Pyroelectric activity is exhibited by materials which possess a spontaneous temperature-dependent electric polarisation. These materials generate a current as their temperature is changed. Many classes of organic materials exhibit pyroelectric activity but only if processed in such a way that a non-centrosymmetric arrangement of dipole results. When deposited as alternate layers by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique a macroscopically polar assembly is formed. To date, the best performance has been achieved by alternately depositing two materials, one containing acid groups and the other containing amine groups. Calixarenes are one family of materials which are particularly good vehicles for the acid and amine groups. Alternate layer LB films of acid- and amine-substituted calixarenes have high pyroelectric coefficients and form extremely robust films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a useful tool in examining the properties of thin film samples. Using the FTIR techniques of attenuated total reflection (ATR) and reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) it is possible to study the behaviour of the acid and amine groups within the pyroelectric samples. This thesis describes the pyroelectric properties of a series of calix[8]arenes. The dependence of the pyroelectric coefficient on temperature, film thickness and substituent chain length is analysed. The infrared spectra show that the acid and amine groups interact by proton transfer but also that the remaining acid groups form either facing dimers with the amine or sideways dimers between themselves. The spectra do not change with temperature. This demonstrates that the films are thermally stable. Additionally, this invariance shows that the pyroelectric activity in these films does not arise from a change in the proton transfer as has been previously postulated. Theoretical calculations undertaken predict that the source of the dipole change required for the level of pyroelectric activity seen is likely to be a change in distance between the acid and amine groups. Further observations, quantitatively examined by curve fitting techniques, show that the greater the number of proton-transferred pairs, the lower the pyroelectric coefficient. Thus, only the temperature-dependent separation of the acid and amine pairs which have not undergone proton transfer is responsible for the pyroelectric activity in these systems.

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Small ligand diffusion in heme proteins is not fully understood. To help better understand CO diffusion, three systems were investigated: L29H/F43H site-directed sperm whale myoglobin, horse heart myoglobin in a heavy water buffer, and calix[4]resorcinarene. Binding of copper to calix[4]resorcinarene was photophysically characterized to unravel transient binding of small molecules in heme-copper proteins. Copper binding was found to have a low dissociation constant of approximately 8.6 micrometers.. Reaction profiles using photoacoustic calorimetry were constructed for the myoglobin systems. In deuterium oxide, ligand escape is not rate limited by water entry. Large enthalpy differences arise from the thermodynamic properties of deuterium oxide and the extensive hydrogen bonding network in myoglobin. In the mutant, CO rebinds primarily to the heme and is exothermic with a large volume contraction because of altered electrostatics within the binding pocket and higher water occupancy.

Ce travail s'inscrit dans le cadre de la chimie supramoléculaire, domaine s'intéressant à l'étude d'édifices moléculaires liés par des interactions non-covalentes, fréquemment rencontrés dans le monde du vivant. Afin de mieux comprendre les phénomènes de complexation, de nombreux récepteurs moléculaires synthétiques ont été développés depuis ces cinquante dernières années. Dans le cadre de la reconnaissance moléculaire, les calix[6]arènes s'avèrent être des plateformes idéales puisqu'ils sont aisément fonctionnalisables et possèdent une cavité hydrophobe propice à l'inclusion de petites molécules organiques. D'ailleurs de nombreux récepteurs calix[6]aréniques ont déjà été développés et ont été étudiés pour leur aptitude à complexer des molécules neutres, des anions, des paires d'ions ou des ions métalliques. Cependant, ils souffrent de certaines limitations puisqu'ils ne sont pas hydrosolubles et sont difficilement post-fonctionnalisables limitant de ce fait leur applicabilité. Nous nous sommes donc intéressés à la synthèse de récepteurs calix[6]aréniques fonctionnalisés ainsi qu'à l'étude de leurs propriétés réceptrices vis-à-vis d'entités chargées ou de molécules neutres. Les études de ces systèmes ont été réalisées essentiellement par spectroscopie de Résonance Magnétique Nucléaire (RMN).<p>Dans le cadre de ce travail, des récepteurs ditopiques mono- et trisfonctionnalisés de type calix[6]cryptamide ont tout d'abord été développés. Ces récepteurs présentent un motif trenamide qui constitue un second site de reconnaissance, distinct mais proche du premier formé par la cavité calix[6]arénique. Ces récepteurs se sont révélés capables de complexer les molécules neutres polaires ainsi que des entités chargées avec une grande sélectivité en milieu aprotique mais également en présence d'un solvant protique. Le chapeau trenamide étant relativement contraint et bien préorganisé, il assure un fort effet chélate et permet une sélectivité de taille pour l'anion fluorure. La proximité des deux sites de reconnaissance ainsi que la sélectivité pour l'anion fluorure permettent à ces récepteurs de reconnaître des ammoniums sous forme de paires d'ions de contact uniquement avec le fluorure comme partenaire anionique. Les résultats obtenus ont démontré que l'introduction de fonctionnalisations soit au niveau du chapeau trenamide, à proximité du site de reconnaissance, soit au niveau du petit col du calix[6]arène n'inhibait pas les propriétés de complexation de ces récepteurs. Les premiers essais d'introduction de groupes hydrosolubilisants ont alors été réalisés et se sont révélés très prometteurs. En effet, l'introduction de groupements PEG sur un calix[6]cryptamide trisfonctionnalisé a permis de démontrer l'aptitude de ce récepteur à complexer des molécules neutres en milieu aqueux (CD3OD/D2O).<p>Dans un second temps, des récepteurs mono- et trisfonctionnalisés de type calix[6]tren ont été développés. Les études préliminaires réalisées ont permis de mettre en évidence que, comme le calix[6]tren non fonctionnalisé, ces récepteurs étaient capable de complexer de petites molécules organiques lorsqu'ils sont polarisés, soit sous leur forme per-protonnée soit sous la forme d'un complexe métallique (Zn2+ ou Cun+). <p><p>L'ensemble de ces travaux a ainsi permis de valider la stratégie de synthèse visant à introduire des bras fonctionnels sur des récepteurs ditopiques calix[6]aréniques et de démontrer que ces nouveaux récepteurs fonctionnalisés conservaient des propriétés de reconnaissance. Ces travaux permettent donc d'envisager de multiples applications pour ce type de récepteurs.<p>This work falls within the field of supramolecular chemistry, a field concerned with the study of molecular structures linked by non-covalent interactions. Such weak interactions are frequently encountered in the living world and in particular in molecular recognition processes. In order to better understand and exploit these recognition processes, many synthetic molecular receptors have been developed over the last fifty years. In this regard, calix[6]arenes have proved to be ideal platforms because they can be easily functionalized and they possess a hydrophobic cavity suitable for the inclusion of small organic molecules. Hence, many calix[6]arene based receptors have been studied for their ability to complex neutral molecules, anions, ion pairs or metal ions. However, most of these receptors suffer from major limitations that limit their applicability: they are not water soluble and hardly post-functionalizable. In the frame of this thesis, we were therefore interested in the synthesis of functionalized calix[6]arene based receptors and in the study of their host-guest properties toward charged species or neutral molecules. Studies of these host-guest systems have been carried out mainly by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR).<p><p>First, mono- and trisfunctionalized ditopic receptors based on a calix[6]cryptamide skeleton were synthesized. These receptors possess two binding sites in close proximity: a trenamide subunit and the calix[6]arene cavity. They have proved to be capable of complexing neutral polar molecules as well as charged species with high selectivity in aprotic solvents but also in a protic environment. The trenamide cap being relatively constrained and well pre-organized, it provides a strong chelate effect and allows a selectivity of size for the fluoride anion. Remarkably, the proximity of the two recognition sites allow these receptors to recognize ammonium ions in the form of contact ion pairs but only with a fluoride anion as the partner. The results have shown that the introduction of functionalizations at the trenamide cap or at the narrow rim of the calix[6]arene do not inhibit the complexation properties of these receptors. First attempts in order to introduce water-solubilizing groups have been undertaken and promising results have been obtained. Indeed, the introduction of PEG groups on a trisfunctionalized calix[6]cryptamide has led to a receptor able to complex neutral molecules in an aqueous environment (CD3OD/D2O).<p><p>In a second step, mono- and trisfunctionalized receptors derived from calix[6]tren have been synthesized. Preliminary studies have highlighted that, similarly to the parent calix[6]tren, these receptors are able to complex small organic molecules when they are polarized either in their per-protonated form or in the form of a metal complex (Zn2+ or Cun+).<p><p>All this work validates the synthetic strategy that consists of introducing functional arms on ditopic calix[6]arene based receptors and opens new perspectives for the elaboration and study of molecular receptors in an aqueous environment. <p> / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit inclut la synthèse organique des différents types de calixarènes, l'étude de leurs propriétés optiques, des simulations théoriques pour déterminer leurs conformations favorables et leurs utilisations pour stabiliser des nanoparticules. Des nanoparticules d’argent, d’or, de platine et des nanoparticules bimétalliques (Ag-Au) ont été synthétisées en utilisant par réduction radiolytique ainsi que la synthèse la photochimique. Ces nanoparticules sont stabilisées en utilisant des calixarènes et divers polymères. Les nanomatériaux ont été caractérisés par spectroscopie d’absorption UV-Visible et spectroscopie de fluorescence et par des observations en microscopie électronique en transmission. Comme les nanoparticules métalliques sont connues pour leurs applications dans divers domaines, des propriétés antibactériennes de nanoparticules d'argent et des propriétés électrocatalytiques des nanoparticules d'or ont été testées. / The work presented in this manuscript includes the organic synthesis of different types of calixarenes, the study of their optical properties, computational studies for determination of their favourable conformations and their use in the stabilisation of nanoparticles. Silver, gold, platinum and bimetallic (Ag-Au) nanoparticles were synthesised using radiolytic reduction as well as photochemical method. These nanoparticles were stabilised by calixarenes and also other ligands which included several polymers. The nanomaterials were characterised using UV-Visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. As metal nanoparticles are known for their applications in various fields, the antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles and the electrocatalytic properties of gold nanoparticles were tested.

Apresentamos uma série de estudos, baseados em simulações de Dinâmica Molecular no vácuo e em solução, sobre o processo de complexação das supramoléculas tetraethylester p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (CLE) e tetramethylketone p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (CLC) com os íons Pb2+ e Cd2+ e espécies neutras. Os modelos para as moléculas de calixareno e do solvente foram baseados no campo de forças OPLS-AA. Os parâmetros para os íons foram desenvolvidos a partir de uma metodologia de ajuste de valores de modo a reproduzirem simultaneamente propriedades termodinâmicas e estruturais obtidas experimentalmente ou por cálculos de QM/MM. As simulações no estado líquido nos mostraram que o CLE aprisiona os íons de maneira mais eficiente que o CLC, formando complexos mais estáveis. A complexação do íon desencadeia um efeito alostérico em ambos os calixarenos estudados, permitindo a complexação de uma molécula de acetonitrila na cavidade hidrofóbica estabilizando o complexo. Nas simulações com o CLC observamos que a complexação da acetonitrila é necessária para manter o íon ligado à cavidade hidrofílica, evidenciando a dependência desses complexos com esse solvente em específico. Apesar de observarmos que o CLE apresenta maior afinidade com os íons Pb2+ e Cd2+ que o CLC, somente futuras simulações utilizando a água como solvente poderão confirmar a viabilidade do uso desta molécula em sistemas destinados à despoluição ambiental. / We report a series of Molecular Dynamics simulations, in vacuum and in acetonitrile solution, on the complexation process of the calixarens tetraethylester p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (CLE) and tetramethylketone p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (CLC) with Pb2+ and Cd2+ anions and neutral species. The solvent and calixarene molecules were modeled based on the OPLS-AA force field. The parameters for the ions were adjusted to simultaneously reproduce some structural and thermodynamic properties obtained either experimentally or from QM/MM calculations. The simulations in the liquid phase show CLE to be more efficient than CLC in trapping the studied metal ions, leading to more stable complexes. Ion complexation gives rise to an allosteric effect by which a solvent molecule is trapped in the hydrophobic cavity giving rise to further stabilization of the complex. Simulations on CLC show that formation of the calixarene-acetonitrile adduct is essential to the stabilization of the ionic complex, thus exhibiting the influence of this particular solvent in the very existence of the complex. In spite of the conclusion that CLE has higher affinity than CLC for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions, only further studies in water solution will permit to evaluate the real potential of this molecule as an efficient scavenger of environmental heavy metal pollution.

Molecular capsules consist of two or more molecules that bind through either covalent or noncovalent interactions to form a structure with an internal void capable of containing guest molecules. These capsules can be used in catalysis/biocatalysis, in drug transport and delivery, in supramolecular arrays, and to stabilize reactive intermediates. Cavitands and calix[4]arenes are two types of macrocycles that have been used to form molecular capsules. Cavitands are used to form capsules called carceplexes, hemicarceplexes, and hemicarcerands through covalent bonds when two molecules are bridged together rim to rim. Calix[4]arene derivatives self-assemble reversibly through noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding and ionic bonding to form capsules. Capsules formed form cavitands and calix[4]arenes have been shown to encapsulate a variety of guest molecules in nonpolar solvents. In order for the capsules to be used for biological applications, the capsules need to encapsulate guest molecules in water. There are only a few examples of capsules that encapsulate guests in polar solvents. Calix[4]arenes derivatives substituted with charged substituents on the upper rim and propyl groups on the lower rim were synthesized. These derivatives dimerize through ionic interactions in polar solvents forming both heterodimers and homodimers. These dimers will be used to encapsulate various guest molecules. Although the ionic propoxycalix[4]arene monomers are water-soluble, the heterodimers are not. This is due to the shielding of the charges upon assembly leaving only the propyl groups on the lower rim exposed to the polar solvent. To increase dimer solubility in water, calix[4]arene derivatives are being synthesized with hydroxy ethyl groups instead of the propyl groups on the lower rim. When the charged hydroxyethoxycalix[4]arene derivatives dimerize, the alcohols will be exposed to the polar solvent instead of the propyl groups increasing the water-solubility of the capsules.

La réalisation d'une transformation chimique dans un espace confiné constitue pour les chimistes molécularistes un véritable défi. Des recherches récentes ont montré que des réactions se déroulant dans une poche ou une cavité moléculaire étaient de nature à engendrer des sélectivités nouvelles et faciliter des réactions thermodynamiquement défavorables. L'association métal-cavité permet également le déroulement de processus catalytiques en milieu aqueux, dès lors que la cavité a été rendue hydrosoluble.L’objectif de cette thèse était de préparer des ligands originaux intégrant une ou plusieurs cavités moléculaires de type calix[4]arène et d’en étudier les propriétés complexantes. L’ensemble des calixarènes synthétisés sont porteurs d’un ou plusieurs groupes PPh2 directement liés au bord supérieur du macrocycle. Plusieurs types de molécules ont été préparées : (i) des bis-calixarènes formant, après complexation, des métallo-capsules; (ii) des calixar!ène-diphosphines adaptées à la formation de complexes bimétalliques dans lesquels les centres métalliques sont placés entre deux coquilles se faisant face. L’activité catalytique de certains de ces métallo-capsules est jusqu’à 40 fois supérieurs à celle observé pour un catalyseur classique.La dernière partie de cette thèse a pour objectif de mettre à la disposition des spécialistes de la chimie des surfaces des phosphacalixarènes originaux destinés à la confection de supports solides P(III)-fonctionnalisés et donc de nouveaux catalyseurs supportés. / The realization of a chemical transformation in a confined space is for molecularist chemists a challenge. Recent research has shown that reactions occurring in a pocket or a molecular cavity were such as to generate selectivities and facilitate new thermodynamically unfavorable reactions.The metal-cavity association allows also the course of catalytic processes in aqueous medium, when the cavity has been made water soluble.The objective of this thesis was to prepare original ligands incorporating one or more cavities of molecular type calix[4]arene and to study their complexing properties. All the synthesized calixarenes are carriers of one or more groups PPh2 directly related to the upper rim of the macrocycle.Several types of molecules were prepared: (i) bis-calixarenes forming, after complexation, metallocapsules, (ii) calixarene-diphosphines suitable for the formation of bimetallic complexes in which the metal centers between two shells are placed facing each other. The catalytic activity of some of these metallo-capsules is 40 times higher than that observed for a conventional catalyst.The last part of this thesis aims to make available experts in surface chemistry of the original phosphacalixarenes for making solid supports P (III)-functionalized and thus new supported catalysts

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