Le ligand phénoxy-imine était préparés par condensation de para-formaldéhyde, 4-(tert-butyl)- 2-tritylphénol et di-(2-picolyl)amine. LZnN(SiMe 3 ) 2 était préparé par la réaction de Zn(N(SiMe 3 ) 2 ) 2 avec le ligand. Le complexe était étudié par diffraction de rayons X et par RMN. L’utilisation de ce complexe dans la polymérisation du rac-lactide amène à un acide polylactique atactique parun mécanisme de contrôle par la fin de la chaine, transféré par le site catalytique. Des ligands pyridyle -aminophénol étaient préparé à partir du phénol (2,4-di-tert-butylphénol, 2,4-di-chlorophénol, 2,4-di-méthylphénol), pyridine-2-ylméthylamine et formaldéhyde (LH 2 = (2,4-X 2 C 6 (OH)H 2 (5-CH 2 ) 2 N(CH 2 C 5 H 4 N), X = Me ou Cl). Réaction de Zr(OnPr) 4 avec 2 équiv de LH 2 a fourni L 2 Zr. L 2 Zr était un mélange des isomères avec une symétrie C 2 . Ceci était conformé par RMN, DFT et diffraction de rayons X. La seule isomère pour X=Me était l’isomère cis. Pour X=Cl, l’isomère majeur était l’isomère trans. Tous les complexes étaient actifs pour la polymérisation du rac-lactide à 140 °C et un acide polylactique atactique était obtenu. L 2 Zr a suivi un mécanisme du monomère activé avec l’alcool benzylique comme co-initiateur. / The phenoxy-imine ligand bearing heteroatom-containing N and O were prepared from condensation of paraformaldehyde, 4-(tert-butyl)-2-tritylphenol with di-(2-picolyl)amine. LZnN(SiMe3)2 was prepared by reaction of Zn(N(SiMe3)2)2 and the ligand. The complex has been studied by X-ray diffraction and NMR. Application of this complex in rac-lactide polymerization gave atactic PLA via a catalytic-site mediated chain-end control mechanism. Pyridylaminophenol ligands were prepared from phenol (2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, 2,4-di-cholorolphenol, 2,4-di-methylphenol), pyridine-2-ylmethylamine and formaldehyde (LH2 = (2,4-X2C6(OH)H2(5-CH2)2N(CH2C5H4N), X = Me or Cl). Reaction of Zr(OnPr)4 with 2 equiv of LH2 gave L2Zr. L2Zr were mixtures of C2-symmetric isomers, which was confirmed by NMR, DFT and X-ray diffraction studies. The only isomer for X=Me was the cis-isomer while the major isomer for X=Cl was the trans-isomer. All complex were active in rac-lactide polymerization at 140 °C and heterotactic PLA was obtained. L2Zr followed an activated monomer mechanism with benzyl alcohol as co-initiator.

Ce travail a eu pour objectif la création de matériaux composites à base de nanocharges de carbonate de calcium. L'étude des phénomènes interfaciaux qui régissent ces systèmes, ainsi que leurs impacts sur les propriétés fonctionnelles du matériau et plus particulièrement des propriétés de transport, ont été réalisées. Pour ce faire, nous avons considéré deux matrices polymères de nature chimique différente : le polylactide et le polyfluore de vinylidène. Les nanocomposites ont été élaborés par deux voies de mise en œuvre : la voie fondu et la voix solvant. Une analyse fine des relations structure/morphologie/propriétés des composites a été réalisée. Nous avons mis en évidence, quelle que soit la matrice polymère choisie, l'importance du traitement de surface des charges afin d'améliorer leurs états de dispersion dans le matériau et d'augmenter la qualité de l'interface charge/polymère. Ces paramètres ont été corrélés aux propriétés de transport de ces matériaux composites. / The aim of this PhD work is to elaborate composites based on calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Polylactide and polyvinylidene fluoride were used as polymer matrix and nanocomposite were elaborated either by melting process and either by casting method. The interfacial behaviour between polymer and calcium carbonate were studied and we especially focused on their impact on the composite gas barrier properties. The importance of filler surface treatment had been highlighted on the filler dispersion state improvment and filler/polymer interface reinforcement. Both parameters were important in the improvement of composite gas barrier properties.

Dans ce travail, une nouvelle série de complexes d'Al(III) portant des ligands tridentates pyridine-bis(naphtolate) ortho-substitués ({ONOSiR3}2-, SiR3 = SiPh3, SiMe2tBu) et deux complexes d´Y(III) portant un nouveau ligand tridentate pyridine-bis(phénolate) ortho-substitués avec un group cumyle {ONOMe,Cumyl}2- ont été préparés. Leurs structures ont été élucidées à l'état solide par une étude de diffraction des rayons X et en solution par la spectroscopie par résonance magnétique multinucléaire. Des études préliminaires sur les performances catalytiques des complexes d'Al(III) et d'Y(III) dans la ROP du rac-lactide et de la β-butyrolactone sont décrits. D'autres études ont été aussi reportées sur des réactions en utilisant des quantités stoechiométriques des lactides avec des complexes homochiraux Al(III)-lactate ou Al(III){β-alkoxy ester} dont sont des complexes modèles des premiers intermédiaires et des espèces actives impliquées dans les étapes d´initiation et de propagation de la polymérisation de lactides et β-lactones. / A series of new Al(III) complexes bearing silyl ortho-substituted 2,6-bis(naphtholate)-pyridine tridentate ligands ({ONOSiR3}2-, SiR3 = SiPh3, SiMe2tBu) and two monomeric Y(III) complexes bearing a new cumyl ortho-substituted 2,6-bis(phenolate)-pyridine tridentate ligand {ONOMe,Cumyl}2 have been prepared and structurally characterized in solution and in the solid-state. Preliminary studies on the catalytic performances of the compounds in the ROP of racemic lactide and β-butyrolactone are described. Also, details of the reactions of chiral Al-lactate and -{β-alkoxy ester} complexes which are close models/mimics of the first intermediates and active species involved in the initiation and propagation steps of the ROP of lactides and β-lactones with stoichiometric amounts of lactide.

Thesis advisor: Amir Hoveyda / Chapter 1: A review of recent iron catalyzed cross coupling advances. Abstract: Herein, advances in iron catalyzed cross coupling from 2010-2015 are thoroughly reviewed. Newly developed protocols and the mechanistic work that has been conducted to gain understanding of these systems are discussed. Specific emphasis is placed on the techniques used for mechanistic investigations. Chapter 2: Cross coupling applications of pyridyl(diimine) iron complexes. Abstract: Versatile and redox noninnocent pyridyl(diimine) iron complexes were explored for catalytic ability in iron catalyzed cross coupling reactions. These complexes were found active for the coupling of benzyl halides and aryl Grignard reagents, producing moderate yields. Although active for the coupling of cyclohexyl chloride and aryl Grignard reagents, the catalytic ability of these complexes was not general for alkyl halides, and the majority of substrates readily underwent β- hydride elimination. Mechanistic studies indicated the role of PDIFe(I)Ph and PDIFe(0)(N2)2 as offcycle species. Additionally, these complexes were employed for the Suzuki-type coupling of alkyl halides with 1,1-bis(boronates), leading to the conclusion that the processes were instead base catalyzed. Chapter 3: Electronic structure analysis and catalytic applications of carbeno(diamidine) iron complexes. Abstract: Iron(II) pincer complexes carbeno(diamidine) iron dibromide [(CDA)FeBr2] and bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)pyridine iron dibromide [(CNC)FeBr2] were examined by magnetic circular dichroism and density functional theory studies to invesitgate the effect that NHC moieties have on electronic structure and bonding in tridentate pincer ligands. The increased Fe-C bonding and pincer-donating abilities that result from NHC incorporation have a direct impact on spin state and observed ligand fields. Additionally, the position of the NHC moiety on the tridentate ligand and the overall geometry of the molecule were found to effect the net donor ability of the pincers and the strength of the iron-pincer interactions. Three new variations of the CDA ligand were developed and evaluated for catalytic ability in olefin hydrogenation and atom transfer radical polymerization reactions. While iron CDA complexes were found to be mediocre catalysts for both transformations, a cobalt CDA dimer complex was developed that showed promising catalytic activity for olefin hydrogenation. Chapter 4: The direct functionalization of lactide. Abstract: In an effort to provide cyclic diesters that could generate useful and biodegradable polymers, the direct functionalization of lactide was pursued. Lactide undergoes ring opening under a wide range of conditions, and thus traditional methods used for the functionalization of lactones could not be employed here. Typical routes for the formation of cyclic diesters involve multi-step syntheses and low yielding cyclization reactions. Herein, C-H activation and soft enolization have been identified as promising avenues toward the direct functionalization of lactide. Palladium catalyzed C-H activation was not amenable for lactide, however, soft enolization techniques led to low yields of the desired functionalized product. / Thesis (MS) — Boston College, 2017. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

Current plastics are mostly derived from petrochemical sources, as it is a finite resource renewable replacements are sought after. Polymers derived from cyclic esters such as; lactide, valerolactone and caprolactone are of interest. An industrially viable method of producing stereocontrolled polylactide (PLA) from rac-lactide is desired. Previous work on poly(cyclic esters) is overviewed in chapter 1 with an emphasis upon PLA. Chapter 2 reports the coordination of Ti(OiPr)4 to homo/piperazine bridged bis(phenol) (salan) ligands. Under ambient conditions bimetallic structures were produced and a steric dependent equilibrium system is discussed. Forcing conditions resulted in monometallic homopiperazine salan complexes. Their application for the ring-opening-polymerisation (ROP) of rac-lactide is investigated. Homo/piperazine salan titanium catecholates were synthesised and their cytotoxicity investigated by collaborators. Chapter 3 details the synthesis of monometallic homopiperazine salan zirconium/hafnium isopropoxide complexes. Their utility for the ROP of rac-lactide in solution and solvent free systems are discussed. Bimetallic or tetrametallic solid state structures from attempts to coordinate Zr(IV)/Hf(IV) metals to piperazine salan ligands are also discussed. Chapter 4 discusses the complexation of AlMe3 with homopiperazine salan ligands. The resulting monometallic complexes were inactive for the ROP of lactide. Benzyl alcohol derivatives were synthesised and trialled for solvent free ROP of rac-lactide, δ-valerolactone, ε-caprolactone. Co-polymerisations were investigated and a tri-block polymer of poly(ε-caprolactone/δ-valerolactone/rac-lactide) was prepared. Chapter 5, trans-1,4-DACH salen ligands were synthesised and investigated as ligands with Al(III), Ti(IV), Zr(IV), and Zn(II) metal centres. Bimetallic Al(III) and Ti(IV) structures were characterised and trialled for the ROP of rac-lactide. Isotactic PLA was reported for aluminium complexes, dependent upon phenoxy substituents, and these polymerisations were shown to be immortal in nature. Chapter 6 details the synthesis of trans-1,2-DACH salalen ligands which were complexed to AlMe3, these initiators were investigated for the solution ROP of rac-lactide. The further synthesis of benzyloxy derivatives is also reported and they were utilised for solution and solvent free polymerisations of rac-lactide. The initiator’s behaviour is discussed with respect to varying amine and imine groups.

Ovarian cancer is one of the five most common causes of cancer death in women in the USA and UK. It is usually diagnosed when it is well established beyond the ovary in the peritoneum. Intravenous injection of cisplatin is a common palliative therapy for ovarian cancer patients. Intraperitoneal therapy has been shown to improve survival for patients. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a biodegradable polyester which has been proven safe for medical implantation. PLGA microspheres or fibres have been considered in this work as depots for delivering intraperitoneal cisplatin directly to the tumour site. The aims of this work were (1) to develop microsphere depot formulations with improved drug release profiles compared to previous work; (2) Novel cisplatin containing solid and hollow fibres were to be developed and investigated as alternative structures for depot devices; (3) The drug release profiles were to be examined using mathematical models to allow rational comparison of the devices. It was found that cisplatin containing PLGA 65:35 solid and hollow fibres represent a novel, reproducible formulation for encapsulating higher amounts of cisplatin for an equivalent mass of excipient than other polymer formulations. The fibres developed in this study were able to maintain elevated concentrations of unbound cisplatin in the presence of a biological matrix for approximately 100 hours in vitro.

Câncer é a segunda causa de morte no mundo e foi responsável por 8,8 milhões de mortes em 2015, de acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Segundo o Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), essa doença é um problema de utilidade pública. Em valores absolutos, o câncer de próstata, neoplasia maligna mais comum entre os homens, é o sexto tipo mais comum no mundo. Dentre os tratamentos para câncer de próstata estão a cirurgia, quimioterapia e radioterapia. Um dos principais tipos de radioterapia é a braquiterapia, realizada por meio de sementes radioativas de iodo-125, que são inseridas na próstata do paciente e liberam pequenas doses de radiação. Essas sementes podem ser introduzidas soltas ou em cordas poliméricas Quando introduzidas soltas, de acordo com a literatura, essas sementes podem migrar para outros órgãos. Para evitar essa migração, usa-se as sementes em cordas poliméricas. As cordas poliméricas são constituídas pelo poli(ácido lático-co-ácido glicólico), PLGA. O PLGA pode ser obtido por meio de seus dímeros cíclicos: glicolídeo e lactídeo. Esses dímeros, por sua vez, podem ser produzidos a partir de seus respectivos monômeros, os ácidos glicólico e lático. O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar e discutir as condições favoráveis à síntese dos dímeros glicolídeo e lactídeo, dentre elas, etapas do processo e valores de temperatura e pressão. Foram executados sete experimentos com diferentes temperaturas e pressões nas três etapas da síntese: desidratação do ácido, formação do pré-polímero e despolimerização do pré-polímero. Na etapa intermediária da síntese, foi obtido o PLA quando foram utilizadas temperaturas acima de 150°C. A etapa final mostrou que temperaturas abaixo de 200°C não formam os dímeros. / Cancer is the second leading cause of world death and it was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), this disease is a public utility problem. In absolute values, prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men, is the sixth most common type in the world. Among prostate cancer treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One of the main radiotherapy types is brachytherapy, performed by iodine-125 radioactive seeds, which are inserted into the patient\'s prostate and release small radiation doses. These seeds can be introduced loose or such as stranded seeds. When introduced such as loose seeds, according to literature, these seeds can migrate to other organs. In order to avoid this migration, it is used stranded seeds. The stranded seeds are composed of PLGA, poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid). PLGA can be obtained by its cyclic dimers: glycolide and lactide. These dimers can be produced from their respective monomers, glycolic and lactic acids. The purpose of this study was to analyze and discuss the favorable conditions of the glycolide and lactide synthesis, such as process steps and temperature and pressure values. Seven experiments were performed at different temperatures and pressures in three synthesis steps: acid dehydration, prepolymer formation and depolymerization of prepolymer. In intermediary step, the PLA was obtained when temperatures were above 150°C. The final step showed that dimers are not formed at temperatures below 200°C.

Este trabalho apresenta estudos sobre a síntese química do PEDOT com o objetivo de desenvolver diferentes arquiteturas e propriedades para melhorar a taxa de degradabilidade deste polímero. As estratégias foram as preparações de uma blenda, um copolímero e um nanocompósito. O estudo foi iniciado pela síntese química oxidativa do PEDOT (poli (3,4- etilenodioxitiofeno)) em microestruturas utilizando condições brandas e ambientalmente amigáveis, porém o material obtido não apresentou solubilidade e boas condições de se produzir um filme. Então foi sintetizado quimicamente o PEDOT dopado com PSS (poli estireno sulfonado) (PEDOT:PSS), o mesmo foi usado para preparar blendas com o PLGA (poli (ácido láctico-co-glicólico), para melhorar sua degradabilidade. Foi possível produzir um filme fino e nanoestruturado através de deposição eletrostática camada por camada (LBL) que pode ser utilizado para modificação de eletrodos ou de suportes tridimensionais para engenharia celular. Para garantir a degradabilidade do material, foi realizada a síntese de copolímeros de PEDOT e PLLA (poli(lactídeo)) em que foi variada a proporção de PEDOT na cadeia polimérica. Os copolímeros foram caracterizados por IV, RMN, UV, análises térmicas e submetidos a testes de degradabilidade e de viabilidade celular, apresentando excelentes resultados. Foi possível a obtenção de microfibras deste material. A outra alternativa estudada foi a síntese de um nanocompósito, preparado através da síntese química do PEDOT, partindo do monômero EDOT (3,4- etilenodioxitiofeno)usando HAuCl4 como oxidante e NaPSS como dopante e dispersante. O nanocompósito obtido foi caracterizado apresentando diâmetros médio próximos de 4 nm e com uma estrutura caroço-casca, apresentando nanopartícula de ouro como caroço e o polímero PEDOT:PSS como casca. Foram obtidos filmes deste material por deposição por evaporação de solvente, LBL, utilizando como policátion o PDDA (cloreto de poli (dialil dimetil amônio)) e quitosana, e por deposição eletroforética, que apresentou excelentes propriedades eletrocrômicas como rápidos tempos de respostas com bons contrastes ópticos / This work presents studies about the chemical synthesis of PEDOT (Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) with the aim of preparing different architectures and properties to improvement the degradability rate of this polymer. The strategies used to achieve this pupose were the preparation of polymer blends, copolymers and nanocomposites. The study was started by the chemical synthesis of microstructures PEDOT in mild and environment friendly conditions, but the material did not show solubility which enable film formation. Then, PEDOT was synthetized by chemical synthesis doped with PSS (poly(styrene sulfonic acid)), (PEDOT:PSS) to prepare blends with PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) to improve its degradability. It was possible to prepare a thin and nanostructured film, by electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition (LBL), which could be used for electrodes or scaffold surface modification. In order to ensure the material\'s degradability, PEDOT and PLLA (poly(lactide)) copolymers were prepared, changing PEDOT proportion in the polymeric structure. The copolymers were characterized by, IR, NMR, UV, thermal analysis and then degradability and cell viability tests, which shown important results. Fibers were able to be obtained with these materials. The next strategy was the preparation of a nanocomposite by one-spot chemical synthesis, initiated by the monomer EDOT (3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene) using HAuCl4 as oxidant and NaPSS as both dopant and dispersant. The nanocomposite obtained was characterized showing diameter of around 4nm and a core-shell structure, with gold nanoparticle as core and PEDOT:PSS as the shell. Films were obtained by this material by casting, by LBL, using PDDA (Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride) and chitosan as polycations, and by electrophoretic deposition. The latter method shows excellent characteristics as fast response time with a good optical contrast

Câncer é a segunda causa de morte no mundo e foi responsável por 8,8 milhões de mortes em 2015, de acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Segundo o Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), essa doença é um problema de utilidade pública. Em valores absolutos, o câncer de próstata, neoplasia maligna mais comum entre os homens, é o sexto tipo mais comum no mundo. Dentre os tratamentos para câncer de próstata estão a cirurgia, quimioterapia e radioterapia. Um dos principais tipos de radioterapia é a braquiterapia, realizada por meio de sementes radioativas de iodo-125, que são inseridas na próstata do paciente e liberam pequenas doses de radiação. Essas sementes podem ser introduzidas soltas ou em cordas poliméricas Quando introduzidas soltas, de acordo com a literatura, essas sementes podem migrar para outros órgãos. Para evitar essa migração, usa-se as sementes em cordas poliméricas. As cordas poliméricas são constituídas pelo poli(ácido lático-co-ácido glicólico), PLGA. O PLGA pode ser obtido por meio de seus dímeros cíclicos: glicolídeo e lactídeo. Esses dímeros, por sua vez, podem ser produzidos a partir de seus respectivos monômeros, os ácidos glicólico e lático. O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar e discutir as condições favoráveis à síntese dos dímeros glicolídeo e lactídeo, dentre elas, etapas do processo e valores de temperatura e pressão. Foram executados sete experimentos com diferentes temperaturas e pressões nas três etapas da síntese: desidratação do ácido, formação do pré-polímero e despolimerização do pré-polímero. Na etapa intermediária da síntese, foi obtido o PLA quando foram utilizadas temperaturas acima de 150°C. A etapa final mostrou que temperaturas abaixo de 200°C não formam os dímeros. / Cancer is the second leading cause of world death and it was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), this disease is a public utility problem. In absolute values, prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men, is the sixth most common type in the world. Among prostate cancer treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One of the main radiotherapy types is brachytherapy, performed by iodine-125 radioactive seeds, which are inserted into the patient\'s prostate and release small radiation doses. These seeds can be introduced loose or such as stranded seeds. When introduced such as loose seeds, according to literature, these seeds can migrate to other organs. In order to avoid this migration, it is used stranded seeds. The stranded seeds are composed of PLGA, poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid). PLGA can be obtained by its cyclic dimers: glycolide and lactide. These dimers can be produced from their respective monomers, glycolic and lactic acids. The purpose of this study was to analyze and discuss the favorable conditions of the glycolide and lactide synthesis, such as process steps and temperature and pressure values. Seven experiments were performed at different temperatures and pressures in three synthesis steps: acid dehydration, prepolymer formation and depolymerization of prepolymer. In intermediary step, the PLA was obtained when temperatures were above 150°C. The final step showed that dimers are not formed at temperatures below 200°C.

The synthetic chemotherapeutic agent, 5-FU, has been used for the treatment of a variety cancers, with colorectal cancer being among the most susceptible. Administration of 5-FU by continuous intravenous infusion has proven to yield greater antitumor efficacy and lower hematotoxicity compared to administration of 5-FU by intravenous bolus injections. Nevertheless, systemic application of 5-FU is often limited by its narrow therapeutic threshold, and therefore in certain situations, such as tumor resection, it may be more appropriate to provide local rather than systemic delivery of 5-FU. It was therefore proposed that 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods may be capable of providing sustained release of 5-FU at a local level which may have equivalent or greater antitumor activity and less cytotoxicity than the systemic or local delivery of soluble 5-FU. PLGA millirods loaded with 5-FU were successfully fabricated by a hot-melt extrusion technique and characterized for in vitro and in vivo release rates. It was demonstrated that percentage loading by weight of 5-FU could be adjusted to modify its release kinetics. It was also shown that millirods could be stably stored under a variety of conditions for at least 2 months. An optimal millirod formulation (PLGA 50:50 loaded with 5-FU (50% w/w)) was tested for antitumor activity and general toxicity in vivo. At the dose of 120 mg/kg 5-FU, millirods (delivered peritumorally) were efficacious (with 100% survival rates) against solid thymomas in tumor-challenged mice (causing complete regression). Whilst the soluble form of 5-FU (delivered intraperitoneally (IP) at 120 mg/kg) was also highly efficacious (90% survival rates) against thymomas it was also more hematotoxic. In addition, the millirod form provided significantly greater antitumor activity against colorectal tumors in mice compared to the soluble form of 5-FU. In terms of in vivo toxicity, surprisingly, the type of formulation did not have a significant effect on mouse weight despite both IP and subcutaneous (SC) delivery causing death of some mice. Importantly, it was found that 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods were significantly less hematotoxic than soluble 5-FU delivered by either IP or SC injection at the equivalent dose. Thus, locally implanted 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods appeared to be less toxic and possessed overall greater antitumor potency than soluble 5-FU delivered by IP or SC injection. This study further investigated whether the combination of 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods with eniluracil (in both thymoma and colorectal tumor models) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (in the colorectal tumor model) could enhance the antitumor efficacy of 5-FU millirods in mice challenged with colorectal tumors. It was found that the combination of 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods and eniluracil (millirod or solution forms) did not significantly enhance the antitumor efficacy of 5-FU millirods in either tumor models. It was also found that immune checkpoint inhibitors did not enhance the antitumor efficacy of 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods in the colorectal tumor model.