This Thesis describes the synthesis and characterisation of new alkaline earth metal and aluminium gallyl complexes. Experimental studies were performed to investigate their structure. The reactivity of these species was also studied. <b>Chapter 1</b> introduces metal-metal bonded complexes containing alkaline earth metals and aluminium and the use of gallium(I) analogues of N-heterocyclic carbenes in the synthesis of heterobimetallic complexes of gallium. <b>Chapter 2</b> describes the synthesis and reactivity of alkaline earth gallyl complexes supported by beta-diketiminate ligands. <b>Chapter 3</b> presents the synthesis and reactivity of alkaline earth gallyl complexes supported by the carbazolide ligand CzOx. <b>Chapter 4</b> describes synthesis of aluminium-gallium bonded complexes supported by amidinate and b-diketiminate ligands and the attempted study of their reactivity. <b>Chapter 5</b> presents full experimental procedures and characterising data for the new complexes reported.

O entendimento das propriedades de complexos metálicos é de fundamental importância para o desenvolvimento de fármacos. No entanto, tanto do ponto de vista experimental quanto no de modelagem teórica, ainda temos muitas dificuldades de simular e mensurar as mudanças que a complexação com um metal causa em um composto. Este trabalho apresenta estudos de simulacões ab initio de complexos de Epiisopiloturina com Cu e Zn. Foram realizadas otimizações de estrutura, simulaçoes de espectroscopia vibracional, NMR e EPR além de estudos de reatividade. Obtivemos uma geometria otimizada condizente com a da forma cristalizada. Além disso, os resultados espectroscópicos mostram que as estruturas dos com plexos permanecem intactas em solução. Por fim, os estudos de reatividade conrmam que o complexo de Cobre aumenta a reatividade da molécula. / Understanding the properties of metal complexes is fundamental goal in the development of drugs. However, both from the experimental point of view and theoretical modeling, many diculties in the simulation and evaluatio of the changes that the metal causes upon complexation still remains. This work presents ab initio computational simulations of Epiisopiloturin com plexes with Cu and Zn. We make structural optimizations, simulations of vibrational spectroscopy, NMR and EPR, as well as reactivity studies. We obtain an optimized geometry that corresponds to that of the crystallized form. In addition, the spectroscopic results conrm that the complexes remain intact in solution. Finally, the reactivity studies conrm that the copper complex increases the reactivity of the molecule.

Partant du constat que les phosphinines (analogues phosphorés de la pyridine) sont des ligands fragiles des métaux de transition lors d'applications catalytiques (chapitre 1), nous avons introduit deux types de ligands mixtes phosphore-soufre à squelette phosphinine. Cette thèse présente les résultats que nous avons obtenus en chimie de coordination, catalyse et calculs théoriques. Le chapitre 2 justifie le choix de la phosphinine tridente SPS que nous avons employée pour favoriser la complexation sigma(P) à des centres métalliques et décrit la formation d'anions λ4-phosphinine. Les chapitres suivants décrivent la coordination de l'anion SPS à des métaux du groupe X (Ni, Pd, Pd) (chapitre 3), IX (Co, Rh, Ir) (chapitre 4), XI (Cu, Au), VIII (Fe, Ru) et VII (Mn, Re) (chapitre 6). Ces complexes trouvent des applications en catalyse (Pd), activation de petites molécules (Rh, Ir) et photochimie (Mn). Ces études montrent que l'anion SPS se comporte comme un ligand anionique à six électrons dont la richesse électronique est supérieure à celle de Cp*. Le chapitre 5, purement théorique, explique pourquoi l'addition de petites molécules comme H2, O2 et CO sur des complexes de Rh et d'Ir incorporant l'anion SPS se produit de manière stéréospécifique. Une étude analogue est développée pour l'addition de H2 sur des complexes isoélectroniques de Pd et de Pt. La coordination sigma(P) d'anions λ4-phosphinine ne se limite pas à des ligands tridentes et peut également avoir lieu avec des ligands bidentes SP. Les complexes synthétisés ont été valorisés en catalyse (chapitre 7). Le chapitre 8 décrit la synthèse, la chimie de coordination et les applications en catalyse de phosphabarrélène.

Nous avons envisagé de nouvelles applications de la chimie radicalaire des xanthates, développée depuis plusieurs années au laboratoire. Une première partie est consacrée à la mise en œuvre de radicaux cyclobutyles générés à partir de xanthates. Des cyclobutanones ? branchées ont été préparées par addition intermoléculaire sur diverses oléfines. Suivie d'une condensation de Horner-Emmons intramoléculaire, cette réaction a permis d'accéder à des structures polycycliques originales. Une seconde partie concerne la préparation de nouveaux xanthates par une addition de type Michael. Les précurseurs radicalaires obtenus par addition conjuguée d'acide xanthique sur des énones et des énamides ont pu alors être additionnés sur des oléfines internes ou externes pour construire des centres quaternaires et des structures polycycliques. Enfin, une nouvelle voie d'accès aux dihydroquinoléinones a été développée en associant cette méthodologie à une cyclisation radicalaire sur un noyau aromatique.

<p>Coordination compounds of europium and titanium with oxide, ethoxide (OCH₂CH₃), <em>iso</em>-propoxide (OCH(CH₃)₂) and <em>tert</em>-butoxide (OC(CH₃)₃) ligands have been studied. These belong to the general class of oxo-alkoxides, M<em>_x</em>O<em>_y</em>(OR)<em>_z</em>, with alkoxide ligands (OR) containing an organic, aliphatic part R. The R group can be systematically varied, permitting the investigation of the influence of electronic and steric effects on the coordination of metal and oxygen atoms. Their tendency towards hydrolysis and formation of metal-oxygen-metal bridges also makes (oxo)alkoxides interesting as precursors in liquid solution-based or gas phase-based synthesis of many technologically important materials.</p><p>The structure of a termetallic oxo-alkoxide of formula Eu₃K₃TiO₂(OH/OCH₃)(OR)₁₁(HOR) (R = C(CH₃)₃) was revealed by a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Its unusual structure features a facial oxygen-centered Eu₃K₃O octahedron sharing one face with an oxygen-centered K₃TiO tetrahedron. Six-coordination of oxygen by a combination of alkali metal and lanthanoid atoms is not uncommon for alkoxides, but the attachment of a tetrahedron to one of its faces provides a new dimension to the library of oxo-alkoxide structures. The structure was the result of incomplete metathesis in the synthesis attempt of europium-titanium oxo-<em>tert</em>-butoxides.</p><p>Eu₄TiO(OR)₁₄ and (Eu_0.5La_0.5)₄TiO(OR)₁₄ (R = CH(CH₃)₂) were found to be isostructural with previously published Ln₄TiO(OR)₁₄ structures (Ln=Sm, Tb_0.9Er_0.1). X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis absorption results show no site preference for La in either the solid state or hexane solution. The Ln₄TiO(OR)₁₄ structure forms part of an interesting group of Ln₄MO(OR)_{10+<em>z</em>}<em>­</em>(HOR)<em>_q</em> structures where M is another lanthanoid (Ln) or a di-, tri- or tetravalent heteroatom, giving either a square pyramidal or a trigonal bipyramid-like coordination of the central oxygen atom, depending on the chemistry and size of M.</p><p>Eu₂Ti₄O₂(OR)₁₈(HOR)₂ (R = CH₂CH₃) was deduced from IR data to have the same molecular structure as Er₂Ti₄O₂(OR)₁₈(HOR)₂. UV-Vis measurements are also in agreement with the presence of one symmetry-unique europium site in the molecular structure. Structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction has yet to be performed.</p><p> </p><p>Coordination compounds of europium and titanium with oxide, ethoxide (OCH2CH3), isopropoxide(OCH(CH3)2) and tert-butoxide (OC(CH3)3) ligands have been studied. Thesebelong to the general class of oxo-alkoxides, MxOy(OR)z, with alkoxide ligands (OR)containing an organic, aliphatic part R. The R group can be systematically varied, permittingthe investigation of the influence of electronic and steric effects on the coordination of metaland oxygen atoms. Their tendency towards hydrolysis and formation of metal-oxygen-metalbridges also makes (oxo)alkoxides interesting as precursors in liquid solution-based or gasphase-based synthesis of many technologically important materials.The structure of a termetallic oxo-alkoxide of formula Eu3K3TiO2(OH/OCH3)(OR)11(HOR)(R = C(CH3)3) was revealed by a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and IRspectroscopy. Its unusual structure features a facial oxygen-centered Eu3K3O octahedronsharing one face with an oxygen-centered K3TiO tetrahedron. Six-coordination of oxygen bya combination of alkali metal and lanthanoid atoms is not uncommon for alkoxides, but theattachment of a tetrahedron to one of its faces provides a new dimension to the library of oxoalkoxidestructures. The structure was the result of incomplete metathesis in the synthesisattempt of europium-titanium oxo-tert-butoxides.Eu4TiO(OR)14 and (Eu0.5La0.5)4TiO(OR)14 (R = CH(CH3)2) were found to be isostructuralwith previously published Ln4TiO(OR)14 structures (Ln=Sm, Tb0.9Er0.1). X-ray diffraction andUV-Vis absorption results show no site preference for La in either the solid state or hexanesolution. The Ln4TiO(OR)14 structure forms part of an interesting group of Ln4MO(OR)10+z-(HOR)q structures where M is another lanthanoid (Ln) or a di-, tri- or tetravalent heteroatom,giving either a square pyramidal or a trigonal bipyramid-like coordination of the centraloxygen atom, depending on the chemistry and size of M.Eu2Ti4O2(OR)18(HOR)2 (R = CH2CH3) was deduced from IR data to have the samemolecular structure as Er2Ti4O2(OR)18(HOR)2. UV-Vis measurements are also in agreementwith the presence of one symmetry-unique europium site in the molecular structure. Structuredetermination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction has yet to be performed.</p>

Coordination compounds of europium and titanium with oxide, ethoxide (OCH2CH3), iso-propoxide (OCH(CH3)2) and tert-butoxide (OC(CH3)3) ligands have been studied. These belong to the general class of oxo-alkoxides, MxOy(OR)z, with alkoxide ligands (OR) containing an organic, aliphatic part R. The R group can be systematically varied, permitting the investigation of the influence of electronic and steric effects on the coordination of metal and oxygen atoms. Their tendency towards hydrolysis and formation of metal-oxygen-metal bridges also makes (oxo)alkoxides interesting as precursors in liquid solution-based or gas phase-based synthesis of many technologically important materials. The structure of a termetallic oxo-alkoxide of formula Eu3K3TiO2(OH/OCH3)(OR)11(HOR) (R = C(CH3)3) was revealed by a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Its unusual structure features a facial oxygen-centered Eu3K3O octahedron sharing one face with an oxygen-centered K3TiO tetrahedron. Six-coordination of oxygen by a combination of alkali metal and lanthanoid atoms is not uncommon for alkoxides, but the attachment of a tetrahedron to one of its faces provides a new dimension to the library of oxo-alkoxide structures. The structure was the result of incomplete metathesis in the synthesis attempt of europium-titanium oxo-tert-butoxides. Eu4TiO(OR)14 and (Eu0.5La0.5)4TiO(OR)14 (R = CH(CH3)2) were found to be isostructural with previously published Ln4TiO(OR)14 structures (Ln=Sm, Tb0.9Er0.1). X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis absorption results show no site preference for La in either the solid state or hexane solution. The Ln4TiO(OR)14 structure forms part of an interesting group of Ln4MO(OR)10+z­(HOR)q structures where M is another lanthanoid (Ln) or a di-, tri- or tetravalent heteroatom, giving either a square pyramidal or a trigonal bipyramid-like coordination of the central oxygen atom, depending on the chemistry and size of M. Eu2Ti4O2(OR)18(HOR)2 (R = CH2CH3) was deduced from IR data to have the same molecular structure as Er2Ti4O2(OR)18(HOR)2. UV-Vis measurements are also in agreement with the presence of one symmetry-unique europium site in the molecular structure. Structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction has yet to be performed.   Coordination compounds of europium and titanium with oxide, ethoxide (OCH2CH3), isopropoxide(OCH(CH3)2) and tert-butoxide (OC(CH3)3) ligands have been studied. Thesebelong to the general class of oxo-alkoxides, MxOy(OR)z, with alkoxide ligands (OR)containing an organic, aliphatic part R. The R group can be systematically varied, permittingthe investigation of the influence of electronic and steric effects on the coordination of metaland oxygen atoms. Their tendency towards hydrolysis and formation of metal-oxygen-metalbridges also makes (oxo)alkoxides interesting as precursors in liquid solution-based or gasphase-based synthesis of many technologically important materials.The structure of a termetallic oxo-alkoxide of formula Eu3K3TiO2(OH/OCH3)(OR)11(HOR)(R = C(CH3)3) was revealed by a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and IRspectroscopy. Its unusual structure features a facial oxygen-centered Eu3K3O octahedronsharing one face with an oxygen-centered K3TiO tetrahedron. Six-coordination of oxygen bya combination of alkali metal and lanthanoid atoms is not uncommon for alkoxides, but theattachment of a tetrahedron to one of its faces provides a new dimension to the library of oxoalkoxidestructures. The structure was the result of incomplete metathesis in the synthesisattempt of europium-titanium oxo-tert-butoxides.Eu4TiO(OR)14 and (Eu0.5La0.5)4TiO(OR)14 (R = CH(CH3)2) were found to be isostructuralwith previously published Ln4TiO(OR)14 structures (Ln=Sm, Tb0.9Er0.1). X-ray diffraction andUV-Vis absorption results show no site preference for La in either the solid state or hexanesolution. The Ln4TiO(OR)14 structure forms part of an interesting group of Ln4MO(OR)10+z-(HOR)q structures where M is another lanthanoid (Ln) or a di-, tri- or tetravalent heteroatom,giving either a square pyramidal or a trigonal bipyramid-like coordination of the centraloxygen atom, depending on the chemistry and size of M.Eu2Ti4O2(OR)18(HOR)2 (R = CH2CH3) was deduced from IR data to have the samemolecular structure as Er2Ti4O2(OR)18(HOR)2. UV-Vis measurements are also in agreementwith the presence of one symmetry-unique europium site in the molecular structure. Structuredetermination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction has yet to be performed.

This work was initially launched to study the synthesis of low-valent group 13 compounds bearing the bis(imino)pyridine ligand framework. Since its inception, this project has grown beyond the boundaries of group 13 to include low valent tin, silver, and rhenium. Alongside the reports of novel coordination compounds, we utilized computational chemistry to uncover unprecedented interactions which challenge conventional concepts of bonding. Synthesis, characterization, and complimentary computational studies are presented herein. Chapter 1 presents a historical overview of the bis(imino)pyridine ligand as well as our synthetic methodology and characterization of new ligand variants we have contributed to the literature. Chapter 2 presents the synthesis of a series of In(I) and In(III) bis(imino)pyridine complexes with varied sterics. Ligand-metal interaction and effect of ligand steric bulk on complex stability, as well as computational studies highlighting weak covalent interactions will be discussed. Chapter 3 presents the synthesis of Ga(III) bis(imino)pyridine complexes. Reactivity with “GaI” synthon as well as varied-stoichiometry one-pot synthesis attempts to generate low valent Ga-bis(imino)pyridine complexes will be discussed. Chapter 4 presents the synthesis of a series of Tl(I) bis(imino)pyridine complexes with varied sterics analogous to the approach taken with indium(I). Unprecedented weak ligand-metal as well as Tl-arene interactions will be discussed. Chapter 5 presents the synthesis of a series of Sn(II) bis(imino)pyridine complexes with varied sterics and halide substituents. Preferential cation-anion pair formation and attempted reactivity will be discussed. Chapter 6 presents the synthesis of a series of Ag(I) bis(imino)pyridine complexes with varied sterics. Resulting ligand-metal interactions as well as reactivity towards Lewis basic donor ligands will be discussed. Chapter 7 presents the synthesis of first crystallographically authenticated examples of rhenium(I) pincer complexes utilizing the bis(imino)pyridine ligand. Chapter 8 presents a general conclusion to the work.

Des nouveaux ligands multidentes associant la fonction iminophosphorane (P=N) et des donneurs de types thiolates ou phenolates ont été développés au cours de la thèse. La synthèse de ces ligands présentement plusieurs avantages comme l'utilisation des produits bon marche ou la facilité de monter en échelle. Tous les ligands montrent une grande capacité de se coordiner avec plusieurs métaux, y comprise les métaux de transition, aluminium (group principal) et yttrium (terre-rare). Les complexes résultant de ces coordinations ont été étudiés théoriquement par les calculs DFT et expérimentalement par plusieurs techniques de spectroscopies électromagnétiques (RMN multi-noyaux, diffraction aux rayons X, RPE, UV-Vis, IR). Leur activités catalytiques ont été évaluées en tant que catalyseurs dans l'oligomerisation d'éthylène et la polymérisation de lactide pour des polymères biodégradables. En particulier, la synthèse des plusieurs ligands tétradentes phosphasalens a été mise au point. Ces ligands sont des homologues phosphorés des ligands Salen, qui, eux, ont fait l'objet d'études extensives ces dernières années. Les ligands phosphasalen ont été démontrés d'avoir une grande flexibilité et d'être excellent donneurs d'électrons. Grâce à ces propriétés, ils seront capables de stabiliser des métaux de haut degré d'oxydation. Un premier exemple très encourageant a été fait avec l'étude sur le complexe [Ni(III)-phosphasalen]. Ces ligands phosphasalens s'avèrent également très intéressants en catalyse. En effet, les complexes yttrium de ces ligands sont parmi les meilleurs initiateurs pour la polymérisation de lactide par ouverture de cycles, en terme de performance et stereoselectivity, alors que les complexes salen sont pas ou très peu active pour la même réaction. Ces études pionnières ouvrent plusieurs perspectives pour l'application des ligands phosphasalen en chimie de coordination et catalyse.

S,S-diphenyl sulfimide (Ph2SNH) has been employed in current investigations divided in three different directions, concerning hydrogen bonding motifs of new sulfimide systems, polymorphism of trans- Cu(Ph2SNH)2Cl2 as well as carboxylations of Ph2SNH. The isomorphic analogues of [Mn(Ph2SNH)6]Cl2 and [Co(Ph2SNH)6]Cl2 were synthesised as parent systems, with their derivatisations by metathesis to give BF4 and PF6 salts. The BF4 daughter systems displayed face on and snug fit hydrogen bonding motifs in the Mn(II) and Co(II) variants respectively. The PF6 analogues were the first examples to have spectator sulfimide units not participating in hydrogen bonds, rationalised as means to relief steric constrains. [Co(Ph2SNH)4]SO4 was observed to be stabilised by the formation of l-D hydrogen bond array between the unsaturated complex centres with SO4 anions. The square planar polymorph of trans- Cu(Ph2SNH)2Cl2 has recently been observed to display reversible mechanochromism when ground. The yielding of a green ground collective was reasoned as the formation of an amorphous conformer closely related to the green pseudotetrahedral polymorph. The concomitant crystallisation of both forms has also been revisited. Internal voids, ether partial pressure and volume of mother liquor have been proposed as contributing factors concerning the crystallisation outcomes. The reaction between Ph2SNH and CO2 led to the formation of [Ph2SNH2]HCO3, Ph2SN(H)COO as well as Ph2SNCOOH, depending on reaction conditions. The zwitterion of Ph2SN(H)COO is expected to be the principle product of Ph2SNH/CO2 reactions, while [Ph2SNH2]HCO3 was deduced as a hydrolysis product of Ph2SN(H)COO. The isolation of Ph2SNCOOH was only possible when CO2 fixation was carried out in DMSO, rationalised as a unique proton transfer equilibrium only attainable in the protophilic solvent.

Les dianions géminés stabilisés par des phosphores hypervalents ont récemment éveillé un vif intérêt en tant que précurseurs carbéniques pour les métaux d0 et les lanthanides ; Cependant, les interactions entre les éléments du groupe principal, comme le carbone, et ces métaux sont réputées essentiellement ionique et peu directionnelles, tandis que les liaisons entre le carbone et le métal dans un complexe carbénique classique sont usuellement décrites comme étant directionnelle et partiellement covalente. Le travail effectué au cours de cette thèse vise à synthétiser de nouveaux complexes de métaux du groupe 3, stabilisés par un dianion géminé bis(diphénylthiophosphinoyl)méthanediure, dans le but d'en étudier la réactivité et d'en modéliser la structure électronique, pour une meilleure compréhension de l'interaction multiple métal-ligand. Ces études ont été menées sur le scandium, puis partiellement étendues aux autres éléments du groupe 3 : yttrium et lutétium. Il ressort de cette étude que ces interactions sont directionnelles, de symétrie σ et π, mais qu'elles restent en compétition avec la stabilisation présente ab initio au sein du ligand dianionique libre. Cette stabilisation permet une adaptation de l'interaction carbone-métal en fonction des autres ligands présents dans la sphère de coordination : lorsqu'ils sont à caractère ionique et donneur fort, l'interaction carbone-métal prend un caractère plus ionique et l'interaction de symétrie π peut être rompue. La réactivité reste proche de celle d'un carbène de type Schrock. Des réactions indésirables menant à la détérioration du ligand ont également été observées ; un ligand plus résistant, porteur de fonctions phosphine-borane et oxyde de phosphine a été proposé. De nouvelles perspectives quant à la réactivité de ces espèces ont été également explorées : transmétallation permettant d'accéder à de nouveaux complexes aux propriétés magnétiques intéressantes, réaction de couplage des alcynes notamment.