<div>Cyclic peptides are important sources of medicines. </div><div>They are advantageous compared to linear peptides because they possess lower flexibility, which allows for high-affinity target binding and enhanced proteolytic stability. Unfortunately, achieving head-to-tail cyclization of peptides is quite challenging, as it is hard to control efficiency and regiospecificity of peptide macrocyclization. Many have attempted to improve peptide cyclization, including the use of different synthetic reagents as well as synthetic techniques to allow amide-bond formation and promote cyclization. While these strategies have offered great potential solutions, the aim of this study is to explore an alternative strategy that utilizes biocatalysis as a method of achieving successful peptide cyclization. Biocatalysis is the use of enzymes as natural process catalysts under artificial in vitro conditions. Biocatalysis is often more environmentally friendly and safer compared to traditional organic synthesis methods. Non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are one of the major sources of cyclic peptides in nature. These are systems of large multifunctional proteins are organized into functional domains that act as an assembly line to generate peptide natural products. Normally, the thioesterase domain is responsible for hydrolysis and cyclization of the peptide. Recently, a novel cyclase (SurE) that is physically discrete from the NRPS was discovered. Based on this unique quality, we hypothesized that SurE would be easier to express compared to thioesterase domains and, for this reason, SurE could be a fantastic biocatalyst for the cyclization of peptides. To test this, we designed and generated an expression vector for SurE. We then expressed and purified the SurE protein. We also synthesized three linear peptides of varying lengths. To test for SurE activity, we attempted to add N-acetylcysteamine (SNAC) to mimic its native substrate. Unfortunately, we were unable to successfully attach the SNAC to our linear peptide. To combat this issue, a new synthesis strategy is currently being developed. This work is currently ongoing in the Parkinson lab, with the aim being to test the SurE protein, as well as other PBP-like cyclases, on other modified linear peptides and demonstrate whether the protein has the ability to cyclase a wide scope of peptides.</div><div><br></div>

We describe the synthesis of seven C2-alkylcarbazoles via a sequence of Buchwald–Hartwig coupling of arylamines with aryl halides followed by oxidative cyclization of the resulting diarylamines. Methyl groups at the positions 4 and 5 were introduced by taking advantage of the ortho-directed palladation of meta-pivaloyloxy-substituted diarylamines and subsequent conversion of the pivaloyloxy to methyl groups through Stille coupling of intermediate triflates. The obtained ethyl- and dimethylcarbazoles served as analytical standards for their identification in petroleum samples and source rocks.

The primary objective of this research project was to develop a novel protocol for the synthesis of densely functionalized optically enriched indanes through a chiral cation directed 5-endo-trig ring closure. In chapter two, a convergent strategy for the construction of the cyclization precursors is reported, which employs two easily adapted fragments. In chapter three, a range of quaternary ammonium salts are screened to establish the optimal phase-transfer conditions for this system. A variety of substrates were evaluated to probe the scope and limitations of this methodology. Finally, two potential mechanistic pathways for this enigmatic process are outlined and discussed in chapter four.

Herein is reported the synthesis of molecular probes for action of neuroactive steroids in vitro and in living organisms. In the first part, preparation of enantiomeric pregnane steroids is investigated, ultimately resulting into the total synthesis of ent-progesterone. The chirality of the target molecule is introduced by a highly effective organocatalytic asymmetric Robinson annulation. A new method for the sequential construction of five-membered carbocyclic ring is introduced as the key step. This is composed of substrate-controlled copper-catalyzed conjugate addition followed by radical oxygenation and subsequent thermal cyclization employing the persistent radical effect. The synthesis of truncated neurosteroid analogs is described and their biological activity at the NMDA receptor is compared with the native hormone. In the second part, methodology for specific deuterium labeling of both angular methyls of the 5β-pregnane steroid core is explored. Special attention was paid to the Barton-McCombie deoxygenation as the tool for introduction of the last deuterium atom into the methyl group. Both positions were labelled with total of three deuterium atoms in high isotopic purity.

Lors de son développement, une tumeur ne peut survivre sans passer par une étape invasive afin de subvenir à ses besoins en nutriment et en oxygène. Cette étape, appelé angiogénèse tumorale, conduit à la formation de vaisseaux sanguins dits « tumoraux », différents des vaisseaux sanguins normaux. Afin de stopper la croissance de la tumeur, il est possible de détruire les vaisseaux sanguins tumoraux formés pendant l’angiogénèse tumorale grâce à des molécules antivasculaires. Ces molécules vont désorganiser la structure du vaisseau et diminuer le flux sanguin au sein de la tumeur pour mener à la nécrose de cette dernière. Parmi ces molécules antivasculaires,la prodrogue phosphate de la combrétastatine A-4 naturelle (CA-4) est le composé actuellement le plus efficace(en développement clinique de phase III contre le cancer de la thyroïde). L’isocombrétastatine A-4 (isoCA-4),possédant une structure de type 1,1-diaryléthylène, est un analogue très puissant développé au laboratoire. Cette molécule est isomère de la CA-4 et permet d’obtenir les mêmes activités biologiques que la CA-4. L’objectif de cette thèse est d’étudier ce motif 1,1-diaryléthylène dans le cadre de molécules cytotoxiques en synthétisant et en évaluant in vitro plusieurs séries de molécules de type « iso ». L’autre partie de cette thèse est dédiée à la synthèse d’analogues hétérocycliques de l’isoCA-4, qui permettront de réaliser les premières études de relation structure-activité sur l’isoCA-4, où son cycle B a été remplacé par un hétérocycle. Ce travail nous a permis de confirmer que la structure de l’isoCA-4 peut servir de base de travail pour développer d’autres agents antivasculaires. / For a tumor, the angiogenesis is a vital step for its development. The spread of the tumor is necessary characterized by an extension of the surrounding vasculature, in order to provide the nutriments and the oxygen required to the growth of the tumor. Resulting from the angiogenesis, the new tumorous blood vessels formed represent an excellent target to treat cancer by aiming specifically at the heart of the tumor. By means of vascular disrupting agents (VDA), it is possible to cut the tumor off the blood flow to trigger the necrosis within the tumor. Among the current VDA, the natural combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) is a strong compound that exhibits excellent antitumoral activities. An isomer of the CA-4, the isocombretastatin A-4 (isoCA-4), was developed inour laboratory to propose an alternative and a new family of VDA. The isoCA-4 is characterized by a 1,1-diarylethylene core, which we studied in this thesis, through 3 series of molecules related to this new structure inmedicinal chemistry. We also synthesized heterocyclic analogues of the isoCA-4, in order to explore the capacity of the isoCA-4 to serve as a basis for developing new antimitotic compounds.

Grâce à leurs fortes acidités, les milieux superacides permettent d’accéder par polyprotonation à des intermédiaires superélectrophiles polycationiques, capables d’être piégés par des nucléophiles très faibles. Ces espèces très réactives ont permis de développer des méthodologies de synthèse sans équivalent en conditions « classiques ».Dans la première partie de ce travail, le comportement de composés organophosphorés dans le milieu HF/SbF5 a été évalué et les sites de protonation de différentes fonctions phosphorées ont pu être observés par RMN in situ à basse température. La réactivité d’oxydes de phosphines insaturés a également été évaluée et des composés organophosphorés cycliques et/ou fluorés ont été synthétisés avec de bons rendements. Des expériences de RMN in situ à basse température ont permis de mettre en évidence un intermédiaire superélectrophile de type phosphonium-carbénium inédit dont l’implication a été confirmée par des calculs théoriques.La deuxième partie est consacrée à l’exploitation de la contrainte benzylique d’espèces superélectrophiles. A partir d’éphédrines tosylées, des benzosultames cycliques ont été obtenus par cyclisation intramoléculaire diastéréospécifique dans l’acide trifluorométhanesulfonique. L’analyse des intermédiaires réactionnels par RMN a permis de révéler l’implication d’une contrainte benzylique contrôlant la spécificité de la réaction. Les benzosultames chiraux N-F obtenus après fluoration ont été utilisés comme réactifs de fluoration électrophile énantiosélective et la synthèse de dioxydes de méthanodibenzothiazocines chiraux inédits a également été envisagée. / Thanks to their exceptional acidity, superacid allow access to polycationic superelectrophiles by polyprotonation. These highly reactive species are capable of being trapped by very weak nucleophiles and can be used to develop new synthetic methodologies without equivalents under “classical” conditions. In the first part of this work, the behavior of organophosphorus compounds in HF/SbF5 was evaluated and the protonation sites of different phosphorus functions have been observed by low temperature NMR spectroscopy. The reactivity of unsaturated phosphine oxides has also been evaluated and cyclic and/or fluorinated organophosphorus compounds have been synthetized in good yields. In situ low-temperature NMR experiments revealed a phosphonium-carbenium superelectrophilic intermediate whose implication was confirmed by theoretical calculations. The second part deals with the study of the benzylic strain applied to superelectrophilic species. From tosylated ephedrines, cyclic benzosultams were obtained by diastereospecific intramolecular process in trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. Analysis of the reaction intermediates by NMR revealed the implication of a benzylic strain controlling the specificity of the reaction. After fluorination, the obtained N-F chiral benzosultams were used as enantioselective electrophilic fluorination reagents and the synthesis of new chiral methanodibenzothiazocine dioxides was also considered.

A funcionalização de 3,4,6-tri-O-acetil-D-glucal foi realizada utilizando reações de acoplamento cruzado (Sonogashira e Stille), ciclo-adições de azida-alcino (Click chemistry) e ciclização nucleófila promovida por eletrófilo. Utilizando estas reações juntamente com as já referidas transformações de grupos funcionais e reações de rearranjo de Ferrier, as bibliotecas de compostos à base de glucal foram sintetizadas e observadas em algumas moléculas fluorescência e outras foram disponibilizadas para avaliação de atividade biológica. Na primeira parte, foram sintetizadas bibliotecas de derivados de bis- e tris-triazolil-glicosila a partir de 3,4,6-tri-O-acetil-D-glucal utilizando as reações acima mencionadas. A segunda parte deste trabalho consiste em sintetizar uma biblioteca de derivados glucal de 2-alquinilo usando um acoplamento de Sonogashira livre de cobre e ligante, seguido por aplicações sintéticas destes alquinos glucais. A hidrostanação regioselectiva catalisada por paládio destes glucanos 2-alquinilo foi realizada utilizando hidreto de tributilestanho para gerar uma biblioteca de derivados estanil regioisoméricos de glucal. Além disso, estes derivados de 2-alquinil-glucal sintetizados na primeira parte também foram utilizados na ciclização nucleofílica 5-endo-dig promovida por eletrófilos para proporcionar derivados de glucal bicíclicos. Na parte final, os derivados de estanho de glucal foram utilizados para sintetizar bibliotecas de derivados de 2-alcenil glucal substituído. Esta parte inclui também transformações de grupos funcionais e acoplamentos cruzados (Stille e Sonogashira), bem como click chemistry para gerar bibliotecas de derivados de 2-alquenil-D-glucal alquinilo e triazolilo substituídos. Na maioria dos casos os produtos foram obtidos em rendimentos muito bons a excelentes que foram analisados utilizando RMN, Infra vermehlo, espectrometria de massas de alta resolução e outras técnicas analíticas quando aplicável. / Functionalization of 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-D-glucal has been performed using cross-coupling (Sonogashira and Stille) reactions, azide-alkyne cycloadditions (Click chemistry) and electrophile-promoted nucleophilic alkyne cyclizations. Using these reactions along with the already reported functional group transformations (FGT) and Ferrier rearrangement reactions, libraries of glucal-based compounds were synthesized with members of characteristic photophysical and potential biological properties. In the first part, the synthesis of libraries of bis- and tris-triazolyl glycosyl derivatives is described starting from 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-D-glucal using the above-mentioned reactions. In the second part of this work, the synthesis of a library of 2-alkynyl glucal derivatives using a copper and ligand-free Sonogashira coupling, followed by synthetic applications of these glucal alkynes is reported. Palladium-catalyzed regioselective hydrostannation of these 2-alkynyl glucals was performed using tributyltin hydride to generate a library of regioisomeric stannyl derivatives of glucal. Moreover, these 2-alkynyl glucal derivatives synthesized in the first part were also used in electrophile-promoted nucleophilic 5-endo-dig cyclization to afford bicyclic glucal derivatives. In the final part, the use of stannyl derivatives of glucal to synthesize libraries of substituted 2-alkenyl glucal derivatives is described. This part also includes certain functional group transformations and cross-couplings (Stille and Sonogashira) as well as click chemistry to generate libraries of alkynyl and triazolyl substituted 2-alkenyl-D-glucal derivatives. In most of the cases, the products were obtained in very good to excellent yields and were analyzed using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, HRMS, and other analytic techniques where applicable

São apresentados nesta tese os resultados dos estudos visando a síntese total assimétrica do populeno D, um produto natural extraído do troco da árvore Thespesia populnea. A proposta sintética era obter a molécula alvo em 14 etapas, entretanto, não foi possível finalizar a síntese. Foi obtido o último intermediário da síntese em 13 etapas em um rendimento global de 8%, a partir do L-lactato de etila, comercialmente disponível. A rota sintética proposta tem como etapa chave uma reação de ciclização de Prins catalisada por iodo molecular. Tal metodologia foi utilizada para sintetizar quatro análogos do populeno D, compostos inéditos que foram caracterizados e enviados para ensaios de atividade biológica. Dois destes quatro compostos apresentaram bons resultados contra linhagens celulares do ovário com fenótipo de resistência a múltiplos fármacos. Apresenta-se também uma metodologia de meta-alquilação de N-aril-2- aminopirimidinas com haletos secundários catalisada por rutênio. No total, foram obtidos vinte compostos inéditos que foram completamente caracterizados. / Studies aiming the asymmetric total synthesis of populene D are presented in this thesis. Populene D is a natural product extracted from Thespesia populnea tree trunk. Synthetic proposal for the target molecule comprised 14 steps, however, total synthesis was not achieved. Last intermediate of the proposed route was obtained, in 13 steps and 8% global yield, starting from commercially available ethyl L-lactate. An iodine-catalyzed Prins cyclization reaction is the key step of proposed synthesis. This methodology was applied to synthesize four analogues of populene D, all unknown compounds which were fully characterized, and submitted to biological activity tests. Among these four compounds, two of them have shown good results against ovary cell lines with with multidrug resistance phenotype. A new protocol of ruthenium-catalyzed site-selective alkylation of N-aryl-2- aminopyrimidines is also presented in this thesis. 20 unknown compounds were obtained using this protocol and they were fully characterized as well.

São apresentados nesta tese os resultados dos estudos visando a síntese total assimétrica do populeno D, um produto natural extraído do troco da árvore Thespesia populnea. A proposta sintética era obter a molécula alvo em 14 etapas, entretanto, não foi possível finalizar a síntese. Foi obtido o último intermediário da síntese em 13 etapas em um rendimento global de 8%, a partir do L-lactato de etila, comercialmente disponível. A rota sintética proposta tem como etapa chave uma reação de ciclização de Prins catalisada por iodo molecular. Tal metodologia foi utilizada para sintetizar quatro análogos do populeno D, compostos inéditos que foram caracterizados e enviados para ensaios de atividade biológica. Dois destes quatro compostos apresentaram bons resultados contra linhagens celulares do ovário com fenótipo de resistência a múltiplos fármacos. Apresenta-se também uma metodologia de meta-alquilação de N-aril-2- aminopirimidinas com haletos secundários catalisada por rutênio. No total, foram obtidos vinte compostos inéditos que foram completamente caracterizados. / Studies aiming the asymmetric total synthesis of populene D are presented in this thesis. Populene D is a natural product extracted from Thespesia populnea tree trunk. Synthetic proposal for the target molecule comprised 14 steps, however, total synthesis was not achieved. Last intermediate of the proposed route was obtained, in 13 steps and 8% global yield, starting from commercially available ethyl L-lactate. An iodine-catalyzed Prins cyclization reaction is the key step of proposed synthesis. This methodology was applied to synthesize four analogues of populene D, all unknown compounds which were fully characterized, and submitted to biological activity tests. Among these four compounds, two of them have shown good results against ovary cell lines with with multidrug resistance phenotype. A new protocol of ruthenium-catalyzed site-selective alkylation of N-aryl-2- aminopyrimidines is also presented in this thesis. 20 unknown compounds were obtained using this protocol and they were fully characterized as well.

"Ghadiri reported the first synthetic peptide nanotubue in 1993, which has triggered extensive studies on peptide-based nanotubes and their potential application in molecular wires, catalysts and novel drug delivery vehicles. Our concerns focus on chromophore-modified cyclic peptides, which open a new way to design and synthesize novel nanoscale electronic or photonic devices, and are expected to provide the highly efficient electron and energy transfer that such devices require. This research concerned the design and synthesis of chiral a-amino acids with specific chromophores, including N-ethyl-3-carbazolylalanine and 9-anthrylalanine, and an 8-mer linear peptide (H-Aib-Car-Aib-Phe-Aib-Bpa-Aib-Phe-OH) and its corresponding cyclic peptide cyclo(Aib-Car-Aib-Phe-Aib-Bpa-Aib-Phe) that incorporate the N-ethyl-3-carbazolylalanine. This thesis describes the relevant background, synthetic strategies, experiments and results in detail. The carbazole derivatives were found to be very labile to strong acid, which might have caused self-condensation. In order to avoid the formation of acid-derived side-products, the Wittig-Horner reaction was used successfully in preparation of N-protected-3-(N'-ethyl-3-carbazolyl)-DL-alanine methyl ester. Dual enzymatic hydrolyses were developed to produce the chiral amino acids with high enantiomeric excess. ChiroCLEC-BL was used to selectively hydrolyze the N-acetyl-L-amino acid methyl ester, while amanoacylase was adopted to remove the acetyl group from the resulting N-acetyl-L-amino acid. Two model peptides were synthesized, a 4-mer peptide (H-Car-D-Ala-Bpa-D-Ala-OH) via the Boc-strategy, and an 8-mer peptide (H-Ala-D-Ala-Npa-D-MeAla-Ala-D-Ala-Bpa-D-Ala-OH) by the Fmoc-strategy. Eventually, the target linear peptide was synthesized via the Fmoc-strategy and then cyclized in solution."