TRPA1 is a thermosensitive ion channel from the family of TRP (transient receptor potential) receptors. In primary sensory neurons, TRPA1 is an important transducer of painful stimuli, where it contributes to detection of noxious, irritant and inflammatory compounds of endogenous and exogenous origin. The major activation mode of TRPA1 is covalent modification of N-terminal cysteines or lysines by electrophilic compounds. The potency of the electrophilic agonists is increased by voltage dependency of the TRPA1 channel, which contributes substantially during membrane depolarization. To date, the role of several cysteine residues in the N- terminus has been demonstrated. However, the functional role of six cysteines in the transmembrane domain is still unknown. The first part of the thesis focuses on the functional role of the transmembrane cysteines in the activation of human TRPA1 channel. Our results indicate that these sites do not mediate reactive-electrophile-induced activation but four of the six cysteines substantially contribute to voltage-dependent gating of the channel and two participate in calcium-dependent modulation of TRPA1. In the second part of this thesis we aim to explore the proximity of two specific charged residues, located in the linker between the fourth and the fifth...

L'une des préoccupations de la chimie moderne est de développer des procédés éco-compatibles : une tendance consiste à remplacer les solvants organiques par les Liquides Ioniques (LI). Ainsi ces travaux décrivent l'utilisation des LI dans deux réactions à économie d'atomes : l'addition de Michael et la réaction de cycloaddition 1,3-dipolaire catalysée (ou non) par un sel de cuivre (CuAAC). La première partie des travaux relate l'emploi de Liquides Ioniques Super-Acides (LISA), connus pour générer une activation électrophile. Une optimisation du LISA a été effectuée sur une réaction-modèle, puis l'application à d'autres électrophiles et nucléophiles a été étudiée. La pureté du LISA influe sur la chimiosélectivité : s’il est partiellement hydrolysé, la réaction d'annélation de Robinson devient prépondérante. La version asymétrique du processus a été abordée, montrant qu'il est possible d'obtenir un excès énantiomérique à partir de dérivés d'acides aminés. La seconde partie de l'étude a permis de mettre au point une synthèse de (triazolylméthyl)vinylphosphonates à partir d'un acétoxyméthylvinylphosphonate selon une procédure monotope reposant sur la cycloaddition 1,3-dipolaire dans différents LI. Nous avons ensuite montré que le LI joue aussi le rôle d'activateur pour cette réaction. / In the context of sustainable chemistry, an alternative to conventional organic solvents is the use of ionic liquids. These works reported here aims to describe the use of ionic liquids (IL) in two atoms economy reactions, namely the Michael addition reaction and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition catalyzed (or not) by a copper salt (CuAAC). In the first part of the work reports the use of Super-Acid Ionic Liquids (SAIL), which initiate an electrophilic activation. After optimization of SAIL on a reaction model, application to other electrophiles and nucleophiles is discussed. The purity of SAIL affects the chemioselectivity: if the SAIL is partially hydrolyzed, a Robinson annulation predominates. The asymmetric version of the process is investigated, showing that it is possible to carry out an enantioselective reaction with amino acid derived SAIL. The second part of the study deals with setting up an original synthesis of (triazolylmethyl)vinylphosphonate from acetoxymethylvinylphosphonate using a one-pot procedure involving a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in different LI. We further showed that the ionic liquid can also act as an activator for this reaction.

Para a síntese de um dos quatro possíveis estereoisômeros do ácido 3-(4- clorofenil)piroglutâmico, precursor da forma mais ativa do fármaco Baclofen, foram investigadas duas metodologias alternativas, cujas etapas principais eram, respectivamente, (i) a reação de Michael entre o N-acetamidomalonato de dietila ou de dibenzila com o 4-clorotiocinamato de metila ou fenila, na ausência de solvente e na presença de catalisadores de transferência de fase enantioméricamente puros, e (ii) a reação de Michael entre complexos de níquel (quirais ou aquirais), derivados da glicina, com a (5S)-N-(E-4-clorocinamoil)-5-metoxicarbonil-2-pirrolidinona. A primeira destas metodologias não conduziu a bons resultados, mas a investigação das causas da baixa estereosseletividade, observada para reações empregando tanto tiolésteres como chalcona, permitiu a proposição de um novo modelo de interação catalisador/doador/aceptor, em que o doador é o N-acetamidomalonato de dibenzila e o aceptor é a chalcona. Quanto às adições de Michael dos complexos de níquel, empregados como equivalentes nucleofílicos da glicina, as reações foram bem sucedidas. O par aceptor/doador que se mostrou mais adequado foi aquele composto pelo complexo de níquel, derivado da (L)-prolina, e pela (5S)-N-(E-4- clorocinamoil)-5-metoxicarbonil-2-pirrolidinona. Neste caso, o ácido (2R,3S)-3-(4- clorofenil)piroglutâmico foi obtido em rendimento global de 46%. Este resultado permite prever que, pelo emprego do mesmo aceptor, mas de estereoquímica absoluta contrária, é possível preparar o precursor do (R)- baclofen, que é o enantiômero mais ativo do fármaco em questão. / Two alternative methodologies were investigated aiming the synthesis of one of the four stereoisomers of the 3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyroglutamic acid, as a precursor of Baclofen, a drug used for the treatment of some neurological diseases. The key step for the first one was the asymmetric Michael addition of diethyl or dibenzil N- acetamidomalonate to methyl or phenyl 4-chlorotiocinnamate, in the absence of solvent, and employing enatiomerically pure phase transfer catalysts. A low degree of enantioselectivity was observed for all addition reactions of dibenzil N- acetamidomalonate to tiolesters or chalcone as Michael acceptors. The investigation of the origin of such lack of stereoselectivity allowed the proposal of a model for the diastereomeric transition states of the Michael addition of dibenzil N- acetamidomalonate to chalcone. As for the second synthetic methodology, the asymmetry generating step would be the Michael addition of glycine derived chiral or achiral nickel complexes to (5S)-N-(E-4-clorocinnamoil)-5-methoxycarbonyl-2- pirrolidinone. Best results were obtained for the Michael addition of a nickel complex, bearing (S)-2-[N-(N\'-benzylprolyl)amino]benzophenone as ligand , to (5S)-N-(E-4- clorocinnamoil)-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-pirrolidinone.Such reaction afforded the expected (S)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyroglutamic acid, in 46% yield. Such result can be extrapolated to the synthesis of the (R)-configured analog, precursor of the more active stereoisomer of Baclofen.

Ce mémoire de thèse se concentre sur le développement de réactions multicomposants énantiosélectives de dérivés 1,3-Dicarbonylés en présence d'un organocatalyseur, en vue de préparer des motifs polyhétérocycliques fusionnés.Dans un premier temps, nous décrivons nos résultats initiaux sur une réaction multicomposants énantiosélective avec des énals et des amines primaires simples. Au vu des faibles énantiosélectivités obtenues, des amines fonctionnalisées ont ensuite été introduites dans ces réactions, permettant ainsi de synthétiser des pyrrolopiperazines et d'autres molécules hétérocycliques polyfonctionnalisées énantioenrichies, toutes obtenues avec des rendements intéressants et des énantiosélectivités élevées.Ayant utilisé avec succès des β-Cétoamides α-Méthyléniques dans ces réactions multicomposantes, nous avons réalisé par ailleurs que leur simple addition de Michael sur des oléfines pauvres en électrons n'avait jamais été décrite en version organocatalysée. Nous avons donc étudié leur réaction avec des nitrooléfines en présence d’organocatalyseurs chiraux, et les produits attendus ont alors été obtenus avec de bons rendements et d'excellentes diastéréo- et énantiosélectivités. / This thesis focuses on the development of enantioselective multicomponent reactions with 1,3-Dicarbonyls in the presence of an organocatalyst, to synthesize fused polyheterocyclic motives.At first, we describe our initial results on an enantioselective multicomponent reaction with enals and simple primary amines. In view of the low enantioselectivities achieved, functionalized amines were then introduced in these reactions, thereby synthesizing enantioenriched pyrrolopiperazines and other polyfunctionalized heterocyclic molecules, all obtained with attractive yields and high enantioselectivities.Having successfully used methylene β-Ketoamides in these enantioselective MCRs, we realized also that their simple Michael addition to electron-Poor olefins had never been described in organocatalytic conditions. We therefore studied their reaction with nitroolefins in the presence of various chiral organocatalysts, and the expected products were pleasingly obtained with high yields, excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities.

<p>The development of new aza-bicyclic structures with potential applications as ligands synthesised <i>via</i> an aza-Diels-Alder cycloaddition has been studied. The studies are concerning the i) development of large scale aza-Diels-Alder reaction, ii) development of a fast and simple route to bicyclic diamine ligands, iii) development of new aza-Diels-Alder adducts from different dienes, iv) development and application of bicyclic N,P ligands for catalytic Michael additions and v) development of robotized asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions.</p><p>i) Development of large-scale aza-Diels-Alder reaction giving up to 110 g pure product, in ordinary laboratory equipment without the need of any flash chromatography.</p><p>ii) Development of a new synthetic route to bicyclic diamine ligands highly useful for asymmetric rearrangement of olefin oxides to allylic alcohols and thereby shortening the ligand synthesis dramatically and moreover providing with a faster access to those ligands.</p><p>iii) Expanding the scope of the aza-Diels-Alder reaction by the use of spirodienes and anthracene as dienes.</p><p>iv) Development and application of a new bidentate ligands for catalytic Michael addition to cyclic enones using 5 mol % ligand giving the product in 71 % ee.</p><p>v) Utilisation of Chemspeed ASW 2000 in catalytic transfer hydrogenation and solving of problems regarding use of highly air sensitive reactions in an automated environment.</p>

The development of new aza-bicyclic structures with potential applications as ligands synthesised via an aza-Diels-Alder cycloaddition has been studied. The studies are concerning the i) development of large scale aza-Diels-Alder reaction, ii) development of a fast and simple route to bicyclic diamine ligands, iii) development of new aza-Diels-Alder adducts from different dienes, iv) development and application of bicyclic N,P ligands for catalytic Michael additions and v) development of robotized asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions. i) Development of large-scale aza-Diels-Alder reaction giving up to 110 g pure product, in ordinary laboratory equipment without the need of any flash chromatography. ii) Development of a new synthetic route to bicyclic diamine ligands highly useful for asymmetric rearrangement of olefin oxides to allylic alcohols and thereby shortening the ligand synthesis dramatically and moreover providing with a faster access to those ligands. iii) Expanding the scope of the aza-Diels-Alder reaction by the use of spirodienes and anthracene as dienes. iv) Development and application of a new bidentate ligands for catalytic Michael addition to cyclic enones using 5 mol % ligand giving the product in 71 % ee. v) Utilisation of Chemspeed ASW 2000 in catalytic transfer hydrogenation and solving of problems regarding use of highly air sensitive reactions in an automated environment.

This thesis details investigations into the generation and synthetic utility of α,β-unsaturated acyl ammonium intermediates using isothioureas as Lewis base organocatalysts to generate a range of heterocyclic products. Initial investigations focussed on the development of a Michael addition-lactonisation protocol utilising α,β-unsaturated acyl ammonium intermediates (generated in situ from HBTM 2.1 and α,β-unsaturated homoanhydrides) and a range of 1,3-dicarbonyl nucleophiles. Products could be isolated as lactones or as ring-opened highly functionalised esters, giving good yields and excellent enantioselectivity. 1,3-Diketones were shown to generate a mixture of regioisomers and whereas 1,3-ketoesters afforded only a single regioisomer. A crystal structure of an α,β-unsaturated acyl ammonium intermediate was obtained that clearly demonstrated steric blocking of the Si- face of the alkene by the catalyst stereodirecting groups, therefore it can be postulated that enantiocontrol in the addition occurs by selective nucleophilic addition from the Re- face. α,β-Unsaturated acyl ammonium species were then shown to participate in asymmetric annulation processes with benzazole nucleophiles to afford highly functionalised heterocyclic products, with both lactone and lactam formation observed. The relationship between nucleophile structure and process regioselectivity was investigated and it was demonstrated that benzothiazole and benzimidazole nucleophiles afforded preferential N-cyclisation to give lactams whilst benzoxazoles exhibited O-cyclisation to form lactones. It was also possible to influence the regioselectivity by changing the electronic properties of the acyl group (R'). Due to the reactivity of this class of nucleophiles it was possible to access products with quaternary centres. Palladium-catalysed cross coupling reactions were also successful on 3-bromo substituted lactams, demonstrating the potential for further derivatising these interesting heterocyclic products. Finally, a cascade protocol was developed that employed Michael-Michael-lactonisation steps to give tricyclic products from enone malonate nucleophiles and α,β-unsaturated acyl ammonium intermediates (generated in situ by addition of HBTM 2.1 into acid chlorides). Interestingly, the reaction showed higher enantioselectivity at elevated temperatures (70 ˚C) and moderate regioselectivity (1,4- vs. 1,2-addition), which could not be improved after extensive screening. A range of lactones was isolated in moderate yields and enantioselectivity.

Ces travaux s’articulent autour de dérivés saccharidiques de type exo-glycals ou C-glycosides pour lesquels de nouvelles méthodologies synthétiques ainsi que des applications dans le domaine de la biologie ont été développées. Dans un premier temps, l’addition de nucléophiles soufrés et carbonés sur le carbone anomérique de différents exo-glycals activés a été réalisée, permettant un accès efficace à de nouveaux S-glycosides tertiaires ainsi qu’à des γ-glycoamino acides anomériques. Ces derniers ont été utilisés pour l’élaboration de peptides linéaires mixtes α/γ dont les propriétés de structuration ont ensuite été étudiées par RMN, IR, CD et modélisation moléculaire. De nouvelles plates-formes glycopeptidiques multifonctionnelles ont été préparées par cyclisation de ces peptides. Dans un second temps, le développement de peptidomimétiques ciblant le récepteur neuropiline-1, impliqué dans l’angiogenèse tumorale, a été entrepris. En s’appuyant sur des études de modélisation moléculaire, certains composés ont montré une bonne affinité pour le récepteur NRP-1 et l’un des composés a montré des propriétés prometteuses pour l’inhibition de la formation de tubules / This work is focused on the development of new synthetic pathways for exo-glycals functionalization and synthesis of bioactive compounds. The first part of this manuscript describes the efficient preparation of new tertiary S-glycosides and γ-glycoamino acids via Michael addition of thiols derivatives and carbanions on anomeric carbon of exo-glycals. The obtained γ-glycoamino acids were then incorporated in α/γ mixed peptides and their structural properties were studied by NMR, IR, CD and molecular modelling studies. Furthermore, cyclic multivalent platforms were built by intramolecular cyclization of these entities. The second part of the manuscript concerns the elaboration of peptidomimetics targeting neuropilin-1 receptor, implicated in tumor angiogenesis. Based on molecular modeling studies, some compounds showed interesting binding affinity for NRP-1 receptor and one of them displayed promising properties toward inhibition of tubule formation

La trypanosomiase humaine africaine, la maladie de Chagas et les leishmanioses sont des maladies parasitaires qui représentent un problème majeur de santé publique dans de nombreux pays et notamment ceux en voie de développement. Afin de trouver de nouveaux candidat-médicaments contre ces parasites, deux séries chimiques ont été étudiées : les diarylidèneacétones et les 2,6-diaryl-4H-tetrahydrothiopyranones.Précédemment initiée au laboratoire, l'étude approfondie de la série diarylidèneacétone a nécessité la mise au point et l'optimisation de protocoles. Une nouvelle méthodologie de synthèse des (hétéro)diarylidèneacétones dissymétriques par palladocatalyse a ainsi été développée en collaboration avec le Pr. T. J. Müller (Université de Düsseldorf). En dépit d'excellentes activités antiparasitaires, la plupart des diarylidèneacétones synthétisées se sont révélées trop toxiques sur les cellules humaines.Les 2,6-diaryl-4H-tétrahydrothiopyranones et leurs S-oxydes ont été conçues pour résoudre ce problème de toxicité. Agissant comme prodrogues, ces molécules sont susceptibles de régénérer les diarylidèneacétones parentes par β-élimination du groupement soufré intracyclique. Peu décrite dans la littérature, la synthèse diastéréosélective de ces structures a été intégralement mise au point et généralisée à de nombreuses substitutions. Les résultats obtenus prouvent que la toxicité des produits a été grandement diminuée tout en maintenant une activité antiparasitaire importante, ce qui valide l'approche de la stratégie prodrogue. / Human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are parasitic diseases that significantly affect the populations and thus the economy of many developing countries. With the aim of developing new therapeutic agents to cure these diseases, we focused our research on two series: the diarylideneacetone and the 2,6-diaryl-4H-tetrahydrothiopyranone series.To complete and expend preliminary results that had been previously obtained in our laboratory, a generalization and an optimization of the protocols was intended. Thus, a novel Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of (hetero)dissymmetric diarylideneacetones was developed and optimized in collaboration with Prof. T. J. Müller (University of Düsseldorf). In spite of excellent antiparasitic activities, most of the diarylideneacetones were toxic toward human cells.2,6-Diaryl 4H-tetrahydrothiopyranones and their related S-oxides were designed to cope with major toxicity issues. Acting as prodrugs, these molecules are prone to undergo β-elimination of the sulfurated intracyclic group, regenerating the parent diarylideneacetone. The diastereoselective synthesis of this scaffold is not extensively described in the literature. Consequently, novel diastereoselective methodologies have been developed and generalized to a wide panel of substitution patterns. Results of the biological assays demonstrated that sulfide and S-oxide prodrugs displayed a lowered toxicity while the potency was maintained, thus confirming the validity of the prodrug strategy.

Para a síntese de um dos quatro possíveis estereoisômeros do ácido 3-(4- clorofenil)piroglutâmico, precursor da forma mais ativa do fármaco Baclofen, foram investigadas duas metodologias alternativas, cujas etapas principais eram, respectivamente, (i) a reação de Michael entre o N-acetamidomalonato de dietila ou de dibenzila com o 4-clorotiocinamato de metila ou fenila, na ausência de solvente e na presença de catalisadores de transferência de fase enantioméricamente puros, e (ii) a reação de Michael entre complexos de níquel (quirais ou aquirais), derivados da glicina, com a (5S)-N-(E-4-clorocinamoil)-5-metoxicarbonil-2-pirrolidinona. A primeira destas metodologias não conduziu a bons resultados, mas a investigação das causas da baixa estereosseletividade, observada para reações empregando tanto tiolésteres como chalcona, permitiu a proposição de um novo modelo de interação catalisador/doador/aceptor, em que o doador é o N-acetamidomalonato de dibenzila e o aceptor é a chalcona. Quanto às adições de Michael dos complexos de níquel, empregados como equivalentes nucleofílicos da glicina, as reações foram bem sucedidas. O par aceptor/doador que se mostrou mais adequado foi aquele composto pelo complexo de níquel, derivado da (L)-prolina, e pela (5S)-N-(E-4- clorocinamoil)-5-metoxicarbonil-2-pirrolidinona. Neste caso, o ácido (2R,3S)-3-(4- clorofenil)piroglutâmico foi obtido em rendimento global de 46%. Este resultado permite prever que, pelo emprego do mesmo aceptor, mas de estereoquímica absoluta contrária, é possível preparar o precursor do (R)- baclofen, que é o enantiômero mais ativo do fármaco em questão. / Two alternative methodologies were investigated aiming the synthesis of one of the four stereoisomers of the 3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyroglutamic acid, as a precursor of Baclofen, a drug used for the treatment of some neurological diseases. The key step for the first one was the asymmetric Michael addition of diethyl or dibenzil N- acetamidomalonate to methyl or phenyl 4-chlorotiocinnamate, in the absence of solvent, and employing enatiomerically pure phase transfer catalysts. A low degree of enantioselectivity was observed for all addition reactions of dibenzil N- acetamidomalonate to tiolesters or chalcone as Michael acceptors. The investigation of the origin of such lack of stereoselectivity allowed the proposal of a model for the diastereomeric transition states of the Michael addition of dibenzil N- acetamidomalonate to chalcone. As for the second synthetic methodology, the asymmetry generating step would be the Michael addition of glycine derived chiral or achiral nickel complexes to (5S)-N-(E-4-clorocinnamoil)-5-methoxycarbonyl-2- pirrolidinone. Best results were obtained for the Michael addition of a nickel complex, bearing (S)-2-[N-(N\'-benzylprolyl)amino]benzophenone as ligand , to (5S)-N-(E-4- clorocinnamoil)-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-pirrolidinone.Such reaction afforded the expected (S)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyroglutamic acid, in 46% yield. Such result can be extrapolated to the synthesis of the (R)-configured analog, precursor of the more active stereoisomer of Baclofen.