Submitted by Claudinei Pracidelli (cpracide@ipen.br) on 2016-06-22T14:06:41Z No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-22T14:06:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / As expectativas da Organização Mundial de Saúde para o ano de 2030 são que o número de mortes por câncer seja de aproximadamente 13,2 milhões, evidenciando a elevada parcela desta doença no problema de saúde mundial. Com relação ao câncer de próstata, de acordo com o Instituto Nacional do Câncer, o número de casos diagnosticados no mundo em 2012 foi de aproximadamente 1,1 milhão, enquanto que no Brasil os dados indicam a incidência de 68 mil novos casos. O tratamento deste tipo de neoplasia pode ser realizado com cirurgia (prostatectomia) ou radioterapia. Dentre a radioterapia, podemos destacar a técnica de braquiterapia, a qual consiste na introdução (implante) de pequenas fontes radioativas (sementes) no interior da próstata, onde será entregue um valor elevado de dose no volume de tratamento e baixa dose nos tecidos ao redor. No Brasil, a classe médica estima uma demanda de aproximadamente 8000 sementes/mês, sendo o custo unitário de cada semente de pelo menos U$ 26,00. A Associação Americana de Físicos na Medicina publicou alguns documentos descrevendo quais parâmetros e análises devem ser realizadas para avaliações da distribuição de dose, como por exemplo, os parâmetros Constante de taxa de dose, Função radial e Função de anisotropia. Estes parâmetros podem ser obtidos através de medidas experimentais da distribuição de dose ou por simulações computacionais. Neste trabalho foram determinados os parâmetros dosimétricos da semente OncoSeed-6711 da empresa Oncura-GEHealthcare e da semente desenvolvida pelo Grupo de Dosimetria de Fontes de Braquiterapia do Centro de Tecnologia das Radiações (CTR IPEN-CNEN/SP) por simulação computacional da distribuição de dose utilizando o código MCNP5, baseado no Método de Monte Carlo. A semente 6711 foi modelada, assim como um sistema dosimétrico constituído por um objeto simulador cúbico de 30x30x30 cm3 preenchido com água. Os valores obtidos da semente 6711 foram comparados com alguns apresentados na literatura, onde o parâmetro Constante de taxa de dose apresentou erro relativo em relação ao valor publicado no TG- 43 de 0,1%, sendo que os outros parâmetros analisados também apresentaram boa concordância com os valores publicados na literatura. Deste modo, pode-se considerar que os parâmetros utilizados nas simulações (espectro, modelagem geométrica e avaliação de resultados) estão compatíveis com outros estudos, sendo estes parâmetros também utilizados nas simulações da semente do IPEN. Considerando as análises de incerteza estatística, os valores obtidos da semente do IPEN são semelhantes aos valores da semente 6711. / Dissertação (Mestrado em Tecnologia Nuclear) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Foram determinadas as estruturas cristalinas de três 3-fenil-2- izoxazolin-5-ona-4-benzilideno substituídas com potencial atividade antiinflamatória, a partir dos dados difratométricos de raios-X, usando os Métodos Diretos. O refinamento foi obtido pelo método dos Mínimos Quadrados. O composto C16H11NO2 cristalizou no sistema cristalino monoclínico, grupo espacial P21/a, a = 11,786(5) Å, b = 5,745(1) Å, c = 17,862(5) Å, ß = 95,988(5)º, Z = 4, V = 1202,8(12) Å3 . O composto C17H13NO3 cristalizou no sistema cristalino ortorrômbico, grupo espacial Pna21, a = 11,652(5) Å, b = 6,000(5) Å, c = 19,542(5) Å, Z = 4, V = 1366,2(13) Å3. O composto C17H13NO4 cristalizou no sistema cristalino ortorrômbico, grupo espacial Pcab, a = 10,6983(9) Å, b = 12,6111(8) Å, c = 20,926(2) Å, Z = 8, V = 2823,3(4) Å3. Em todas as estruturas verificou-se semelhança estrutural para com a fenilbutazona. / The crystal structures of three substituted 3-phenyl-2- isoxazolin-5-one-4-benzilidene with potential biological activities have been determined from diffractometric X ray data using the Direct Method. The refinement has been obtained through the least squares method. The compound C16H11NO2 crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system, space group P21/a, a = 11,786(5) Å, b = 5,745(1) Å, c = 17,862(5) Å, ß = 5,988(5)º, Z = 4, V = 1202,8(12) Å3. The compound C17H13NO3 belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system, space group Pna21, a = 11,652(5) Å, b = 6,000(5) Å, c = 19,542(5) Å, Z = 4, V = 1366,2(13) Å3. The compound C17H13NO4 crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal system, space group Pcab, a = 10,6983(9) Å, b = 12,6111(8) Å, c = 20,926(2) Å, Z = 8, V = 2823,3(4) Å3. All these structures show structural similarities to the phenylbutazone.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Soybeans are one of the crops with the highest expression in Brazil, both in area planted as in sales volume. The culture has as main pests defoliating caterpillars. Among these, stands out Chrysodeixis includens, pest that went from of secondary status in the 90s to a major defoliating caterpillar soybeans. Studies on genetic variation among populations and genetic structure of this species have not yet been carried out, and can help to indicate management practices. Molecular markers are tools indicated to genetically characterize insect populations. In order to use molecular tools, first, it is necessary a method for DNA extraction in quantity and quality that enables the practice in the laboratory. The goals of the study were to compare three DNA extraction methods for soybean caterpillars to applicate in PCR techniques, and analyze the molecular variability and the genetic structure of populations of C. includens in soybeans. Caterpillars of C. includens and S. eridania were collected from different sites in center soybean regions of Brazil, in 2011/12. The confirmation of the species was based on morphological characteristics of caterpillars according to identification keys. Samples of C. includes and S. eridania coming from Goiás were used for DNA extraction comparison test. The methods used were based on cell lysis by Sarcosyl, CTAB and SDS. Each method was compared for quantity, quality, economy and performance in PCR. The best DNA extraction method was chosen for extraction of all the caterpillars samples for molecular characterization work. Thirty populations of C. includens from nine Brazilian states were subjected to analysis of molecular variability and genetic structure with ISSR markers. The observed DNA extraction method with the best performance in the variables o was the DNA extraction method by Sarcosyl. ISSR generated 247 loci in 262 specimens analyzed. The estimated genetic diversity (HE) in populations ranged between 0.072 and 0.120, while the average was 0.094. The analysis of molecular variance indicates that 94% of the variability between individuals was expressed in 6% of the population and among populations (FST = 0.056, p = 0.001). The high level of gene flow and low genetic structure are indicatives of genetic information exchange between different sampling locations. The analysis of the genetic structure suggests the presence of two major groups which are not correlated to their sampling locations in Brazil. These results may indicate the recent colonization of C. includens in Brazil or the pattern of migration of moths following the cropping system in Brazil. Furthermore, the presence of two groups of C. includens suggest that the studies of development of resistance need to be further assessed for them both. / A soja é uma das culturas de maior expressão no Brasil, tanto em área plantada como em volume comercializado, e tem como principais pragas desfolhadoras as lagartas. Dentre essas, se destaca Chrysodeixis includens, praga que passou de secundária na década de 90 para uma das principais lagartas desfolhadoras da soja. Estudos sobre variações genéticas entre populações e estruturação genética dessa espécie ainda não foram realizados, e podem auxiliar na indicação práticas de manejo. Marcadores moleculares são ferramentas indicadas para caracterizar geneticamente populações de insetos. Mas para utilizar ferramentas moleculares, primeiramente, se faz necessário a extração de DNA em quantidade e qualidade que possibilita a prática no laboratório. Dessa forma, os objetivos do trabalho foram comparar três métodos de extração de DNA para lagartas da soja visando a aplicação com técnicas que utilizem a PCR. E analisar a variabilidade molecular e a estruturação genética de populações de C. includens na cultura da soja. Espécimes de lagartas de C. includens e Spodoptera eridania foram coletados de diferentes sítios de coleta nas principais áreas produtoras de soja do Brasil, safra de 2011/12. A confirmação da espécie foi baseada em características morfológicas das lagartas de acordo com chaves de identificação. As amostras de C. includens e S. eridania procedentes de Goiás foram utilizadas para o teste de comparação de extração de DNA. Os métodos utilizados eram cada um baseados na lise celular por Sarcosyl, CTAB e SDS. Cada método foi comparado quanto à quantidade, qualidade, economia e desempenho na PCR. O melhor método de extração de DNA foi utilizado para a extração de todas as amostras de lagartas para o trabalho de caracterização molecular. Trinta populações de C. includens de nove estados brasileiros foram submetidas a análise da variabilidade molecular e estrutura genética com marcadores ISSR. O método de extração de DNA que apresentou melhor desempenho nas variáveis observadas foi o método de extração de DNA por Sarcosyl. Os marcadores ISSR geraram 247 locos em 262 espécimes analisados. A diversidade genética estimada (HE) nas populações variaram entre 0,072 e 0,120, enquanto a média foi 0,094. A análise da variância molecular indica que 94% da variabilidade foi expressa entre indivíduos dentro das populações e 6% entre populações (FST = 0,056, p = 0,001). O alto nível de fluxo gênico e baixa estrutura genética são indicativos de troca de informação genética entre as diferentes locais de amostra. A análise da estrutura genética sugere a presença de dois grupos maiores que não se correlacionam com seus locais de amostragem no Brasil. Esses resultados podem indicar a recente colonização de C. includens no Brasil ou o padrão de migração das mariposas seguindo o sistema de cultivo no Brasil. Além disso, a presença de dois grupos de C. includens sugere que estudos sobre o desenvolvimento de resistência precisa ser avaliado sob outros ângulos para ambos os grupos.

This thesis describes the development of several spectroscopic methods based on impulsive vibrational spectroscopy as well as of the technique itself. The first chapter describes the ultrafast time domain Raman spectrometer including the development of two noncollinear optical parametric amplifiers for sub-10 fs pulse generation with 343 or 515 nm pumping. In the first spectroscopic study we demonstrate, for the first time, that impulsive vibrational spectroscopy can be used for recording transient Raman spectra of molecules in excited electronic states. We obtain spectra of beta-carotene with comparable, or better, quality than established frequency domain based nonlinear Raman techniques. The following two chapters address the questions on the fate of vibrational coherences when generated on a reactive potential energy surface. We photoexcite bacteriorhodopsin and observe anharmonic coupling mediated vibrational coherence transfer to initially silent vibrational modes. Additionally, we are able to correlate the vibrational coherence activation with the efficiency of the isomerisation reaction in bR. Upon generation of vibrational coherence in the second excited electronic state of beta-carotene, by excitation from the ground electronic state, we are able to follow the wavepacket motion out of the Franck-Condon region. We observe vibrationally coherent internal conversion, through a conical intersection, into the first excited electronic state and are hence able to demonstrate that electronic surface crossings can occur in a vibrationally coherent fashion. Additionally, we find strong evidence for vibronic coupling mediated back and forth crossing between the two electronic states. As a combination of this work we develop a IVS based technique that allows for the direct recording of background and baseline free Raman spectra in the time domain. Several proof of principle experiments highlight the capabilities of this technique for time resolved Raman spectroscopy. In the final chapter we present work on weak-field coherent control. Here, we address the question of whether a photochemical reaction can be controlled by the phase term of an electric excitation field, in the one photon excitation limit. We study the systems rhodamine 101, bacteriorhodopsin, rhodopsin and isorhodopsin and, contrary to previous reports, find no evidence for one photon control.

The binding of different proteins involved in processes such as transcription, replication and chromatin compaction to regions of the genome is regulated by the structure of DNA. Thus, DNA structure acts as the crucial link modulating evolutionary selection of the DNA sequence based on its own function, and the function of the proteins it encodes. The aim of this work is to examine the role of intrinsic, sequence-dependent structural variations vis-a -vis the protein-induced variations, in allowing DNA to assume geometries necessary for binding by proteins. For this purpose, we carried out analyses of datasets of X-ray crystal structures of free and protein-bound DNA, and molecular dynamics simulation studies of few free DNA structures and a protein-DNA complex. Each of the projects described below will appear as a separate chapter in the thesis. Analysis of X-ray crystal structure datasets Dataset of high-resolution X-ray crystal structures of free and protein-bound DNA This project was initiated with the aim of investigating the variation in A-and B-forms of DNA and the role they play in the binding of proteins. However, a survey of the existing literature indicated that the terms ‘A-DNA’ and ‘B-DNA’ were being used rather loosely and several different parameters at the local structural level were being used by various investigators to characterise these structures. Hence a systematic study was taken up to analyse all high-resolution free DNA structures comprising of sufficient number of contiguous Watson-Crick basepairs, irrespective of how they were classified by the existing databases. We also carried out a study of double-helical, Watson-Crick basepaired, free RNA structures for comparison. The structures in the RNA dataset were observed to rigidly assume the A-form and hence the average values of different parameters for that dataset were used to characterise the A-form. The analysis of free DNA and RNA structures was accompanied by an analysis of protein-bound DNA crystal structures. DNA structures bound to the helix-turn-helix motif in proteins were also analysed separately. The analysis of free DNA and RNA structures allowed us to pinpoint the parameters suitable for discriminating A-and B-forms of DNA at the local structural level. The results illustrated that the free DNA molecule, even in the crystalline state, samples a large amount of conformational space, encompassing both the A-and the B-forms. Most protein-bound DNA structures, including those with large, smooth curvature, were observed to assume the B-form. The A-form was observed to be limited to a small number of dinucleotide steps in DNA structures bound to the proteins belonging to a few specific families. Thus our study highlighted the structural versatility of B-form DNA, which allowed it to take up a range of global geometries to accommodate most DNA-binding protein motifs. Dataset of X-ray crystal structures of the nucleosome The study of high-resolution structures of free and protein-bound DNA was followed by an analysis of a dataset of X-ray crystal structures of the nucleosome, which is the fundamental repeating unit of the eukaryotic chromosome, and has been shown to play an important role in transcription regulation. Our results indicated that there is an ensemble of dinucleotide and trinucleotide level parameters that can give rise to similar global nucleosome structures. We therefore raise doubts about the use of the best resolved nucleosome structure as the template to calculate the energy required by putative nucleosome-forming sequences for adopting the nucleosome structure. Based on our results, we have proposed that the local and global level structural variability of DNA may act as a significant factor influencing the formation of nucleosomes in the vicinity of high-plasticity genes, and in determining the probability of binding by regulatory proteins. Molecular dynamics simulation studies of free and protein-bound DNA structures The analysis of crystal structure databases was complemented by molecular dynamics (MD) studies to investigate the dynamic evolution of the DNA structure in its free and protein-bound states. The following three simulation studies were carried out: Study to examine the biological relevance of the presence of 5-methyl group in thymine nucleotides An investigation of the biological relevance of the 5-methyl group in thymine nucleotides was carried out. For this purpose, comparison of molecular dynamics studies on structures with sequences d(CGCAAAUUUGCG)2and d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2was carried out. Our results showed that the presence of the thymine 5-methyl group was necessary for the A-tract to assume characteristic properties such as a narrow minor groove. It was also shown to modulate local level structural parameters and consequently, the curvature of the longer DNA fragment in which the A-tract was embedded. The analysis also provided possible explanation for the experimentally observed interaction of A-tracts with drugs and DNase-I in the presence and the absence of the thymine 5-methyl group. This project was the first of a series of MD studies, and hence several protocols were tested before finalising the correct protocol. Simulations were carried out using the Berendsen temperature equilibration scheme as well as the Langevin temperature equilibration scheme on both the structures. The Langevin temperature equilibration scheme was found to be unsuitable for nucleic acid simulations, as it caused long-term and possibly permanent disruption of the double-helical structure at the terminal and the neighbouring two positions in the sequence. The Berendsen temperature equilibration scheme was not observed to cause such disruptions. Simulations were also carried out on both structures, with or without initialising the initial ion positions. The position of minimum electrostatic potential, where AMBER8 placed the first counterion, was observed to act as a minimum energy trap from which the counterion could not escape even during the course of several nanoseconds of simulation. Hence, the actual simulations were carried out using the Berendsen temperature equilibration scheme, and after randomisation of initial ion positions. The results of protocol testing have been reported in an appendix. Study of DNA bending and curvature An analysis of DNA bending and curvature was carried out, by MD simulation on structures of three, ∼thirty basepair long sequences, namely, d(G-3(CA4T4G)-C)2, d(G-3(CT4A4G)-C)2and d(T-GACTA5T-GACTA6T-GACTA5T-G). For each molecule, snapshots belonging to a particular global geometry (linear, curved, bent in a particular direction etc.) were grouped together, and the average values of the dinucleotide step parameters for different groups were compared. It was observed that for all the three molecules, the average values for groups corresponding to different global geometries were within 1of each other, indicating that ensemble average values of dinucleotide level parameters are incapable of predicting the global geometry of a DNA molecule. Study of the TraR-Trabox complex The study on DNA bending and curvature was followed by simulations of a protein-DNA complex comprising of the bacterial quorum sensing transcription factor TraR with its promoter region known as Trabox. Simulations of a protein-free wild-type Trabox and a Trabox with two mutations in the spacer region were also carried out. Grouping of DNA snapshots in all the three simulations based on average values of dinucleotide parameters in the spacer region shows how selection of the ‘right’ DNA geometry by proteins works at several levels. The number of snapshots of free mutated Trabox assuming a geometry favourable for protein-binding in terms of average twist alone are less than one-fourth of the corresponding number for free wild-type Trabox. When one applies further selection criteria in terms of other parameters such as roll and slide, the number of mutated Trabox snapshots with a geometry favourable for protein-binding drops to less than 0.5%ofthe total number of MD snapshots. Thus our results highlight how sequence-dependent changes in the structrure of DNA regions, adjacent to those that directly hydrogen-bond to proteins, can also critically influence processes such as transcription. General Conclusion Overall, our results indicate that intrinsic, sequence-dependent structural variations in free B-DNA allow it to sample a large volume of the double-helical conformational space, and assume global geometries that can accomodate most DNA-binding proteins.

No description available.

Stepwise covalent synthesis of large molecules is often time consuming and laborious and thus generally ends in a low yield of the target product. It is also difficult to achieve a large desired product where the controlling force is a non-directional weak interaction. Instead, by utilizing stronger metal-ligand directional coordination bonding approach, one can easily prepare the desired large molecules using appropriate molecular units. Further attractive feature of this approach is the incorporation of functional groups into final structures to make the assemblies functional. It is found that symmetrical polypyridyl and rigid linkers have been used widely in the construction of finite supramolecules of Pd (II) and Pt(II). Flexible linkers are rarely used since they are less predictable in self-assembly and have a tendency to form undesired polymer. However, flexible linkers may generate pseudo rigid assemblies that can distort their shapes to obtain a more thermodynamically stable conformation for host-guest interactions. Similarly, use of non-symmetric or ambidentate linkers is not explored much. These linkers may generate a mixture of several linkage isomeric products and thus difficult to monitor the reaction. Moreover, isolation of these products in pure form is also a challenging task. On the other hand, recent research revealed that porous polyacetylene organic compounds are suitable sensors for the detection of electron deficient nitroaromatics, which are the chemical signatures of many commercial explosives. Possibility of discrete supramolecules as sensors for these explosives is very less studied. The main thrusts of the present investigation are to incorporate flexible and nonsymmetrical linkers in the construction of finite discrete assemblies of Pd/Pt; and to design appropriate π-electron rich supramolecules as sensors for the detection of electron deficient nitroaromatics. Chapter 1 of this thesis gives a brief introduction to the supramolecular chemistry. It also gives a brief introduction to the design principle of metal-ligand coordination driven selfassembly approach towards the generation of large architectures. Chapter 2 reports the synthesis of a series of two-dimensional supramolecular architectures via coordination driven self-assembly of Pt/Pd containing ditopic acceptors and non-symmetrical donor ligands. The use of non-symmetrical donor ligands in coordination driven self-assembly is a challenging task because they may generate a mixture of isomers due to different connectivity of the non-symmetric (ambidentate) linkers. But in all the cases exclusive formation of a single linkage isomer was established. Na-nicotinate was treated with [cis-(dppf)Pd(OTf)2] to yield [(dppf)3Pd3(L3)](CF3SO3)3(H2O)2(MeOH)7(Et2O) as the single linkage isomeric triangle. An analogous treatment using Na-isonicotinate instead of Na-nicotinate yielded a mixture of single isomeric square and triangle with the later one as the major product in solution. Further extension of this study using cis-(tmen)Pd(NO3)2 instead of [cis-(dppf)Pd(OTf)2] also showed the formation of a mixture of square and triangle [tmen = N,N,N’,N’- tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine]. Surprisingly, in both the cases square was the product which was crystallized exclusively in solid state though triangle was the major component in solution. The square-triangle equilibria in both the cases were studied by diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) and variable temperature multinuclear NMR. Moreover, this chapter reports the incorporation of amide functionality into a Pt(II) nanoscopic molecular rectangle via self-assembly of an organometallic “clip” and a non-symmetric amide ligand. Chapter 3 presents synthesis of several metallamacrocycles via coordination driven selfassembly using Pd/Pt-P bonding interaction as driving force instead of much widely used Pd/Pt-N bonding interaction. It is also established that Pd/Pt-P bonding interaction is indeed better than the widely used Pd/Pt-N interaction. Several macrocycles were also synthesized by the combination of several Pd containing 90° angular subunits and a bisimidazole ditopic flexible donor. In this case also the bonding interaction between the imidazole and Pd(II) was found to be stronger than the interaction between pyridyl donor and Pd(II). Chapter 4 describes synthesis of several new Pt2 and Pt3 shape selective organometallic linkers incorporating ethynyl functionality. The Pt2 molecular clip was assembled with several linear dipyridyl linkers to prepare a series of molecular rectangles. In one case N, N’-bis(4-pyridylidene)ethylenediamine was used as donor to create a N4 pocket in the macrocycle. This rectangle was fluorescent in nature and showed efficient fluorescence quenching in solution upon binding of hard transition metal ions (Fe3+, Cu2+ and Ni2+) into the N4 pocket. The non-responsive nature of the fluorescence quenching upon addition of soft metal ions (Zn2+ and Cd2+) containing d10 configuration makes it an interesting example of sensor for transition metal ions. The Pt3 linkers were used in combination with organic clip-type linkers to prepare a series of molecular prisms by [2 + 3] self-assembly (Scheme 1). Incorporation of ethynyl functionality helped to make the resulting supramolecules π-electron rich and luminescent in nature. Possibility of these supramolecules as sensors for the detection of electron deficient nitroaromatics (TNT and picric acid), which are the chemical signatures of explosives has been explored. A complementary approach was also used to prepare trigonal prism using organic tritopic donor and the Pt2 molecular clip. Chapter 5 presents the design and self-assembly of two new flexible supramolecular nanoballs. These assemblies incorporate two flexible tritopic amide/ester based building blocks and were prepared in excellent yields (96-97%) via coordination driven selfassembly. The first one was resulted from the reaction of four equivalents of a new tritopic ester ligand N, N', N''-tris(4-pyridylmethyl) trimesic ester with three equivalents of C4 symmetric Pd(NO3)2. The second analogous structure was obtained by the selfassembly of the flexible N, N', N''-tris(3-pyridylmethyl)trimesic amide and Pd(NO3)2. The assemblies were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis and TGA. The ester based ball showed the inclusion of NEt4 + in solution. This chapter also describes the exclusive formation of a Pt(II) trigonalbipyramidal (TBP) cage upon the treatment of a Pt(II) 90° acceptor with a new tripodal flexible ligand containing ester functionality. The formation of Pt(II) TBP cage in this case is due to the flexibility of the donor arms of the ligand due to the presence of flexible ester functional group. In continuation of this work, a rigid tripodal ligand 1,1,1-tris(4-pyridyl)COOR with an ester cap [where R = Ph-CH(C2H5)] was assembled with cis-(PEt3)2Pt(OTf)2 to yield a somewhat unusual double-square cage by [4 + 6] self-assembly.

(FOR FIGURES REFER THE MAIN PDF FILE) Supramoleculr chemistry, aptly termed by Lehn as the study of molecular sociology, is the chemistry of the intermolecular bond, focusing on the structures and functions of “supermolecules” –chemical system formed by the association between two or more molecular components. While interrelated, this discipline forges beyond the domain of traditional molecular chemistry, which seeks to master the manipulation of the covalent bond between atoms and uncover the principle that governs the structures and properties of molecular species. Supramolecular chemistry assayas to blend the comprehensive resources of molecular chemistry with designed control of the intermolecular interactions to engineers supramolecular with features as well defined as those of the constituent molecular themselves. Not surprisingly, it has been stated that supramoleculars are to molecules and the intermolecular bond what molecules are to atoms and the covalent bond. In the realm of molecular crystals, the focus of supramolecular chemistry and indeed, the scope of the present thesis coverings with that of a rather recent, but rapidly emerging scientific discipline, namely crystal engineering. Coined nearly four decades ago in connection with photodimerization reaction in crystalline cinnamic acids, the term” crystal engineering” has since then broadened its expanse considerably and is, at present, most appropriately defined as“the understanding of intermolecular interactions in the context of crystal packing and the utilization of such understanding in the design of new solids with desired physical and chemical properties”. It would be befitting to remark that it is very pursuit (and more often than not, the elusive target) of being able to make functional solids by design that has allowed crystal engineering to evolve from an object of mere Scientific curiosity to a subject of tremendous utilization value. No proof for this assertion might be greater than that which lies in the fervent efforts put forth by pharmaceutical companies in understanding and controlling drug polymorphism, especially in the wake of the contemporary legal implications attendant with observing such a phenomenon. Polymorphism in molecular crystals results from the possibility of at least two different arrangements of the molecular of a given compound in the solid state and has therefore often been regarded as the” dark side” of crystal engineering. On one hand, polymorphism presents itself as an important probe in the study of structure-property relationship and allows elucidation of the varied macroscopic properties of the same molecule self-assembled in different crystalline environments. On the other hand, the phenomenon poses an implicit complication when predicating the product of a crystallization process forms the goal of a crystal engineering project. This is particularly true in case of crystal structure prediction (CSP) from the molecular structure of a given compound, where the experimentally obtained polymorphic modification may be a kinetic form and therefore, need not correspond to the one ranked lowest in energy from the computational studies. Indeed, this dichotomy between a thermodynamically and a kinetically controlled crystallization process reflects the underlying uncertainty associated with judging the outcome of a crystallization event. In this concept of a supramolecular synthon has been postulated to assimilate both thermodynamic and kinetic alternative, and therefore provide a working model for heuristic crystal design. By analogy with corey’s definition of a molecular synthon, a supramolecular synhon has been described” a structural unit within a supramolecule which can be formed and/or assembled by known or conceivable synthetic operations involving intermolecular interactions”. Being entirely probabilistic in nature, the robutness and thus, the transferability of a particular synthon to a designed crystal is assessed from a systermatic evolution of its recurrence in crystal structures of representative molecules. The Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), which announced the inclusion of the 500000th crystal structures in its archives last year, provides an invaluable cache of experimentally determined structures and the foundation for crystal design in this regard. The practically of the supramolecular synthon approach, now almost synthymous with crystal engineering, has been demonstrated not only in the successful design of a number of functional solids, but also in its possible application in CSP as a knowledge-based alternative. Irrespective of the approach, a basic paradigm can however be constructed from any crystal engineering strategy, viz. construct the molecular building blocks and assemble these, with a prior knowledge of the possible non-covalent interactions, in a manner that leads to the desired crystal structure. This premise will form the central theme of the present thesis, entitled “From molecular to supramolecular: Probing solid state self –assemblies of conformatonally locked polycyclitos and structural siblings”. The dissertation will deal with the nuances of the self-assemblies of four classes of structurally related crystalline polycyclie compounds, all fashioned from a prototypical rigid trans-decalin backbone derived from commonly available aromatic precursors like naphthalene and anthracene. The thesis will be presented in four chapters, each based on one of the four functional make-ups present in the molecular under study. • Chapter 1.Relating intramolecular O-H…Ohydrogen bondigs to conformational locking: Design and self-assemblies of crystalline polyclitols. • Chapter 2.Preferences of supramolecular assemblies towards competing inter- and intramolecular O-H…O hydrogen bonds: A case study in crystalline acyldervaeives of conformarionally locked polyclitols. •Chapter 3.Synthesis of novel polyhydroxylated flustrates: Probing fluorine interactions in a conformatonally constructed environment. • Chapter 4. Strength vs.accessiblity: Universe the patterns of self-recognition in designer conformationally locked aminoacohols. A brief overview of each chapter is presented below. The first chapter of the thesis investigates the supramolecular chemistry of an O-H…O Hydrogen Bond formed between hydroxyl groups that have been constrained to occupy spatiality invariant position in the crystal structure of a polycyclitol (a portmanteau word derived from polycyclic cyclitol). Having been constructed on a grid trans-decalin carbocyclic backbone, the polycyclitols under study 1-6 are conformatonally locked and destined to exhibit an axial rich disposition of the hydroxyl groups, so that the OH functionalities in 1,3-relationship are automatically brought into a favorable geometry for the formation of intramolecular O-H…O hydrogen bonds. Working within this paradigm, which was formulated both logically and on the basis of the observed H-bonding patterns in the crystal structures of several conformationally locked polyols, we were able to demonstrate that intramolecular H-bonding between 1,3-syndisxial OH groups can be used as a tool to preordain the position of the intermolecular O-H…O-bond donors and accepts in the specially crafted polycyclitols 1-3. this observation not only simplified a qualitative visualization of the various packing patterns in 1-3, but also allowed us to propose, based on previously reported CSD analysis, the packing motifs mostlikely to converge with the experimental results. Despite its qualitative nature, the O-H…O hydrogen bonding patters, proposed for 1-3 were found to conform well with those observed experimentally for the tetrols 1 and 3, and even for the two polymorphic modifications of the hexol 2[Figure 1] The determination role played by intramolecular O-H…O bonding in the supramolecular assembly of 2, a novel bicycle C2h symmetric hexol having an all axial disposition of the six hydroxyl functionalities, prompted us to study the crystal packing of the three diastereomeric perhydro-2,3,4q,6,6,8a-naphthalenehexols 4-6. the end-to-end co-operative intramolecular O-H…O-H hydrogen bonding chain on both faces of the molecule, as observed in case of 2, through an axial-equatorial. Figure 1. (left) one of the packing modes proposed for the hexol 2. Note that the H-bonding pattern involves all donor/acceptor oxygen and incorporates infinite chains of O-H…O bonds of O-H….O bonds; (right) Molecular packing observed experimentally in the polymorph of the hexol 2 Transposition of one or more of the peripheral yhdroyl groups. With increased freedom now allowed to the OH groups in the choice of their H-bonding partners, as a compared to 2 crystal packing in the polycyclitols 4-6 evolved from the simplistic model of hydrogen bonding proposed and observed for 2,to ivoke more complex patterns of self assembly mediated through O-H…O-bonds In the second chapter, the crystal structures of four conformationally locked esters, namely tetraaccetate 7/tetrabenzoate 8 of hexol 2 and the diacetate9/dibenzoate 10 of tetrol1,have been analyzed in order to examine the preference of their supramolecular assemblies towards competing inter and intramolecular O-H…O hydrogen bonds. To this end, all the four esters under study were specially crafted on a trans-decalin backbone with the objective of relegating the O-H…O H-bond donors( in form of the 30 OH groups) to the molecular interior and having the peripheral H-bond accepters (in form of the 20 acyl groups) in 1,3-syndiaxial relationship. It was anticipated that this common design element would allow the supramolecular assembly of the easters to evolve along two possible pathway, namely one which employs intermoleculars O-H…O H-bonds (pathway 1) and the other that sacrifises those for intramolecular O-H…O H-bonds and settles for a crystal packing dictated by weak intermolecular interactions alone (pathway 2) A pure sample of 7 crystallized along pathway 1 in two enantiotropic modifications, one obtained at room temperature (form) and the other at 20 C0 (form) [Figure 2]. Behaving much like a temperature guided molecular switch, the tetraacetate 7 could be shifted reversibly between the forms response to changes in the ambient temperature. Thus, the form converted at -4 OC to the denser form, which displayed an unusual kinetic stability till 67 OC and transformed back to the form beyond this temperature. Subsequently, the close similarity between the self-assemble of the two dimonrphs of 7 and the diastereomer 11 was exploited in order to stimulated 7 to fallow the pathway 2 through preferential inhibition of pathway 1[Figure 3]. Interstingly, the nucleation inhibition 11 was obtained serendipitously a route 7 via an apparent breakdownof furst-platter rule. Unlike the tetraceatate 7, crystal packing in the tetrabenzoate 8 preferred to fallow exclusively pathway 2. The individualistic nature of the self-assemblies of 7 and 8 found to be in contrast commonalities noted in the mode of molecular assembly in 9 and 10 both of which conformed to a combination of pathway 1 and 2. A rationale for the preferred crystallization pathway of the four estes 7-10 as well as probable mechanism for the observed reversible transformation between the forms the tetracetate 7 will be put forth in this chapter. Figure 2. (Model for pathway 1) Molecular packing in the forms of the tetraacetate 7. The non-interacting hydrogen atoms have been omitted for clarity. Figure 3. (Model for pathway 2) The nucleation inhibitor 11 and form of the tetraacetate 7. The non-interacting hydrogen atoms have been omitted in the molecular packing diagram for clarity. In light of the wide ranging application of organofluorine compounds and the ambiguity that resides over the disposition of fluorine as a H-bond accepter, the third chapter utilizes three specially designed fluorinated polycyclitols 12-14 investigate the role of covalently bonded flurine in crystal structures of lesser studied aliphatic fluorous substracts and probe its capacity to engage itself in C(sp3)-F…H-X(sp3)(X=O and/or C) H-bounding, in presence of its isostere, the hydrozyl group. Conformatonality locked with well defined spatial disposition of functional groups, all the fluorinated polycyclitols 12-14 bear a fluorohydrin moiety, embedded in a rigid trans-decalin framework. In 12 and 14, it was conceived that the presence of a hydroxyl donor in a favorable 1, 3-syndiaxial relationship to a fluoro group on one side and a hydroxyl group on the other would allow an unambiguous comparison between the two isoteric functionalities (C-OH and C-F) to serve as acceptors for intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O-H…O and purported O-H…F respectively) The difluorodiol 13 was sought to serve as a control to assess the change in the C-F…H-X interactions (if any) which might be observed upon incorporating the peripheral secondary hydroxyl groups in 14. The result presented in this chapter will revel, in particular, that C(sp3) –F…H-C(sp3) hydrogen bonds, though weak and lesser investigated, can indeed be observed and supramolecular recognition motifs, involving such interactions, can be conserved even in crystal structures laden with stronger O-H…O hydrogen bonds [Figure 4}. Figure 4. (Left) Molecular packing in the difluorodiol 13, showing how four intermolecular C-H…F hydrogen bonds forms a part of a R22 H-bonding motif (encircled). This centrosymmentic supramolecular recognition unit is observed even in the molecular packing in the difluorohexol 14 (right). Non-interacting H atoms have been omitted in both diagrams for the sake of clarity. The forth chapter details an in-depth study carried out on the self-assembly of a conformationally locked aminoalchohol 15, in which the amino protons serve as mere spectators, the molecular packing in the crystal being realized through the co-operativity between O-H…N H-bonds and weak π-π stacking interaction (Figure 5b). The crystal structure of 15 was quite intriguing on three sailent grounds (a) previous studies on the supramolecular assemblies in the aminols have shown that both amino and hydroxyl protons participate in H-bonding in the crystal structures of such compounds; (b) the fact that the hydrogen atoms of the NH2 group Figure 5. (Left) Laplacian distribution map in the planes defined by (a) the double bonds, (c) O-H…N-H-bond, and (d) π-π stacking interactions in the aminoalclhol 15. Contours havse been drawn at logarithmic intervals in ▼2 ρb, eÅ-5. Solid lines indicate positive contours and dotted lines negative contours. (b) Molecular packing in 15. Non-interacting H atoms have been omitted for the sake of clarity.remain as mere bystanders in anomalous if one were to abide by the Etter’s rule; (c) the rather well-difined π-π stacking interactions in crystal structure of the aminoalcohol occurs between isolated olefinic bonds-a rarely encountered form of non-covalent interaction. Charge destiny analysis was carried out on the aminoalcoholf 15 not only to catheterize the non-covalent interactions existing in the supramolecular assembly in terms of topological features of electrol destiny at their bond critical points, but also to confirm the non-involvement of the amino H-atoms in any form of either intra- or intermoalecular hydrogen bonds beyond the criteria of mere geometry (Figure a,c,d). The maverick nature of the self-assembly of 15 was elucidated as resulting from the preference of the molecules to assemble with O-H…N H-bonds. This automatically relegated the hydrogen atoms of the tertiary amine to the interior of the conformationally locked cabocycclic scaffold, thereby making them far less accessible than the peripheral C=C bonds.

<p>    </p> <p>Development on instrumentation and algorithms for chemical structure and chemical kinetics are discussed in this thesis. In Chapter 2 and 3, a consensus equilibrium formalism is introduced for the integration of multiple quantum chemical calculations of molecular and electronic structure. In multi-agent consensus equilibrium (MACE), iterative updates in structure optimization are intertwined with the net output, representing an equilibrium balance between multiple computational agents. MACE structure calculations from the integration of multiple low-level electronic structure calculations were compared favorably for small molecules, with results evaluated through comparison with higher level structure (CCSD). Notably, MACE results differed substantially from the average of the independent computational agent outputs, with MACE yielding improved agreement with higher-level CCSD calculations. The primary focus is on the development of the mathematical framework for implementing MACE for molecular and electronic structure determination, these initial preliminary results suggest potential promise for the use of MACE to improve the accuracy of low-level electronic structure calculations through the integration of multiple parallel methods. In Chapter 4 and 5, Fourier- transform fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FT-FRAP) coupled with periodically comb pattern was demonstrated to monitor the controlled-release mechanisms of microparticles. By monitoring the time-lapse recovery patterns, spatial mobility were decoded in FT domain. Due to the nature of mobility encoded in FT domain, substantial improvements were demonstrated in terms of enhanced signal-to-noise, simplified mathematics, low requirements of sampling, and multiphoton compatibility to probe inside samples. FT-FRAP was able to discriminate and quantify the internal diffusion and exchange to higher mobility in fitting the recovery kinetics within microparticles. Theoretical modeling of exchange and diffusion- controlled release revealed that both RS and RL microparticles exhibited similar exchange decay, with RL having a much higher diffusion decay. The microscopically higher diffusion of RL microparticles is consistent with the dissolution performance of RL microparticles macroscopically. The distinction of controlled release mechanisms provided by FT-FRAP is important to understand and further optimize the design of controlled release systems for GI tract. </p>

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