The effect of substituents on the stabilities of cumulenes-ketenes, allenes, diazomethanes and isocyanates and related systems-alkynes, nitriles and nitrile oxides is studied using the density functional theory (B3LYP, SVWN and BP86) and ab initio (HF, MP2) calculations at the 6-31G* basis set level. Using isodesmic reactions, correlation between stabilization energies of cumulenes and substituent group electronegativities (c BE) is established and the results from DFT and MP2 methods are compared with the earlier HF calculations. Calculations revealed that the density functional methods can be used to study the effect of substituents on the stabilities of cumulenes. It is observed that the cumulenes are stabilized by electropositive substituent groups from s -electron donation and p -electron withdrawal and are destabilized by electronegative substituent groups from n-p donation. The calculated geometries of the cumulenes are compared with the available experimental data.High level ab initio and density functional theory calculations have been used to study the energetics of low-barrier hydrogen bond (LBHB) systems. Using substituted formic acid-formate anion complexes as model LBHB systems, hydrogen bond strength is correlated to the pKa mismatch between the hydrogen bond donor and the hydrogen bond acceptor. LBHB model systems are characterized by the 1H-NMR chemical shift calculations. A linear correlation between the calculated hydrogen bond strength and the predicted 1H-NMR chemical shift was established. It is concluded that the pKa matching within the enzyme active site of the two species involved in the LBHB is important to maximizing catalytic stabilization.

ABSTRACT SYNTHESIS OF FUROPYRROLONE AND FUROPYRIDAZINONE DERIVATIVES: A NEW CLASS OF COMPOUNDS Karahan, Emrah M.Sc., Department of Chemistry Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Metin Balci February 2011, 102 pages Furopyrrolone has a bicyclic structure consisting of furan and a pyrrolone ring. It is isoelectronic with isoindolinone which is also a heterocyclic organic compound. It has a bicyclic structure, consisting of a benzene ring fused to a five-membered nitrogen containing pyrrolone ring. Pyrrolones, pyrrolidines, pyrrolidinones, pyridazines and pyridazinones are precursors to many pharmaceuticals. In this project we developed new synthetic procedures leading to the synthesis of furopyrrolone derivatives. To do this, the starting compound, methyl 2-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)-3-furoate, was converted to isocyanate, regioselectively. This isocyanate was converted into the corresponding urethane and/or urea derivatives by treatment with alcohol and amine, respectively. It is known that acyl chlorides are more reactive than esters and carboxylic acids. Therefore, ester was converted to more reactive compound acyl azide that was used for intramolecular cyclization to get desired furopyrrolone skeletons. In the second part, methyl 2-formylfuran-3-carboxylate was treated with hydrazine and hydrazine salts. Then, intramolecular molecular cyclization caused the formation of desired heterocycles via acyl chloride intermediate.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xv, 110, [139] p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 102-110).

The development of Plasmodium falciparum malarial resistance to the current armoury of anti-malarial drugs requires the development of new treatments to help combat this disease. The marine environment is a well established source of potential pharmaceuticals. Of interest to us are isonitrile, isocyanate and isothiocyanate compounds isolated from marine sponges and molluscs which have exhibited nano-molar anti-plasmodial activities. Through quantitative structure-activity relation studies (QSAR), a literature precedent exists for a pseudoreceptor model from which a pharmacophore for the design of novel anti-malarial agents was proposed. The current theory suggests that these marine compounds exert their inhibitory action through interfering with the heme detoxification pathway in P. falciparum. We propose that the computational methods used to draw detailed conclusions about the mode of action of these marine compounds were inadequate. This thesis addresses this problem using contemporary computational methodologies and seeks to propose a more robust method for the rational design of new anti-malarial drug compounds that inhibit heme polymerization to hemozoin. In order to investigate the interactions of the marine compounds with their heme targets, a series of modern computational procedures were formulated, validated and then applied to theoretical systems. The validations of these algorithms, before their application to the marine compound-heme systems, were achieved through two case studies. The first was used to investigate the applicability of the statistical docking algorithm AutoDock to be used for the exploration of conformational space around the heme target. A theoretical P. falciparum 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) enzyme model, constructed by the Biochemistry Department at Rhodes University, provided the ideal model to validate the AutoDock program. The protein model was accordingly subjected to rigorous docking simulations with over 30 different ligand molecules using the AutoDock algorithm which allowed for the docking algorithm’s limitations to be ascertained and improved upon. This investigation facilitated the successful validation of the protein model, which can now be used for the rational design of new PfDXR-inhibiting anti-plasmodial compounds, as well as enabling us to propose an improvement of the docking algorithm for application to the heme systems. The second case study was used to investigate the applicability of an ab initio molecular dynamics algorithm for simulation of bond breaking/forming events between the marine compounds and their heme target. This validation involved the exploration of intermolecular interactions in a naturally occurring nonoligomeric zipper using the Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD) method. This study allowed us to propose a model for the intermolecular forces responsible for zipper self-assembly and showcased the CPMD method’s abilities to simulate and predict bond forming/breaking events. Data from the computational analyses suggested that the interactions between marine isonitriles, isocyanates and isothiocyanates occur through bond-less electrostatic attractions rather than through formal intermolecular bonds as had been previously suggested. Accordingly, a simple bicyclic tertiary isonitrile (5.14) was synthesized using Kitano et al’s relatively underutilized isonitrile synthetic method for the conversion of tertiary alcohols to their corresponding isonitriles. This compound’s potential for heme detoxification inhibition was then explored in vitro via the pyridine-hemochrome assay. The assay data suggested that the synthesized isonitrile was capable of inhibiting heme polymerization in a similar fashion to the known inhibitor chloroquine. Attempts to synthesize tricyclic analogues of 5.14 were unsuccessful and highlighted the limitation of Kitano et al’s isonitrile synthetic methodology.

L'objectif de ces travaux de thèse était d'améliorer les performances d'étanchéité de connecteurs automobiles fabriqués en silicone. La première approche visait à comprendre les relations entre les structures chimiques présentes dans les formulations LSR et les propriétés mécaniques afin de proposer des additifs favorisant la résistance à la déchirure. Lors d'une étude préalable, nous avons étudié l'effet synergétique du platine et de la silice sur la dégradation thermique de formulations silicone. Ce travail a permis de décrire le mécanisme et de proposer de nouvelles formulations plus performantes en terme de taux de résidu après pyrolyse. Cette première étude alliée à d'autres techniques a permis d'analyser les structures chimiques présentes dans huit formulations commerciales. Nous avons également caractérisé la réactivité ainsi que la structure du réseau polymère obtenu après réticulation. Les relations liant les structures chimiques à la structure des réseaux ont été établies. Enfin, les propriétés mécaniques telles que la déformation rémanente à la compression, les propriétés ultimes (force et élongation à la rupture) et la résistance à la déchirure des matériaux ont été corrélées avec les différentes structures des réseaux.La seconde partie était dédiée à la synthèse d'un additif fonctionnel thermiquement activable permettant de réparer a posteriori une déchirure. Afin de sélectionner le meilleur système correspondant au cahier des charges, une revue complète de la bibliographie a été réalisée sur la réversibilité des fonctions urées et uréthanes, en portant une attention particulière sur la chimie des isocyanate bloqués. Deux molécules bloquantes ont été sélectionnées après étude de la réactivation thermique de la fonction isocyanate. Un monomère portant cette fonction isocyanate bloqué a été engagé dans une réaction de copolymérisation afin d'obtenir plusieurs générations d'additifs testés selon les normes appliquées aux connecteurs. / This PhD work aimed at improving the water and air-proofing properties of automotive connectors made of silicones. The first approach consisted of understanding the relationships between the chemical structures added in the LSR formulations and their ultimate mechanical performances so as to propose additives which would improve tear resistance of the materials. In a preliminary study, we investigated the synergistic role of platinum catalyst and silica on the thermal degradation of silicone formulations. These investigations allowed us to describe the degradation mechanism and to suggest new formulations in order to improve the residue content at high temperature. This first study, combined with other techniques, allowed us to analyze the chemical structures present in eight commercial formulations. We also characterized the reactivities as well as the network topologies obtained after curing the formulations. Correlations between the chemical structures and the network topology were then established. Finally, some mechanical properties, i.e. the compression set, the ultimate properties (tensile strength and elongation at break) and the tear resistance of final materials were matched with network topologies. The second part was dedicated to the synthesis of a functional additive which could be thermally reactivated to heal a tear. In order to select the best system according to the strict specifications of this work, a complete literature review on the reversibility of urea and urethane bonds was done, with special emphasis on blocked isocyanate chemistry. After a study on the isocyanate group thermal reactivation, two blocking molecules were chosen. A monomer bearing this blocked isocyanate function was then copolymerized to obtain different generations of additives which were finally tested according to standard norms applied to connectors.

L'utilisation du méthacrylate de 2-isocyanatoéthyle (IEM), dérivé commercial, a permis le développement de trois architectures polymères fonctionnalisées par un isocyanate bloqué. Un hydrogel fonctionnalisé par des groupements -NH-C(=O)-SO3- a été synthétisé à partir de l'IEM et du métabisulfite de potassium. Cet hydrogel présente un dégré de fonctionnalisation important, un bon comportement au stockage sous voie sèche ainsi qu'une très bonne capacité au gonflement dans l'eau. Le recours à un agent de blocage alternatif a permis la protection de l'IEM et l'obtention d'un monomère hydrosoluble qui a été polymérisé par voie radicalaire dans l'eau. La réactivité de ce polymère vis-à-vis d'amines aliphatiques dans l'eau a été démontrée. Enfin, le blocage de l'IEM par le phénol ou l'acétone oxime a permis l'obtention de microsphères à base de divinylbenzène, fonctionnalisées par un isocyanate bloqué.

<p>This thesis covers sampling and analytical procedures for isocyanates (R-NCO) and amines (R-NH₂), two kinds of chemicals frequently used in association with the polymeric material polyurethane (PUR). Exposure to isocyanates may result in respiratory disorders and dermal sensitisation, and they are one of the main causes of occupational asthma. Several of the aromatic diamines associated with PUR production are classified as suspected carcinogens. Hence, the presence of these chemicals in different exposure situations must be monitored. </p><p>In the context of determining isocyanates in air, the methodologies included derivatisation with the reagent di-<i>n</i>-butylamine (DBA) upon collection and subsequent determination using liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometric detection (MS). A user-friendly solvent-free sampler for collection of airborne isocyanates was developed as an alternative to a more cumbersome impinger-filter sampling technique. The combination of the DBA reagent together with MS detection techniques revealed several new exposure situations for isocyanates, such as isocyanic acid during thermal degradation of PUR and urea-based resins. Further, a method for characterising isocyanates in technical products used in the production of PUR was developed. This enabled determination of isocyanates in air for which pure analytical standards are missing. Tandem MS (MS/MS) determination of isocyanates in air below 10^-6 of the threshold limit values was achieved.</p><p>As for the determination of amines, the analytical methods included derivatisation into pentafluoropropionic amide or ethyl carbamate ester derivatives and subsequent MS analysis. Several amines in biological fluids, as markers of exposure for either the amines themselves or the corresponding isocyanates, were determined by LC-MS/MS at amol level. In aqueous extraction solutions of flexible PUR foam products, toluene diamine and related compounds were found. </p><p>In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates the usefulness of well characterised analytical procedures and techniques for determination of hazardous compounds. Without reliable and robust methodologies there is a risk that exposure levels will be underestimated or, even worse, that relevant compounds will be completely missed.</p>

Comprendre les mécanismes réactionnels à l'œuvre dans une réaction chimique permet souvent son optimisation (rendement, sélectivité, charge catalytique). Les mécanismes réactionnels peuvent être étudiés par voie expérimentale, notamment en cherchant à isoler des espèces-clés. Les méthodes théoriques donnent, elles, accès à des informations sur les bilans cinétiques et thermodynamiques des réactions étudiées. Nous montrons dans cette thèse que la synergie de ces deux approches permet d'obtenir des informations précises sur les mécanismes réactionnels mis en jeu. Nous nous sommes appuyés sur cette alliance théorie / expérience pour déterminer dans un premier temps le mécanisme de diverses réactions d'allylation. Il s'agit en particulier de l'allylation « nucléophile » d'amines par l'alcool allylique catalysée par des complexes de palladium ou de platine ainsi que de l'allylation « électrophile » d'aldéhydes par l'allyltributylétain catalysée par des complexes du palladium. Ces études ont permis de déterminer les mécanismes de ces transformations, lesquels contredisent dans certains cas ceux présentés dans la littérature. Nous nous intéressons ensuite à la réaction de trimérisation des arylisocyanates catalysée par des complexes du palladium. Cette étude conduit à la proposition d'un mécanisme raisonnable pour cette transformation. Finalement,! la troisième partie de cette thèse correspond à l'étude mécanistique de trois réactions non catalytiques. Deux de ces études portent sur la synthèse et la réactivité de phosphinines, la troisième porte sur la réactivité de complexes de phospharuthénocènes vis-à-vis de réactions d'acylation.

This thesis covers sampling and analytical procedures for isocyanates (R-NCO) and amines (R-NH2), two kinds of chemicals frequently used in association with the polymeric material polyurethane (PUR). Exposure to isocyanates may result in respiratory disorders and dermal sensitisation, and they are one of the main causes of occupational asthma. Several of the aromatic diamines associated with PUR production are classified as suspected carcinogens. Hence, the presence of these chemicals in different exposure situations must be monitored. In the context of determining isocyanates in air, the methodologies included derivatisation with the reagent di-n-butylamine (DBA) upon collection and subsequent determination using liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometric detection (MS). A user-friendly solvent-free sampler for collection of airborne isocyanates was developed as an alternative to a more cumbersome impinger-filter sampling technique. The combination of the DBA reagent together with MS detection techniques revealed several new exposure situations for isocyanates, such as isocyanic acid during thermal degradation of PUR and urea-based resins. Further, a method for characterising isocyanates in technical products used in the production of PUR was developed. This enabled determination of isocyanates in air for which pure analytical standards are missing. Tandem MS (MS/MS) determination of isocyanates in air below 10-6 of the threshold limit values was achieved. As for the determination of amines, the analytical methods included derivatisation into pentafluoropropionic amide or ethyl carbamate ester derivatives and subsequent MS analysis. Several amines in biological fluids, as markers of exposure for either the amines themselves or the corresponding isocyanates, were determined by LC-MS/MS at amol level. In aqueous extraction solutions of flexible PUR foam products, toluene diamine and related compounds were found. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates the usefulness of well characterised analytical procedures and techniques for determination of hazardous compounds. Without reliable and robust methodologies there is a risk that exposure levels will be underestimated or, even worse, that relevant compounds will be completely missed.

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