labile and recent. The B humic horizons organic matter proved recalcitrant characteristics and organic matter contained in horizons which had free water (groundwater), showed different characteristic, indicating they are not so young as the surface, but younger than stored in Bh, because of possible migration by lateral movements of the water table. The correlation between the results showed that soil texture is important for the accumulation of organic matter and therefore its humification. The fluorescence results confirmed the interpretation of the NMR, FTIR and texture datas, indicating that the profile 4 (closest to the river), presenting major C2 in intermediate horizons, contains larger amount of fresh microbial exudates. To profile 5, which is a Spodosol spot within a Ferrasol and is thither from the river, the most representative fluorophores came from older aromatic rings and therefore is more humified, due to higher intensities C1 and C3. It is noteworthy that this interpretation is in accord with the results of 14C dating of samples from this region. It was clear that the humification occurs from the beginning of the Bh horizon and their accumulation can occur both in the intermediate horizons (Bh) and in deeper (wet). Thus, it can be concluded that excessive drainage of the edges of rivers in this region that collects carbon in depth, may expose the OM stored for long time, contributing to increase the overall temperature and therefore catalyzing an imbalance in the climate of the biggest regulatory of it in the world: the Amazon rainforest.

Este projeto nasceu inserido num contexto de crescentes pesquisas em direção à construção de um cabedal de conhecimento acerca das ciências ambientais que tratam e estudam a dinâmica dos reservatórios de carbono e suas contribuições para o Efeito Estufa. Extrapolações de novos mapas digitalizados de solos sugerem que os espodossolos hidromórficos da Amazônia podem estar com uma contagem de carbono subestimada em até 12,3 Pg de C e trabalhos anteriores mostram que o carbono imobilizado neste perfil pode sofrer mineralização devido ao corte na rede de drenagem ou rebaixamento do nível freático, podendo assim contribuir em grande parte para o aumento de emissão dos Gases do Efeito Estufa. Nesta circunstância, coube a este trabalho, caracterizar espectroscopicamente, a matéria orgânica estocada em profundidade em 9 perfis de solo da região de São Gabriel da Cachoeira - AM, na floresta amazônica. Foram analisadas 127 amostras em quantidade de carbono e por fluorescência induzida por laser (FIL). A partir destas análises preliminares, foi possível selecionar 12 amostras de 2 perfis para análise mais detalhada através da extração das substâncias húmicas. Foram realizadas análises para obtenção da textura destes perfis, análise dos ácidos húmicos como relação C/N, espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR), RMN de 13C no estado sólido, fluorescências bidimensional e tridimensional com aplicação do método estatístico análise dos fatores paralelos (PARAFAC) e também análise dos ácidos fúlvicos como carbono orgânico total (TOC), espectroscopia na região do ultra-violeta e visível e fluorescência 3D associada ao PARAFAC. Em geral, as amostras se dividiram em 3 grupos diferentes, onde a matéria orgânica em superfície se mostrou lábil e recente, a matéria orgânica nos horizontes B húmicos se mostraram com características recalcitrantes e a matéria orgânica contida nos horizontes onde existia água livre (lençol freático), se mostraram com características diferentes, indicando não serem tão jovens quanto as em superfície, porém mais jovens do que a armazenada no Bh, devido a uma possível migração por movimentos laterais do lençol freático. A correlação entre os resultados mostrou que a textura do solo é importante para o acúmulo da matéria orgânica e conseqüentemente sua humificação. Os resultados de fluorescência corroboraram a interpretação dos dados de RMN, FTIR e textura, apontando que o Perfil 4 (mais próximo ao rio) por ter C2 maior nos horizontes intermediários, contém maior quantidade de exsudatos microbianos frescos. Para o Perfil 5, que é uma mancha de Espodossolo dentro de um Latossolo e encontra-se mais longe do rio, os fluoróforos mais representativos são oriundos de anéis aromáticos mais antigos e conseqüentemente mais humificados, devido às maiores intensidades de C1 e C3. Vale ressaltar que esta interpretação se alinha com os resultados de datação do 14C desta região. Foi notório que a humificação ocorre a partir do começo do horizonte Bh e que seu acúmulo pode ocorrer tanto nos horizontes intermediários (Bh) quanto mais os profundos (úmidos). Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que uma drenagem excessiva das bordas dos rios nesta região que acumula carbono em profundidade, poderá expor a MO guardada e estocada a longo tempo, contribuindo para o aumento da temperatura global e por conseguinte catalisando um desequilíbrio no clima da sua maior reguladora no mundo: a Floresta Amazônica. / This project was born inserted in a context of increasing research towards building knowledge about environmental science that treat and study the dynamics of carbon reservoirs and their contribution to the greenhouse. Extrapolation of new digital soil maps suggests that Amazonian hydromorphic Spodosols may be with a carbon accounting underestimated by up to 12.3 Pg of C and previous work show that the carbon fixed in this profile may suffer mineralization due to the cut in the drainage network or lowering of the water level and can contribute largely to the increased emission of greenhouse gas. In this circumstance, it was instructed to this work, the spectroscopic characterization, of the stored organic matter in depth at 9 soil profiles of São Gabriel da Cachoeira - AM, in the Amazon rainforest. 127 samples were analyzed for amount of carbon and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). From these preliminary analyzes, it was possible to select 12 samples of 2 profiles for humic substances extraction and further detailed analysis. Analyzes were conducted to obtain the texture of these profiles, analysis of humic acids as C/N ratio, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), solid state 13C NMR, two and three dimensional fluorescence with applying of the Parallel factors analysis (PARAFAC) statistical method and also fulvic acid analysis as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), ultra-violet and visible region spectroscopy and 3D fluorescence associated with PARAFAC. In general, the samples were divided into 3 different groups, wherein the surface organic matter evinced labile and recent. The B humic horizons organic matter proved recalcitrant characteristics and organic matter contained in horizons which had free water (groundwater), showed different characteristic, indicating they are not so young as the surface, but younger than stored in Bh, because of possible migration by lateral movements of the water table. The correlation between the results showed that soil texture is important for the accumulation of organic matter and therefore its humification. The fluorescence results confirmed the interpretation of the NMR, FTIR and texture datas, indicating that the profile 4 (closest to the river), presenting major C2 in intermediate horizons, contains larger amount of fresh microbial exudates. To profile 5, which is a Spodosol spot within a Ferrasol and is thither from the river, the most representative fluorophores came from older aromatic rings and therefore is more humified, due to higher intensities C1 and C3. It is noteworthy that this interpretation is in accord with the results of 14C dating of samples from this region. It was clear that the humification occurs from the beginning of the Bh horizon and their accumulation can occur both in the intermediate horizons (Bh) and in deeper (wet). Thus, it can be concluded that excessive drainage of the edges of rivers in this region that collects carbon in depth, may expose the OM stored for long time, contributing to increase the overall temperature and therefore catalyzing an imbalance in the climate of the biggest regulatory of it in the world: the Amazon rainforest.

Soil organic matter (OM) is a complex mixture of compounds, mainly derived from plants and microbes at various states of decay. It is part of the global carbon cycle and is important for maintaining soil quality. OM protection is mainly attributed to its association with minerals. However, clay minerals preferentially sorb specific OM structures, and clay sorption sites become saturated as OM concentrations increase. Therefore, it is important to examine how OM structures influence their association with soil minerals, and to characterize other protection mechanisms. Several techniques, which provide complementary information, were combined to investigate OM composition: Biomarker (lignin phenol, cutin-OH acid, and lipid) analysis, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; and an emerging method, solution-state 1H NMR spectroscopy. OM composition of sand-, silt-, clay-size, and light fractions of Canadian soils were compared. It was found that microbial-derived and aliphatic structures accumulated in clay-size fractions, and lignin phenols in silt-size fractions may be protected from further oxidation. Therefore, OM protection through association with minerals may be structure-specific. OM in soils amended with maize leaves, stems, and roots from a biodegradation study were also examined. Over time, lignin phenol composition, and oxidation; and aliphatic structure contribution changed less in soils amended with leaves compared to soils amended with stems and roots. Compared to soils amended with leaves and stems, amendment with roots may have promoted the more efficient formation of microbial-derived OM. Therefore, plant chemistry influenced soil OM turnover. Synthetic OM-clay complexes and soil mineral fractions were used to investigate lignin protection from chemical oxidation. Coating with dodecanoic acid protected lignin from chemical oxidation, and overlying vegetation determined the relative resistance of lignin phenols in clay-size fractions from chemical oxidation. Therefore, additional protection from chemical oxidation may be attributed to OM composition and interactions between OM structures sorbed to clay minerals. Overall, these studies suggest that while association with minerals is important, OM turnover is also influenced by vegetation, and protection through association with clay minerals was modified by OM structure composition. As well, OM-OM interaction is a potential mechanism that protects soil OM from degradation.

Soil organic matter (OM) is a complex mixture of compounds, mainly derived from plants and microbes at various states of decay. It is part of the global carbon cycle and is important for maintaining soil quality. OM protection is mainly attributed to its association with minerals. However, clay minerals preferentially sorb specific OM structures, and clay sorption sites become saturated as OM concentrations increase. Therefore, it is important to examine how OM structures influence their association with soil minerals, and to characterize other protection mechanisms. Several techniques, which provide complementary information, were combined to investigate OM composition: Biomarker (lignin phenol, cutin-OH acid, and lipid) analysis, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; and an emerging method, solution-state 1H NMR spectroscopy. OM composition of sand-, silt-, clay-size, and light fractions of Canadian soils were compared. It was found that microbial-derived and aliphatic structures accumulated in clay-size fractions, and lignin phenols in silt-size fractions may be protected from further oxidation. Therefore, OM protection through association with minerals may be structure-specific. OM in soils amended with maize leaves, stems, and roots from a biodegradation study were also examined. Over time, lignin phenol composition, and oxidation; and aliphatic structure contribution changed less in soils amended with leaves compared to soils amended with stems and roots. Compared to soils amended with leaves and stems, amendment with roots may have promoted the more efficient formation of microbial-derived OM. Therefore, plant chemistry influenced soil OM turnover. Synthetic OM-clay complexes and soil mineral fractions were used to investigate lignin protection from chemical oxidation. Coating with dodecanoic acid protected lignin from chemical oxidation, and overlying vegetation determined the relative resistance of lignin phenols in clay-size fractions from chemical oxidation. Therefore, additional protection from chemical oxidation may be attributed to OM composition and interactions between OM structures sorbed to clay minerals. Overall, these studies suggest that while association with minerals is important, OM turnover is also influenced by vegetation, and protection through association with clay minerals was modified by OM structure composition. As well, OM-OM interaction is a potential mechanism that protects soil OM from degradation.