Foram realizados experimentos de homopolimerização de estireno e copolimerização de estireno-divinilbenzeno em solução e suspensão aquosa pelos métodos convencional (FRP) e mediado por nitróxido (NMRP). Objetivou-se atingir um maior grau de entendimento sobre estes sistemas em relação ao que se tem na literatura. Para isto, três modelos matemáticos foram avaliados através de validação com os dados obtidos nos experimentos. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em reator de batelada isotérmico. As principais variáveis exploradas neste trabalho foram: temperatura de reação, concentração inicial de divinilbenzeno, diluição inicial da mistura de monômeros e técnicas de polimerização (FRP e NMRP). Os modelos matemáticos foram intitulados: Modelo A, Modelo B e Modelo C. O Modelo A consiste de um balanço de espécies não poliméricas e grupos poliméricos. A determinação das massas moleculares médias e da fração de gel foi feita através de balanços populacionais em termos de função geradora em conjunto com o método das características. Os modelos B e C consistiram de balanços de massa para espécies não poliméricas e método dos momentos para radicais ativos, radicais dormentes e polímero morto. A obtenção das massas moleculares médias e da fração de gel foi feita através do método do fracionamento numérico. Nestes dois modelos, foram consideradas as reações de ciclização através do método dos caminhos. Este método consiste num balanço de segmentos de cadeia que conectam grupos poliméricos. O número máximo de unidades monoméricas, considerado para estes segmentos foi 100 e o valor da constante cinética de ciclização do menor segmento ciclizável (3 unidades monoméricas) foi 450 s-1 para a temperatura de 90°C. O Modelo C leva em conta a redução da reatividade das ligações cruzadas em função do tamanho médio das cadeias em cada geração. Os resultados mostraram que, quando comparado com a FRP, a polimerização NMRP permite somente um controle limitado sobre o processo de reticulação, produzindo distribuições largas de tamanhos de cadeia. Micro e nanoestruturas foram identificadas em produtos obtidos por FRP e NMRP lineares e não lineares. Estas estruturas parecem ser consequência do processo de síntese (ex.: operação em temperatura de reação acima da temperatura de transição vítrea) e do tratamento dos produtos. Massa molecular média mássica e fração de gel foram afetadas consideravelmente pelas reações de ciclização em copolimerizações FRP, porém apresentaram pouca sensibilidade a estas reações em copolimerizações NMRP. A inclusão do mecanismo de ciclização, por si só (no Modelo B), não foi suficiente para produzir bons ajustes modelo/experimentos em termos de massa molecular média mássica (Mw) e fração de gel (Wg). No entanto, o Modelo C é capaz de fornecer boas previsões de Mw e Wg simultaneamente para os experimentos realizados a 90°C. O presente estudo mostrou uma análise na qual os modelos podem se complementar e fornecer subsídios para o desenvolvimento de um modelo unificado. / Homopolymerizations of styrene and copolymerizations of styrene-divinylbenzene were carried out in solution and aqueous suspension through conventional (FRP) and nitroxide-mediated (NMRP) techniques. The aim of the work was to reach a higher level of understanding in comparison to what is found in literature. In order to reach this goal, three mathematical models were assessed through validation using experimental data. The experiments were conducted in isothermal batch reactor. The main variables explored in this work were: reaction temperature, divinylbenzene initial concentration, initial dilution of monomers and polymerization techniques (FRP and NMRP). The mathematical models were named: Model A, Model B and Model C. The Model A consists of a balance of non-polymeric species and polymer groups. The average molecular weights and gel fraction were calculated through population balances in terms of generation function together with the method of characteristics. The models B and C were built using mass balance for non-polymeric species and the method of moments for active radicals, dormant radicals and dead polymer. The average molecular weights and gel fraction were calculated through the numerical fractionation technique. In these two models, cyclization reactions were considered through the method of paths. This method consists of a balance of chain segments which connect polymer groups. The maximum number of monomeric units considered for these segments was 100 and the value of the kinetic constant of cyclization for the smaller cyclizable path (3 monomeric units) was 450 s-1 at 90°C. The Model C takes into account the reduction of reactivity of the crosslink reactions in function of the average size of the chains in each generation. The results showed that, when compared with FRP, NMRP allows only a limited control over the crosslinking process, producing broad chain length distributions. Micro and nanostructures were identified in products obtained by linear and non-linear FRP and NMRP. These structures seem to be consequence of the synthesis process (e.g.: operation in reaction temperatures above the glass transition temperature) and of the products treatment. Weight average molecular weight and gel fraction were affected considerably by the cyclization reactions in FRP, however they presented few sensibility to these reactions in NMRP. The inclusion of the mechanism of cyclization, itself (in Model B), was not enough to obtain good model/experiments fittings in terms of weight average molecular weight (Mw) and weight fraction of gel (Wg). Although, the Model C is capable of providing good predictions of Mw and Wg simultaneously for the experiments carried out at 90°C. The present study showed an analysis in which the models can complement each other, providing subsidies for the development of a unified model.

Esta tese consiste do estudo de reações de ciclofuncionalização de compostos β-enamino carbonílicos e β-dicarbonílicos, contendo uma cadeia alquenílica nas posições α ou γ. Os eletrófilos empregados para este fim foram: iodo, brometo de fenilselenenila e tricloreto de p-metóxifeniltelurio. Os iodo-β-enamino ésteres e cetonas cíclicas, após desidroiodação mediada por base, levaram à formação dos correspondentes pirróis, indóis e aminobenzofuranos. A ciclização dos β-ceto ésteres e β-dicetonas levou a enol éteres e benzofuranos funcionalizados. Estes resultados, juntamente com outros obtidos em nosso grupo de pesquisa, foram utilizados em um estudo comparativo entre reagentes de iodo, selênio e telúrio frente a reações de ciclização eletrofílica de substratos β-dicarbonílicos. / This thesis presents a study of the cyclofunctionalization of β-enamino carbonyl and β-dicarbonyl compounds, substituted by an alkenyl group at the α or γ positions. Iodine, phenyl-selenenyl bromide and p-methoxyphenyltellurium trichloride were employed as the electrophilic reagent. The cyclic iodo-β-enamino esters and ketones, after base-promoted dehydroiodination, led to the corresponding pyrroles, indoles and aminobenzofurans. The cyclization of the β-keto esters and β-diketones afforded five- and six-membered enol ethers and benzofuranones. These results, together with others previously obtained in our research group, allowed us to compare the behavior of the three above mentioned electrophiles toward the cyclofunctionalization of β-dicarbonyl substrates.

Foram realizados experimentos de homopolimerização de estireno e copolimerização de estireno-divinilbenzeno em solução e suspensão aquosa pelos métodos convencional (FRP) e mediado por nitróxido (NMRP). Objetivou-se atingir um maior grau de entendimento sobre estes sistemas em relação ao que se tem na literatura. Para isto, três modelos matemáticos foram avaliados através de validação com os dados obtidos nos experimentos. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em reator de batelada isotérmico. As principais variáveis exploradas neste trabalho foram: temperatura de reação, concentração inicial de divinilbenzeno, diluição inicial da mistura de monômeros e técnicas de polimerização (FRP e NMRP). Os modelos matemáticos foram intitulados: Modelo A, Modelo B e Modelo C. O Modelo A consiste de um balanço de espécies não poliméricas e grupos poliméricos. A determinação das massas moleculares médias e da fração de gel foi feita através de balanços populacionais em termos de função geradora em conjunto com o método das características. Os modelos B e C consistiram de balanços de massa para espécies não poliméricas e método dos momentos para radicais ativos, radicais dormentes e polímero morto. A obtenção das massas moleculares médias e da fração de gel foi feita através do método do fracionamento numérico. Nestes dois modelos, foram consideradas as reações de ciclização através do método dos caminhos. Este método consiste num balanço de segmentos de cadeia que conectam grupos poliméricos. O número máximo de unidades monoméricas, considerado para estes segmentos foi 100 e o valor da constante cinética de ciclização do menor segmento ciclizável (3 unidades monoméricas) foi 450 s-1 para a temperatura de 90°C. O Modelo C leva em conta a redução da reatividade das ligações cruzadas em função do tamanho médio das cadeias em cada geração. Os resultados mostraram que, quando comparado com a FRP, a polimerização NMRP permite somente um controle limitado sobre o processo de reticulação, produzindo distribuições largas de tamanhos de cadeia. Micro e nanoestruturas foram identificadas em produtos obtidos por FRP e NMRP lineares e não lineares. Estas estruturas parecem ser consequência do processo de síntese (ex.: operação em temperatura de reação acima da temperatura de transição vítrea) e do tratamento dos produtos. Massa molecular média mássica e fração de gel foram afetadas consideravelmente pelas reações de ciclização em copolimerizações FRP, porém apresentaram pouca sensibilidade a estas reações em copolimerizações NMRP. A inclusão do mecanismo de ciclização, por si só (no Modelo B), não foi suficiente para produzir bons ajustes modelo/experimentos em termos de massa molecular média mássica (Mw) e fração de gel (Wg). No entanto, o Modelo C é capaz de fornecer boas previsões de Mw e Wg simultaneamente para os experimentos realizados a 90°C. O presente estudo mostrou uma análise na qual os modelos podem se complementar e fornecer subsídios para o desenvolvimento de um modelo unificado. / Homopolymerizations of styrene and copolymerizations of styrene-divinylbenzene were carried out in solution and aqueous suspension through conventional (FRP) and nitroxide-mediated (NMRP) techniques. The aim of the work was to reach a higher level of understanding in comparison to what is found in literature. In order to reach this goal, three mathematical models were assessed through validation using experimental data. The experiments were conducted in isothermal batch reactor. The main variables explored in this work were: reaction temperature, divinylbenzene initial concentration, initial dilution of monomers and polymerization techniques (FRP and NMRP). The mathematical models were named: Model A, Model B and Model C. The Model A consists of a balance of non-polymeric species and polymer groups. The average molecular weights and gel fraction were calculated through population balances in terms of generation function together with the method of characteristics. The models B and C were built using mass balance for non-polymeric species and the method of moments for active radicals, dormant radicals and dead polymer. The average molecular weights and gel fraction were calculated through the numerical fractionation technique. In these two models, cyclization reactions were considered through the method of paths. This method consists of a balance of chain segments which connect polymer groups. The maximum number of monomeric units considered for these segments was 100 and the value of the kinetic constant of cyclization for the smaller cyclizable path (3 monomeric units) was 450 s-1 at 90°C. The Model C takes into account the reduction of reactivity of the crosslink reactions in function of the average size of the chains in each generation. The results showed that, when compared with FRP, NMRP allows only a limited control over the crosslinking process, producing broad chain length distributions. Micro and nanostructures were identified in products obtained by linear and non-linear FRP and NMRP. These structures seem to be consequence of the synthesis process (e.g.: operation in reaction temperatures above the glass transition temperature) and of the products treatment. Weight average molecular weight and gel fraction were affected considerably by the cyclization reactions in FRP, however they presented few sensibility to these reactions in NMRP. The inclusion of the mechanism of cyclization, itself (in Model B), was not enough to obtain good model/experiments fittings in terms of weight average molecular weight (Mw) and weight fraction of gel (Wg). Although, the Model C is capable of providing good predictions of Mw and Wg simultaneously for the experiments carried out at 90°C. The present study showed an analysis in which the models can complement each other, providing subsidies for the development of a unified model.

Sais de diazônio são um classe de compostos amplamente usados em química orgânica. Sua aplicação abrange uma gama de sínteses desde corantes até reações de hetero-acoplamento para produção de fármacos, mas pouco é conhecido de sua redução eletroquímica para fins sintéticos. As metodologias empregadas na redução de sais de diazônio geralmente envolvem o uso de metais ou compostos capazes de transferir elétrons como Pd, Cu ou tetratiafulvaleno. Neste trabalho é descrita a redução eletroquímica de dois sais de diazônio: tetrafluoroborato de 2-(2-propen-1-ilóxi)benzenodiazônio (1) e tetrafluoroborato de 2-(2-propen-1-iltio)benzenodiazônio (2) usando três eletrodos: Pt, Hg e pó de grafite. Quando foi feita a eletrólise de (1) utilizando cátodo de Hg vários produtos foram formados envolvendo uma reação de ciclização intramolecular, porém não conseguimos separá-los pelos métodos cromatográficos. A eletrólise de (2) em condições experimentais similares conduziu a uma mistura complexa de produtos provavelmente devido a uma interação do Hg com o átomo de enxofre do substrato e seus produtos de redução. Usando o cátodo de Pt e sal (1) a reação não foi eficiente pois ocorria uma queda brusca da corrente, provavelmente devido ao bloqueio da superfície do eletrodo. Concernente ao eletrodo de pó de grafite, apenas alguns experimentos preliminares foram feitos, portanto uma análise de seu desemprenho é prematura. / Diazonium salts are a class of compounds largely used in organic synthesis. Their application cover a broad range from dye syntheses to hetero-coupling reactions for production of medical drugs, but little is known about their electrochemical reduction and its possible use in synthesis. Metodologies employed for their reduction generally involve metals or compounds capable to perform an electron transfer like Pd, Cu or tetrathiafulvalene. We describe the electrochemical reduction studies of two diazonium salts: 2-(-2-propen-1-yloxi)benzenediazonuim (1) and 2-(2-propen-1-ylthio)benzenediazonuim (2) using three electrodes: Pt, Hg and graphite powder. When (1), was electrolyzed using a Hg cathode several products were formed involving an intramolecular cyclization reaction, but we were unable to separate them by chromatographic methods. The electrolyses of (2) under similar experimental conditions gave a complex mixture of products probably due to an interaction of Hg with sulfur of the substrate and the reduction products. Using a Pt cathode and salt (1) the reduction did not proceed efficiently because the current decreased rapidly probably due to a blockage of the electrode surface. Concerning the graphite powder electrode only some preliminary experiments were made, therefore an evaluation of its performance is premature.

Two different research projects are described in this dissertation. The first one focuses on microwave-promoted iminyl radical cyclization for the formation of azaheterocycles which are embedded within numerous pharmaceuticals and biologically active natural products (such as clindamycin, eletriptan, moxiflaxin, etc.). We are quite interested in this project because of the significance of nitrogen-containing heterocycles as pharmaceuticals and organocatalysts combined with the need for safe, simple, and economical means of constructing them. We have successfully developed an efficient one-step synthesis of 2-acylpyrroles and diastereoselective dihydropyrroles from readily available oxime ether substrates. This remarkably efficient and environmentally friendly methodology should be useful for rapid and easy preparation of potent drugs containing pyrrolidine ring systems. The second project focuses on the total synthesis of yaku'amide A. The natural compound, isolated from a marine sponge in 2010, is a medium-sized peptide that contains bulky dehydroamino acids. It has an excellent IC50 value (14 ng/mL) against leukemia cells, making it a promising anticancer agent. Because of the unique anticancer profile, potent bioactivity, and limited supply, the natural product was attractive to us for an efficient synthesis and mechanistic investigation. We have devised more efficient strategies compared to Inoue's methods for the synthesis of bulky ∆AAs and their incorporation into peptides, which are innovative and will allow us to synthesize yaku'amide A rapidly and conveniently. A one-pot sequence consisting Martin sulfurane mediated anti dehydration, azide reduction, and O→N acyl transfer was developed for the construction of E- and Z-dehydroisoleucine-containing peptides. We also developed a three-step synthesis of N-terminal acyl group involving a one-pot indium-catalyzed cross-Claisen condensation/reduction from a known compound. The most hindered coupling reaction of pentapeptide acid and nanapeptide amine in the late stage is accomplished. Our total synthesis of yaku'amide A can be completed in 19 longest linear steps and 66 total steps. Further identification of yaku'amide A for elucidation of its biological target and mode of action will be explored, which will open up new avenues in the fight against cancer.

Peptides are emerging as promising therapeutics due to their inhibitory affinity towards protein-protein interactions (PPI). However, peptides have been limited mainly by their poor bio-stability and lack of cell permeability. Efforts to generate drug-like peptides have led to the development of macrocyclic peptides, which exhibit improved stability. Yet, most macrocyclic peptides still require the assistance of a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) for cellular entry. High throughput technologies have been exceptional tools for the discovery of peptides to interrupt PPIs. This work details the recent advancements we have made to improve our high throughput technique, mRNA display, to yield more therapeutically relevant peptides to inhibit PPIs. Our advancements are focused on cell permeability, protease stability, and secondary structure for enhanced affinity. Here we develop and optimize a cyclic CPP that can be included in future mRNA display libraries. We also tested the ability of our CPP to deliver an impermeable peptide cargo into cells. We rationally designed and tested linear and cyclic peptides to improve affinity to the BRCA1 protein. We used computational work to complement our experimental results for our CPPs and BRCA1 inhibitors. We examined peptides that arose from a library containing a mix of linear, monocyclic, and bicyclic peptides constructed using orthogonal cyclization chemistries. We rationally designed cyclic peptides and tested their affinity against Hsp70. We proposed a novel selection strategy to find optimal CPP motifs.

Cancer is a serious family of disease that continues to cripple and claim those afflicted. For the last several decades, America has invested in a national program to alleviate cancer and cancer related suffering, ultimately seeking a cure. As part of this goal, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has spent significant effort scouring the globe with the hope of finding naturally occurring compounds that can successfully combat cancer. Presently, this effort has uncovered many natural products with chemotherapeutic potential and many of the lead agents used in the fight against cancer are either natural products themselves or are compounds inspired by a natural product. This work describes one family of natural products uncovered by the NCI that is being explored for chemotherapeutic applications, namely the schweinfurthins. The schweinfurthins were isolated by the NCI; however the natural source, Macaranga schweinfurthii, did not provide these compounds in ample quantity to permit further study. The paucity of natural material indicated that a chemical synthesis of these compounds would be the most reliable method to provide meaningful amounts of schweinfurthins. The present work describes the chemical synthesis of four of the most potent schweinfurthins, describes the synthesis of numerous structural analogues, and details advances to the field of cascade cyclizations which makes their synthesis possible.

Transition metal mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cyclizations have been well researched over the past several years. As a well-developed methodology, [2 + 2 + 2] chemistry has been employed as a major pathway to various carbo- and heterocyclic synthetic targets. Numerous transition metals have been applied as catalysts for these cyclizations. Previous work in our group developed cobalt(I) catalyzed inter- and intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] cyclizations of two alkynes and a nitrile, leading to the preparation of tetrahydro-naphthyridines. Pyridazines could be generated if the cyclization could be accomplished with two nitriles and an alkyne, which would be a novel way to synthesize 1,2-diazines through the formation of the N-N bond. To this end, metal-catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] cyclizations between an alkyne and two nitriles were investigated. The intramolecular nature of the reaction provided the entropic advantage to successfully assist the formation of the critical N-N bond. Optimal conditions were achieved with cobalt(I) catalysts under microwave irradiation in chlorobenzene, producing the desired pyridazines in moderate to good yields. This success led to the preparation of a series of annulated pyridazines. The use of two tethering nitrogens in the preparation of the cyclization precursors incorporated points for further diversification, the next step in the development of this chemistry. This ring closure through N,N-bond formation allowed the construction of annulated pyridazine scaffolds that were utilized further in a small molecule library synthesis. Using this methodology, sixteen new annulated pyridazines were prepared. Inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reactions of arynes and 1,2,4-triazines were also investigated for the generation of isoquinoline core structures. The results showed that only triazines with electron withdrawing groups participated in the IEDDA reactions with benzyne as a partner after screening of several different arynes, which limited the scope of the reaction. Liebeskind–Srogl reactions of 3-methylthiotriazines and boronic acids were investigated during the diversification of triazines, and microwave irradiation with palladium and copper catalysts were found to be the optimal conditions for the coupling. The chemistry allowed for further triazine diversification.

<p>Five-membered rings are readily prepared by <i>5-exo-trig</i> radical cyclization. This thesis is concerned with novel methodology for pyrrolidine synthesis. We have synthesised selenium containing radical precursors from aziridines and α-phenylseleno ketones, and cyclized them to 2,4- and 3,4-disubstituted pyrrolidines. A few examples of <i>5-exo-dig</i> cyclization were also demonstrated. In another study we investigated the capacity of the nitrogen protecting group to direct diastereoselectivity in the formation of 2,4-disubstituted pyrrolidines. The diphenylphosphinoyl protecting group directed cyclization to occur in a highly <i>cis</i>-selective manner. When cyclizations were performed at 17 ^oC, <i>cis</i>/<i>trans</i>-ratios as high as 24/1 were obtained. In contrast, cyclization of the unprotected pyrrolidine precursor afforded the <i>trans</i>-diastereomer as the major product (<i>cis</i>/<i>trans </i>= 1/3.3 – 1/20). We also examined the use of a hydroxyl auxiliary for controlling diastereoselectivity in radical cyclization. The required selenium containing radical precursors were synthesised from 2-cyanoaziridines by addition of organometallic reagents, reduction of the resulting aziridine ketone, and benzeneselenol ring-opening of the aziridine. Cyclization at 17 ^oC produced 2,4-disubstituted pyrrolidines substantially enriched in the <i>trans</i>-isomer (<i>cis</i>/<i>trans</i> = 1/9 – 1/12). Novel radical cyclization approaches to thiazolines and pyrrolines were also tried.</p><p>The thesis also describes attempts to improve the Hassner aziridine synthesis by employing stannous chloride as a functional group tolerant reducing agent.</p>

The main focus of this thesis has been directed towards preparation and oxidative carbocyclization of en-, dien- and aza-enallenes. In the first part of this thesis, a stereoselective oxidative carbocyclization of dienallenes was realized. By employing cheap and readily available palladium trifluoroacetate we were able to efficiently cyclize a variety of dienallenes into hydroxylated carbocycles in high yield and high selectivity. This oxidative process was compatible with two different reoxidation protocols: one relying on p-benzoquinone (BQ) as the oxidant and the other employing molecular oxygen as the oxidant. In the second part of the thesis the carbocyclization methodology was extended to include carbocyclization of aza-enallenes. This was achieved in two distinct steps. First, a copper-catalyzed coupling of allylic sulfonamides with bromoallenes was developed, giving access to the corresponding aza-enallenes. Subjecting these substrates to catalytic amounts of palladium acetate, along with BQ as the oxidant, rendered N-heterocycles in good yield. The reactivity of these N-heterocycles towards activated dienophiles was later exploited in a tandem (aerobic) oxidative carbocyclization/Diels-Alder reaction. The third topic involves efficient oxidative arylative/borylative carbocyclization of enallenes. These reactions, catalyzed by palladium acetate, relies on transmetallation of a (σ-alkyl)palladium(II) intermediate with diboranes or arylboronic acids. With this novel methodology we were able to obtain an array of arylated or borylated carbocycles, as single diastereomers, in high yield. Finally, we developed a palladium(II)-catalyzed cyclization of allylic carbamates. This mild, operationally simple, and scalable catalytic reaction opens up access to an array of oxazolidinones in high yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 6: Manuscript.</p>