The primary goal of the research studies conducted was to apply statistical mechanical and computer simulation methods to describe the equilibrium behavior of hazardous dipolar/quadru-polar single-gases and mixtures confined in micro porous adsorbents. Statistical mechanical models capable of handling the energetic heterogeneity by complex electrostatic interactions between adsorbate-adsorbent and adsorbate-adsorbate electrostatic interactions were developed and studied. The heterogeneous pore shape and size of different adsorbents were taken into account by two different approaches described in the following paragraphs. Under certain conditions, the use of Mean Field Perturbation Theories (MFPTs) is more attractive than Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations because of the enhanced physical insights that they offer, as well as very low computational times required. Existing literature shows that the applications of MFPTs for studying adsorption of polar molecules were limited due to the orientation dependency of the intermolecular potentials for electrostatic interactions, that in turn poses the challenging problem of seeking analytical expressions for the various thermodynamic functions involved. Furthermore, other existing approaches of accounting for complex electrostatic interactions through hydrogen bonding have limitations due to the requirement of parameter estimation related to radial distribution functions and the critical orientation values of molecules for hydrogen bonds, which are generally obtained through MC simulations and X-ray scattering techniques. In the first stage of research efforts, an attempt was made to express angle-dependent intermolecular potentials in the form of angle-independent intermolecular potential terms by employing statistical averaging methods. In particular, the permanent dipole-dipole and permanent dipole-induced dipole intermolecular potentials were expressed as angle-averaged intermolecular potentials. Then, angle-averaged intermolecular potentials were used to predict water isotherms in nano-slit pores. Furthermore, the angle-averaged intermolecular potentials were used for a binary mixture of polar molecules (water-methanol) to predict the adsorption behavior in nano-slit pores. However, significant limitations of MFPTs arise when they are used for the study of adsorption in zeolites that exhibit irregular shaped cavities with surface heterogeneities. The latter certainly represent a future meaningful research direction. It should be pointed out, that the mean field approach allows us to predict equilibrium sorption properties in homogeneous adsorbents like graphitic carbon (slit), carbon nano tubes (cylinder) and highly siliceous faujasites (spherical) as they have regular shaped cavities. The applications of such kinds of theory remained limited due to the (generally) unknown distribution of functional sites on adsorbents of interests (mainly activated carbons and zeolites) and their locations in the adsorbent framework. The second stage of research efforts focused on models capable of incorporating surface heterogeneities and addressing complex pore geometries. The models developed relied on Grand Canonical Monte-Carlo (GCMC) simulations. In particular, two types of GCMC simulations were carried out, namely molecular and atomistic MC simulations. Both techniques were applied to simulate sorption isotherms on zeolites and activated carbon to remove mercury chloride (quadrupole), hydrogen cyanide (HCN, dipole) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK, dipole) from air. The molecular based MC technique utilized molecular properties of the molecules namely dipole, quadrupole moments, molecular polarizability and molecule size (kinetic diameter). The molecule was considered to be a spherical shaped particle. The dispersion interactions were calculated using Vaan der Waals equation and electrostatic interactions were quantified through the multi-pole expansion method. This approach was used to simulate adsorption of HgCl2, HCN and MEK in zeolite NaX and activated carbon with functional sites namely carbonyl, hydroxyl and carboxyls. Simulation results indicated that HgCl2 sorption could be attributed to charge-induced dipole interactions for activated carbon, suggesting that sorbents with more number surface charges can be useful except for the case of carbonyls in which quadrupole moments plays a crucial role in reducing sorbent capacities, in turn implying that relative positions of positively and negatively charged cations are indeed important. However, for zeolite NaX, performance characteristics were primarily attributed to charge-quadrupole interactions and dispersion interactions. Moreover, zeolite-NaX performance characteristics for capturing HCN and MEK were attributed to dipole-Na interactions due to the relatively large dipole moments of the molecules under consideration. In the case of activated carbon, HCN sorption was governed by mainly charge-dipole and charge-induced dipole interactions, and hence, carbons with carboxyls seemed to perform better than hydroxyls and carbonyls. MEK sorption was influenced by dispersion interactions (due to the large polarizability of MEK) and charge-dipole interactions, which makes carbon with carbonyls more efficient rather than carbons with hydroxyls having the same charge densities. However, application of the aforementioned molecular approaches was limited to sorbents with regular shape cavities having some surface heterogeneity such as activated carbons. Finally, in order to account for sorbents with irregular shaped cavities, such as silicalite and mordenite, one needs to use atomistic MC simulations. The atomistic MC technique utilizes appropriate atomic sizes and charges for the molecules under consideration to quantify intermolecular forces among the adsorbate molecules and the atoms of the zeolite framework as well as activated carbon. The dispersion interactions were calculated using the Van-Der Waals equation and electrostatic interactions were quantified through a standard Coulombic equation. The bond distances among atoms were kept fixed but variations in angular movement and dihedral/torsional movements were considered, and appropriate harmonic potentials were used to account for angle bending and torsional effects. The sorption performance was evaluated for mordenite, silicalite and zeolite beta for a Si/Al ratio of 47-197 for both an HCN and MEK system. The results of HCN/MEK sorption suggested that silicalite has greater capacity than that of mordenites .In the case of MEK Zeolite beta with sodium cations, performance was better than that of mordenites and silicalites. Sorption of HCN in silicalite was observed in straight and zigzag channels, and mainly attributable to hydrogen bonding among HCN molecules. The increase in sodium cations however decreases the capacity of silicalite, zeolite beta and mordenite slightly. The sorption of MEK in mordenite was mainly observed in an 12- and 8-member ring channel. It was found that an increase in sodium cations did not increase the sorption capacity of mordenite significantly as most of the cations in mordenite were located in an 8-member ring channel where MEK molecules can not be accommodated properly due to steric effects. However, the sorption of MEK in zeolite beta seemed to be influenced by the presence of sodium cations as most of the cations are at the intersection of two 12 member rings which provide sufficient space to orient MEK molecules at the intersection and maximize electrostatic interactions. The sorption of MEK in silicalite exhibited similar trends as in the case of mordenite, as all cations were at the intersection of straight and zigzag channels . Finally, in the last Section of the Thesis, a comparative assessment was made of all three approaches in terms of their significance in applications and the ease in applying them.

Si la chimie des complexes cyanures des métaux d est une discipline fortement étudiée depuis de nombreuses années, celle-ci est cependant peu développée avec les métaux f et en particulier avec les actinides. L’ion cyanure, qui est un ligand extrêmement coordinant, bidente et apte à stabiliser les hauts comme les bas degrés d’oxydation des centres métalliques semble particulièrement adapté à l’uranium. Son utilisation avec les éléments f offre, outre des perspectives synthétiques attrayantes qui ont déjà bouleversé certaines idées communément admises, un intérêt certain pour l’obtention de composés doués de propriétés physico-chimiques intéressantes. Ce doctorat concerne le développement de la chimie des complexes cyanures des éléments f (Ce, U, Th) dans les deux séries de précurseurs [Mf(N*)₃]ʲ˖ (j = 0, 1) et [An(Cot)₂] (N* = −N(SiMe₃)₂ ; Cot = C₈H₈²⁻). Le premier chapitre traite de la réactivité des complexes trivalents [Mf(N*)₃] (Mf = Ce, U) avec l’ion cyanure. Les synthèses et les structures cristallines des complexes mono- et polycyanures [Mf(N*)₃(CN)][M], [Mf(N*)₃(CN)₂][M]₂ et [Mf(N*)₂(CN)₃][M]₂ et des complexes bimétalliques [{Mf(N*)₃}₂(µ-CN)][M] (M = NR₄, K(18-C-6)) y sont présentées. Selon l’ion considéré, Ce³˖ ou U³˖, les caractérisations structurales montrent un mode de coordination différent du ligand cyanure. Par exemple, les complexes bis-cyanures dévoilent une coordination du cérium par l’atome d’azote (Ce−NC) et de l’uranium par l’atome de carbone (U−CN). Le mode de coordination isocyanure est extrêmement rare avec les métaux de transition d et f. Des complexes cyanures d’U(IV) présentés dans le chapitre 2 ont également été obtenus à partir du nouveau précurseur tris-amidure [U(N*)₃][BPh₄]. L’espèce bimétallique [{U(N*)₃}₂(µ-CN)][BPh₄] et surtout les dérivés à cyanures terminaux neutre [U(N*)₃(CN)] et anionique [U(N*)₃(CN)₂][M] (M = NEt₄, K) ont été isolés. Ces espèces monométalliques présentent le mode de ligation isocyanure U−NC, au contraire des autres complexes cyanures de l’uranium déjà connus. Des études théoriques de DFT expliquent l’origine de ces différents modes coordinations du ligand cyanure vis-à-vis des ions Ce³˖ et U³˖ par l’implication des orbitales 5f et les duretés distinctes (selon Pearson) des centres métalliques. Ces calculs sont en accord avec l’expérience et mettent en avant la stabilité énergétique légèrement plus grande des composés à liaison Ce³˖−NC , U³˖−CN et U⁴˖−NC. L’apport du cyanure dans la chimie des actinocènes [An(Cot)₂] (An = U, Th), composés sandwiches mythiques considérés jusqu’à peu comme des espèces sans aucune chimie de coordination, est manifeste avec la préparation d’une nouvelle classe de composés de géométries coudées. Alors que le complexe mono-cyanure [U(Cot)₂(CN)][NEt₄] est le seul composé coudé caractérisé avec l’uranium, [Th(Cot)₂] présente une chimie beaucoup plus variée qui fait l’objet du troisième chapitre. Le thorocène réagit ainsi avec les ions CN⁻, N₃⁻ et H⁻ pour donner les complexes anioniques [Th(Cot)₂(X)][M] (X = CN⁻, N₃⁻ et M = Na(18-C-6) et NBu₄), dianionique [Th(Cot)₂(CN)₂][NBu₄]₂ et les bimétalliques [{Th(Cot)₂}₂(μ-X)][M] (X = CN⁻, H⁻ et M = Na(18-C-6) et NBu₄]. Les structures des analogues [An(Cot)₂(CN)][NR₄]₂ sont notablement différentes (monomère pour U et polymère pour Th). Les complexes à cyanures terminaux sont des briques moléculaires intéressantes pour l’élaboration de systèmes polynucléaires et de matériaux qui, du fait des propriétés physico-chimiques particulières des éléments f, sont particulièrement attractifs pour des applications dans le domaine du magnétisme moléculaire et/ou de la luminescence. / The cyanide ligand is one of the most widely used ligands in coordination chemistry of d-transition metals. The low number of cyanide complexes of lanthanides and actinides incited us to develop this field for reactivity and theoretical aspects, and also for their potentially interesting physicochemical properties. In this Ph.D., we investigated the reactivity of [An(Cot)₂] (An = Th, U ; Cot = C₈H₈²⁻) and [Mf(N*)₃]ʲ˖ (j = 0, 1; Mf = Ce, U ; N* = ⁻N(SiMe₃)₂) precursors toward the cyanide ion. The first chapter is dedicated to the synthesis and characterization of trivalent f-elements cyanide complexes [Mf(N*)₃(CN)][M], [Mf(N*)₃(CN)₂][M]₂, [Mf(N*)₂(CN)₃][M]₂ and the cyanido-bridged binuclear compounds [{Mf(N*)₃}₂(µ-CN)][M] (M = NR₄, K(18-C-6)). Crystals of the bis(cyanido) uranium and cerium complexes are not isostructural since the data revealed distinct coordination modes of the CN group, through the C or N atom to the U³˖ or Ce³˖ metal center, respectively. In chapter 2, the novel silylamide uranium(IV) precursor [U(N*)₃][BPh₄] has been isolated, and proved to be useful for the synthesis of the cationic species [{U(N*)₃}₂(µ-CN)][BPh₄] and the neutral monocyanide [Mf(N*)₃(CN)] and anionic bis(cyanide) [Mf(N*)₃(CN)₂][M] derivatives. Here again, the X-ray data reveal the uncommon N coordination mode of the CN group to the U(IV) center. This global differentiation has been analyzed using density functional theory calculations. The observed preferential coordination of the cyanide ion in Ce³˖−NC, U³˖−CN and U⁴˖−NC is corroborated by energetic considerations and by the comparison of DFT optimized geometries with the true crystal structures. Finally, the recent discovery of the first bent "uranocene" species, eg [U(Cot)₂(CN)]⁻, led us to compare the reactivity of the actinocenes [An(Cot)₂] (Th, U) in order to understand the effect of the metal electron configuration (respectively 5f² for U⁴˖ and 5f⁰ for Th⁴˖). [Th(Cot)₂] reacted with the cyanide, azide and hydride anion and distinct products, eg anionic, dianionic and binuclear complexes [Th(Cot)₂(X)][M] (X = CN⁻, N₃⁻ et M = Na(18-C-6), NBu₄), [Th(Cot)₂(CN)₂][NBu₄]₂ and [{Th(Cot)₂}₂(μ-X)][M] (X = CN⁻, H⁻ et M = Na(18-C-6), NBu₄] were isolated depending on the nature of counter ion (Na˖ vs. R₄N˖). This study which is presented in chapter 3 clearly illustrates the distinct chemical behavior of thorocene versus uranocene. All these mononuclear mono and polycyanides compounds of the f-elements might serve as valuable building blocks for the synthesis of novel clusters and coordination polymers with interesting magnetism and/or luminescence properties.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de procedimentos analíticos baseados na análise em fluxo com multicomutação, acoplada à detecção por fluorescência, espectrofotometria com longo caminho óptico ou quimiluminescência em guias de ondas (LCW), para a determinação de poluentes ambientais. Os procedimentos desenvolvidos atendem aos requisitos de sensibilidade e limite de detecção impostos pela legislação ambiental vigente e as características analíticas encontram-se em concordância com as tendências atuais de redução do consumo de amostras e reagentes, da geração de resíduos e de custo, apresentando alta freqüência de amostragem e operação simples. Os módulos de análises desenvolvidos são compactos, podendo ser adaptados para o monitoramento in situ. Com o acoplamento da cela LCW de 100 cm de caminho óptico a sistemas de análises por injeção em fluxo e monossegmentado, para medidas por turbidimetria e espectrofotometria, foi observada significativa melhora nos limites de detecção e sensibilidade. Discrepâncias entre o aumento de sensibilidade verificado e previsto pela lei de Beer têm relação com diferenças de dispersão em celas de 1 e 100 cm. Para a determinação espectrofotométrica de paraquat, foi desenvolvido um módulo de análises com micro-bombas solenóides. Ácido dehidroascórbico foi empregado como reagente, sendo a solução estável por uma semana. Resposta linear foi observada de 0,1 a 5,0 mg L1, r=0,997, com limite de detecção, coeficiente de variação e freqüência de amostragem estimados em 22 µg L-1, 1,0% (n=10) e 63 h-1, respectivamente. Os resultados para amostras de águas foram concordantes com o procedimento de referência (95% de confiança). Para a determinação fluorimétrica de cianeto dissociável em ácidos, foi desenvolvido um módulo de análises com válvulas solenóides, explorando a reação com oftalaldeído e glicina. Sensibilidade 2 vezes maior foi observada com a retenção da zona de amostra por 60 s, com resposta linear entre 1 e 200 µg L-1, r=0,999. O coeficiente de variação, limite de detecção e freqüência de amostragem foram estimados em 1,4% (n=10), 0,5 µg L-1 e 22 h-1, respectivamente. Com prévia etapa de separação por difusão gasosa, o procedimento foi aplicado em amostras de águas naturais, sendo os resultados concordantes com o procedimento de referência ao nível de confiança de 95%. Para a especiação redox de cromo, os procedimentos analíticos foram baseados em sistemas de análises em fluxo com micro-bombas solenóides. O Cr(VI) foi determinado por espectrofotometria de longo caminho óptico com difenilcarbazida. Resposta linear foi observada entre 2 e 40 g L-1, r=0,973. O limite de detecção, coeficiente de variação e freqüência de amostragem foram estimados em 1,8 µg L-1, 0,6% (n=10) e 55 h-1, respectivamente. Quimiluminescência foi utilizada para determinar Cr(III), com resposta linear observada entre 2 e 50 µg L-1, com r=0,999. O limite de detecção, coeficiente de iv variação e freqüência de amostragem foram estimados em 0,38 µg L-1, 3,3% (n=10) e 50 h-1, respectivamente. Oxidação em linha foi também implementada para a determinação espectrofotométrica de cromo total. Em amostras de águas naturais, os resultados foram concordantes para Cr(VI), mas efeitos de matriz foram observados para Cr(III), aparentemente devido à complexação com sustâncias húmicas. / This work aimed the development of analytical procedures based on flow analysis with multicommutation, coupled to detection by fluorescence, long pathlength spectrophotometry or chemiluminescence in liquid-core waveguides (LCW), for determination of environmental pollutants. The developed procedures are in accordance with the requirements of sensitivity and detection limits of the current environmental legislation and the analytical characteristics are in agreement with current trends as low sample and reagents consumption, low waste generation, high sampling rate, low cost and simple operation. The compact flow systems could be adapted for in situ monitoring. Improvements in detection limit and sensitivity were observed by coupling the 100-cm LCW to flow injection analysis and monosegmented flow analysis for turbidimetric and spectrophotometric measurements. Discrepancies between the experimentally evaluated increase in sensitivity and that estimated by the Beers law are related to differences in sample dispersion with 1 and 100 cm flow cells. A multicommuted flow-system with solenoid micro-pumps was used for the spectrophotometric determination of paraquat. The reducing reagent, dehydroascorbic acid, was stable for at least one week. Linear response was observed from 0.1 to 5.0 mg L-1, with r=0.997 and detection limit, coefficient of variation and sampling rate estimated as 22 µg L-1, 1.0% (n=10) and 63 h-1, respectively. The procedure was applied for paraquat determination in water samples, yielding results in agreement with the reference procedure at the 95% confidence level. For the fluorimetric determination of Weak Acid Dissociable Cyanide, a multicommuted flow system was development with solenoid valves, exploiting the reaction with o-phthalaldehyde and glycine. A two-fold higher sensitivity was observed with a 60-s stopped-flow interval, with linear response between 1 and 200 µg L-1, r=0.999. The coefficient of variation, detection limit and sampling rate were estimated as 1.4% (n=10), 0.5 µg L-1 and 22 h-1, respectively. After separation by gas diffusion, the procedure was applied to the analysis of natural water samples, with results in agreement with the reference procedure at the 95% confidence level. For redox chromium speciation, the procedures were based on a multicommuted flow system with solenoid micro-pumps. The determination of Cr(VI) was performed by long pathlength spectrophotometrywith diphenylcarbazide. Linear response was observed between 2 and 40 g L-1, r=0.973. The detection limit, coefficient of variation and sampling rate were estimated as 1.7 g L-1, 0.6% (n=10) and 55 h-1, respectively. Chemiluminescence was used to determine Cr(III), being the linear response observed between 2 and 50 µg L-1, with r=0.999. The detection limit, coefficient of variation and sampling rate were estimated as 0.38 µg L-1, 3.3% (n=10) and 50 h-1, respectively. On-line oxidation was also implemented for the determination of total chromium. In natural water samples, results were consistent for Cr(VI), but matrix vi effects were observed in Cr(III) determination, apparently in view of complexation with humic substances.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de procedimentos analíticos baseados na análise em fluxo com multicomutação, acoplada à detecção por fluorescência, espectrofotometria com longo caminho óptico ou quimiluminescência em guias de ondas (LCW), para a determinação de poluentes ambientais. Os procedimentos desenvolvidos atendem aos requisitos de sensibilidade e limite de detecção impostos pela legislação ambiental vigente e as características analíticas encontram-se em concordância com as tendências atuais de redução do consumo de amostras e reagentes, da geração de resíduos e de custo, apresentando alta freqüência de amostragem e operação simples. Os módulos de análises desenvolvidos são compactos, podendo ser adaptados para o monitoramento in situ. Com o acoplamento da cela LCW de 100 cm de caminho óptico a sistemas de análises por injeção em fluxo e monossegmentado, para medidas por turbidimetria e espectrofotometria, foi observada significativa melhora nos limites de detecção e sensibilidade. Discrepâncias entre o aumento de sensibilidade verificado e previsto pela lei de Beer têm relação com diferenças de dispersão em celas de 1 e 100 cm. Para a determinação espectrofotométrica de paraquat, foi desenvolvido um módulo de análises com micro-bombas solenóides. Ácido dehidroascórbico foi empregado como reagente, sendo a solução estável por uma semana. Resposta linear foi observada de 0,1 a 5,0 mg L1, r=0,997, com limite de detecção, coeficiente de variação e freqüência de amostragem estimados em 22 µg L-1, 1,0% (n=10) e 63 h-1, respectivamente. Os resultados para amostras de águas foram concordantes com o procedimento de referência (95% de confiança). Para a determinação fluorimétrica de cianeto dissociável em ácidos, foi desenvolvido um módulo de análises com válvulas solenóides, explorando a reação com oftalaldeído e glicina. Sensibilidade 2 vezes maior foi observada com a retenção da zona de amostra por 60 s, com resposta linear entre 1 e 200 µg L-1, r=0,999. O coeficiente de variação, limite de detecção e freqüência de amostragem foram estimados em 1,4% (n=10), 0,5 µg L-1 e 22 h-1, respectivamente. Com prévia etapa de separação por difusão gasosa, o procedimento foi aplicado em amostras de águas naturais, sendo os resultados concordantes com o procedimento de referência ao nível de confiança de 95%. Para a especiação redox de cromo, os procedimentos analíticos foram baseados em sistemas de análises em fluxo com micro-bombas solenóides. O Cr(VI) foi determinado por espectrofotometria de longo caminho óptico com difenilcarbazida. Resposta linear foi observada entre 2 e 40 g L-1, r=0,973. O limite de detecção, coeficiente de variação e freqüência de amostragem foram estimados em 1,8 µg L-1, 0,6% (n=10) e 55 h-1, respectivamente. Quimiluminescência foi utilizada para determinar Cr(III), com resposta linear observada entre 2 e 50 µg L-1, com r=0,999. O limite de detecção, coeficiente de iv variação e freqüência de amostragem foram estimados em 0,38 µg L-1, 3,3% (n=10) e 50 h-1, respectivamente. Oxidação em linha foi também implementada para a determinação espectrofotométrica de cromo total. Em amostras de águas naturais, os resultados foram concordantes para Cr(VI), mas efeitos de matriz foram observados para Cr(III), aparentemente devido à complexação com sustâncias húmicas. / This work aimed the development of analytical procedures based on flow analysis with multicommutation, coupled to detection by fluorescence, long pathlength spectrophotometry or chemiluminescence in liquid-core waveguides (LCW), for determination of environmental pollutants. The developed procedures are in accordance with the requirements of sensitivity and detection limits of the current environmental legislation and the analytical characteristics are in agreement with current trends as low sample and reagents consumption, low waste generation, high sampling rate, low cost and simple operation. The compact flow systems could be adapted for in situ monitoring. Improvements in detection limit and sensitivity were observed by coupling the 100-cm LCW to flow injection analysis and monosegmented flow analysis for turbidimetric and spectrophotometric measurements. Discrepancies between the experimentally evaluated increase in sensitivity and that estimated by the Beers law are related to differences in sample dispersion with 1 and 100 cm flow cells. A multicommuted flow-system with solenoid micro-pumps was used for the spectrophotometric determination of paraquat. The reducing reagent, dehydroascorbic acid, was stable for at least one week. Linear response was observed from 0.1 to 5.0 mg L-1, with r=0.997 and detection limit, coefficient of variation and sampling rate estimated as 22 µg L-1, 1.0% (n=10) and 63 h-1, respectively. The procedure was applied for paraquat determination in water samples, yielding results in agreement with the reference procedure at the 95% confidence level. For the fluorimetric determination of Weak Acid Dissociable Cyanide, a multicommuted flow system was development with solenoid valves, exploiting the reaction with o-phthalaldehyde and glycine. A two-fold higher sensitivity was observed with a 60-s stopped-flow interval, with linear response between 1 and 200 µg L-1, r=0.999. The coefficient of variation, detection limit and sampling rate were estimated as 1.4% (n=10), 0.5 µg L-1 and 22 h-1, respectively. After separation by gas diffusion, the procedure was applied to the analysis of natural water samples, with results in agreement with the reference procedure at the 95% confidence level. For redox chromium speciation, the procedures were based on a multicommuted flow system with solenoid micro-pumps. The determination of Cr(VI) was performed by long pathlength spectrophotometrywith diphenylcarbazide. Linear response was observed between 2 and 40 g L-1, r=0.973. The detection limit, coefficient of variation and sampling rate were estimated as 1.7 g L-1, 0.6% (n=10) and 55 h-1, respectively. Chemiluminescence was used to determine Cr(III), being the linear response observed between 2 and 50 µg L-1, with r=0.999. The detection limit, coefficient of variation and sampling rate were estimated as 0.38 µg L-1, 3.3% (n=10) and 50 h-1, respectively. On-line oxidation was also implemented for the determination of total chromium. In natural water samples, results were consistent for Cr(VI), but matrix vi effects were observed in Cr(III) determination, apparently in view of complexation with humic substances.

This thesis deals with method development in asymmetric catalysis and specifically syntheses of enantioenriched O-functionalized cyanohydrins. The first part describes the development of a method for the synthesis of O‑alkoxycarbonylated and O-acylated cyanohydrins. Ethyl cyanoformate and acyl cyanides were added to aldehydes in a reaction catalyzed by a chiral dimeric Ti-salen complex together with a tertiary amine. High yields and enantioselectivities were in most cases obtained. Mechanistic studies were performed and a reaction mechanism was proposed. ­ The second part describes a method in which the undesired minor enantiomer in a Lewis acid–Lewis base-catalyzed acylcyanation is continuously recycled into prochiral starting material. Close to enantiopure O‑acylated cyanohydrins were obtained in high yields. The third part deals with asymmetric acylcyanations of ketones. Acetyl cyanide was found to add to α‑ketoesters in a reaction catalyzed by a chiral Lewis base. Yields up to 77% and 82% ee were obtained. The final part describes an enzymatic method for high-throughput analysis of O‑acylated cyanohydrins. The enantiomeric excess and conversion were determined for products obtained from a number of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. / QC 20100818

This thesis includes reaction of diethylaluminum cyanide with acyl phosphonates. Cyanohidrin O-phosphates are synthesized from easily available acyl phosphonates and diethylaluminum cyanide. Synthesis of cross-benzoin product of acyl phosphonate, &amp / #945 / -hydroxy phosphonate and tertiary carbinol are synthesized from the reaction of diethylaluminum cyanide with acyl phosphonates, representatively. Asymmetric syntheses of cyanohydrin and benzoin type reaction of acyl phoshonate are also investigated representatively.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-15T20:31:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RobertaCRS_DISSERT.pdf: 333966 bytes, checksum: 992c325d0442afab53482e51a5dafaff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-07-10 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Cyanide is an ubiquitous substance on environment. Most of the cyanide absorbed by an animal is detoxified by enzymatic combination with sulfur, thus the detoxification process imposes a nutritional cost. In mammals, interactions among nutrients and toxics may influence the composition of the diet and food intake, as a function of positive or negative post-ingestive feedback. The present work aimed to describe the toxic effects of cyanide, and to determine whether cyanide interferes with diet selection in quail (Coturnix coturnix). A toxicological study was performed with 27 female quail that were assigned to three groups that received by gavage 0, 1.0 or 3.0 mg of KCN/kg/day, for 7 consecutive days. The diet selection trial was conducted with 20 female quail. They had access to two separate rations: a conventional quail ration and the same ration supplemented with 1% NaSO4. After 2 days the quail were randomly distributed into two groups, which were dosed with 0 or 3.0 mg of KCN/kg/day, for 5 consecutive days. During the toxicological study, clinical signs of poisoning and death occurred in a quail treated with cyanide. Histological changes were found only in animals dosed with cyanide, and these consisted of mild hepatic periportal vacuolation, an increased number of vacuoles in the colloid of the thyroid glands, and spongiosis in the mesencephalon. No clinical signs were found in any quail throughout the diet selection trial. There were no significant differences in food consumption or ration preference. In conclusion, exposure to cyanide promotes damage to the liver and central nervous system in quail. However, the ingestion of sulfur by quail was not affected by exposure to cyanide. / Muitas plantas tóxicas contém glicosídios cianogênicos, e isto provavelmente representa um importante meio de defesa das plantas para reduzir sua predação. A maior parte do cianeto absorvido pelos animais é detoxificado pela combinação enzimática com o enxofre, deste modo o processo de detoxificação impõe um custo nutricional. Nos mamíferos, a interação entre nutrientes e metabólitos secundários das plantas podem influenciar na composição da dieta e ingestão de alimento, em decorrência do feedback positivo ou negativo após a ingestão. O presente trabalho visa descrever os efeitos tóxicos do cianeto, e determinar se o cianeto interfere na seleção da dieta de codornas (Coturnix coturnix). O estudo toxicológico foi realizado com 27 codornas fêmeas que foram separadas em três grupos, que receberam 0, 1.,0 ou 3,0 mg de cianeto de potássio (KCN) por kg de peso corpóreo/ dia, por meio de gavage durante sete dias consecutivos. A avaliação da possível interferência na seleção da dieta foi conduzida com 20 codornas fêmeas. Elas tiveram acesso a duas rações separadas: uma ração convencional para codornas e uma outra ração suplementada com 1% de sulfato de sódio (NaSO4). Após dois dias, as codornas foram distribuídas ao acaso em dois grupos, onde foram tratadas com doses com 0 (controle) ou 3,0 mg de cianeto de potássio/kg de peso corpóreo/ dia, por 5 dias consecutivos. Durante o estudo toxicológico, uma codorna tratada com cianeto apresentou sinais clínicos de intoxicação e óbito. Nenhuma mudança foi encontrada nos perfis hematológico e bioquímico. Histologicamente foram encontradas alterações apenas em animais que foram tratados com o cianeto, e estes consistem em moderada vacuolização de hepatócitos da região periportal, aumento no número de vacúolos no colóide dos folículos tireoideanos, e espongiose no mesencéfalo. Nenhum sinal clínico foi encontrado em nenhuma codorna durante todo o processo de seleção da dieta. Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes no consumo do alimento ou na preferência por ração. Em conclusão, a exposição ao cianeto promoveu danos para o fígado, tireóides e sistema nervoso central de codornas. Entretanto, a ingestão do enxofre pelas codornas não foi afetado pela exposição ao cianeto.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2014 / Environmental legislation focusing on wastewater disposal in industries that utilise cyanide and/or cyanide-related compounds has become increasingly stringent worldwide, with many companies that utilise cyanide products required to abide by the Cyanide International Code associated with the approval of process certifications and management of industries which utilise cyanide. This code enforces the treatment or recycling of cyanide-contaminated wastewater. Industries such as those involved in mineral processing, photo finishing, metal plating, coal processing, synthetic fibre production, and extraction of precious metals, that is, gold and silver, contribute significantly to cyanide contamination in the environment through wastewater. As fresh water reserves throughout the world are low, cyanide contamination in water reserves threatens not only the economy, but also endangers the lives of living organisms that feed from these sources, including humans. In the mining industry, dilute cyanide solutions are utilised for the recovery of base (e.g. Cu, Zn, Ni, etc.) and precious metals (e.g. Au, Ag, etc.). However, for technical reasons, the water utilised for these processes cannot be recycled upstream of the mineral bioleaching circuit as the microorganisms employed in mineral bioleaching are sensitive to cyanide and its complexes, and thus the presence of such compounds would inhibit microbial activity, resulting in poor mineral oxidation. The inability to recycle the water has negative implications for water conservation and re-use, especially in arid regions. A number of treatment methods have been developed to remediate cyanide containing wastewaters. However, these chemical and physical methods are capital intensive and produce excess sludge which requires additional treatment. Furthermore, the by-products that are produced through these methods are hazardous. Therefore, there is a need for the development of alternative methods that are robust and economically viable for the bioremediation of cyanide-contaminated wastewater. Biological treatment of free cyanide in industrial wastewaters has been proved a viable and robust method for treatment of wastewaters containing cyanide. Several bacterial species, including Bacillus sp., can degrade cyanide to less toxic products, as these microorganisms are able to use the cyanide as a nitrogen source, producing ammonia and carbon dioxide. These bacterial species secrete enzymes that catalyse the degradation of cyanide into several end-products. The end-products of biodegradation can then be utilised by the microorganisms as nutrient sources. This study focused on the isolation and identification of bacterial species in wastewater containing elevated concentrations of cyanide, and the assessment of the cyanide biodegradation ability of the isolates. Thirteen bacterial isolates were isolated from electroplating wastewater by suppressing the growth of fungal organisms and these species were identified as species belonging to the Bacillus genus using the 16S rDNA gene. A mixed culture of the isolates was cultured in nutrient broth for 48 hours at 37°C, to which FCN as KCN was added to evaluate the species‟ ability to tolerate and biodegrade cyanide in batch bioreactors. Subsequently, cultures were supplemented solely with agro-waste extracts, that is, Ananas comosus extract (1% v/v), Beta vulgaris extract (1% v/v), Ipomea batatas extract (1% v/v), spent brewer‟s yeast (1% v/v) and whey (0.5% w/v), as the primary carbon sources. Owing to the formation of high ammonium concentration from the cyanide biodegradation process, the nitrification and aerobic denitrification ability of the isolates, classified as cyanide-degrading bacteria (CDB) was evaluated in a batch and pneumatic bioreactor in comparison with ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB). Furthermore, the effects of F-CN on the nitrification and aerobic denitrification was evaluated assess the impact of F-CN presence on nitrification. Additionally, optimisation of culture conditions with reference to temperature, pH and substrate concentration was evaluated using response surface methodology. Using the optimised data, a continuous biodegradation process was carried out in a dual-stage packed- bed reactor combined with a pneumatic bioreactor for the biodegradation of F-CN and subsequent nitrification and aerobic denitrification of the formed ammonium and nitrates. The isolated bacterial species were found to be gram positive and were able to produce endospores that were centrally located; using the 16S rDNA gene, the species were found to belong to the Bacillus genus. The species were able to degrade high cyanide concentration in nutrient broth with degradation efficiencies of 87.6%, 65.4%, 57.0% and 43.6% from 100 mg F-CN/L, 200 mg F-CN/L, 300 mg F-CN/L, 400 mg F-CN/L and 500 mg F-CN/L respectively over a period of 8 days. Additionally, the isolates were able to degrade cyanide in an agro-waste supported medium, especially in a medium that was supplemented with whey which achieved a degradation efficiency of 90% and 60% from 200 mg F-CN/L and 400 mg F-CN/L, respectively over a period of 5 days. The nitrification ability of the isolates was evaluated and the removal of NH4 +/NO3 - by the CDB and AOB in both shake flasks and pneumatic bioreactor was determined to be pH dependent. The maximum NH4 +/NO3 - removal evaluated over a period of 8 days for CDB and 15 days for AOB, observed at pH 7.7 in shake flasks, was 75% and 88%, respectively, in the absence of F-CN. Similarly, the removal of NH4 +/NO3 - in a pneumatic bioreactor was found to be 97.31% for CDB and 92% for AOB, thus demonstrating the importance of aeration in the designed process. The nitrification by CDB was not inhibited by cyanide loading up to a concentration of 8 mg FCN/ L, while the AOB were inhibited at cyanide loading concentration of 1 mg F-CN/L. The CDB removed the NH4 +/NO3 - in PBSs operated in a fed-batch mode, obtaining efficiencies >99% (NH4 +) and 76 to 98% (NO3 -) in repeated cycles (n = 3) under F-CN (≤8 mg F-CN/L). The input variables, that is, pH, temperature and whey-waste concentration, were optimised using a numerical optimisation technique where the optimum conditions were found to be: pH 9.88, temperature 33.60 °C and whey-waste concentration 14.27 g/L, under which 206.53 mg CN-/L in 96 h can be biodegraded by the microbial species from an initial cyanide concentration of 500 mg F-CN/L. Furthermore, using the optimised data, cyanide biodegradation in a continuous mode was evaluated in a dual-stage packed-bed bioreactor connected in series to a pneumatic bioreactor system used for simultaneous nitrification including aerobic denitrification. The whey-supported Bacillus sp. culture was not inhibited by the free cyanide concentration of up to 500 mg F-CN/L, with an overall degradation efficiency of ≥99% with subsequent nitrification and aerobic denitrification of the formed ammoniu and nitrates over a period of 80 days.

O mal-das-folhas, principal doença da seringueira, ainda restrita ao continente americano, tem frustrado todas as tentativas de cultivo da seringueira em regiões com distribuição de chuvas durante todo o ano, tais como a Amazônia tropical úmida. A utilização da técnica de enxertia de copa com clones resistentes é uma solução para contornar este problema, porém, o efeito depressivo das copas enxertadas, ocasionado pela perda da estabilidade do látex tem sido um dos principais obstáculos para a adoção dessa técnica. O papel da cianogênese na perda da estabilidade do látex foi sugerido pelos resultados do estudo da incompatibilidade de enxertia de clones de copa sobre o clone de painel IPA 1 em plantas jovens mantidas em jardim clonal. Verificou-se que a incompatibilidade ocorria devido ao transporte de glicosídeos cianogênicos (linamarina e lotaustralina) sintetizados nos folíolos jovens dos clones de copa enxertados, para o caule do IPA 1, cujos sintomas iniciavam com a perda da estabilidade do látex seguido de sua coagulação nos laticíferos. Tais sintomas evoluíram para necrose do floema, além de acúmulo de polifenóis e taninos, aumento do número de esclereídeo, inclusão de tilosóides nos vasos laticíferos e depósito intercelular de lignina amorfa de coloração marrom acinzentada, muito semelhante aos descritos para um dos tipos de secamento do painel, denominado Brown Bast, cuja causa ainda não está esclarecida. O passo inicial da biossíntese dos dois glicosídeos cianogênicos linamarina e lotaustralina é catalisado por citocromos multifuncionais, enzimas que se encontram ligadas à membrana e são denominadas, genericamente, de citocromos P-450. O aumento da atividade dessa enzima foi observado in vivo sob doses de nitrogênio (N), neste caso, acompanhado pelo aumento do conteúdo de glicosídeo cianogênico, e in vitro na presença de manganês (Mn). Essas evidências levaram à elaboração das seguintes hipóteses: i) clones de copa capazes de sintetizar grandes quantidades de glicosídeos cianogênicos (HCNp) podem translocá-los para o painel, elevando a concentração destes na casca do tronco, ii) altas concentrações de HCNp na casca do clone de painel, provenientes de copas enxertadas, reduzem a estabilidade do látex, produzindo o efeito depressivo sobre a produção, podendo evoluir para o secamento do painel de sangria do tipo Brown Bast. iii) a quantidade de glicosídeos cianogênicos produzidos nas folhas é influenciada pelo teor de N e Mn no tecido vegetal. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar critérios de seleção de clones de copa para a obtenção de combinações copa/painel mais produtivas, com base na avaliação das relações entre a cianogênese, estado nutricional, estabilidade do látex e incidência de secamento do painel de sangria com os seguintes estudos: a) levantamento do potencial cianogênico (HCNp) entre os clones de copa, b) evidências do transporte de glicosídeos cianogênicos da copa para o tronco, como fator de variação do HCNp da casca do painel de sangria, c) relação entre a cianogênese e a estabilidade do látex e o secamento do painel de sangria, d) efeito da adubação com N e Mn na formação de glicosídeos cianogênicos. Verificou-se que o potencial cianogênico (HCNp) apresenta ampla faixa de variação dentro das espécies estudadas como clones de copa, com os valores mais baixos obtidos com os clones de Hevea nítida e os mais altos com os de H. rigidifolia . No entanto, a ocorrência de indivíduos de H. nítida com valores médios de HCNp e H. rigidifolia com valores baixos indicam que essa característica ainda não se encontra bem definida dentro das espécies de Hevea. As copas enxertadas exercem influência sobre o potencial cianogênico (HCNp) da casca do tronco dos clones de painel. No entanto, a ausência de correspondência entre os HCNps das folhas dos clones de copa e o da casca do tronco invalida a utilização do HCNp da copa como critério de seleção destas. Futuras pesquisas são necessárias para identificar o mecanismo do efeito das copas enxertadas sobre o HCNp do painel. A atividade da enzima -glicosidase não foi influenciada pelas combinações copa/painel, estando a capacidade cianogênica (HCNc) diretamente relacionada ao HCNp das cascas das plantas. Os teores foliares de N, Mn e clorofila apresentam correlação com o HCNp das folhas novas e diagnóstico, podendo os mesmos serem utilizados em futuros processos de seleção. Em baixas concentrações de N (0,8% de uréia), o Mn influência a absorção de nitrogênio, potássio, fósforo, cálcio, enxofre, ferro e manganês pelas plantas de seringueira, na fase de viveiro. / The South American leaf blight (SALB), main disease of the rubber tree, which is still restricted to the American continent, has frustrated all the attempts of cultivation of the rubber tree in regions with rainfall distributed throughout the year, such as the humid tropical Amazon. The use of crown grafting with clones resistant to the disease is one possible solution to obviate this problem. However, the depressant effect of the grafted crowns caused by the loss of latex stability is one of the main obstacles to this technique. The role of cyanogenesis in the loss of latex stability was suggested in view of the findings of the study of incompatibility of crown clone grafting and the IPA 1 panel clone in young plants kept in the clonal nursery. This incompatibility occurred due to the transport of cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin and lotaustralin) synthesized in the young follicles of the grafted crown clones to the stem of IPA 1, which first symptoms were the loss of latex stability followed by coagulation within the lactiferous ducts. Such symptoms evolved to phloem necrosis, including the accumulation of polyphenols and tannins, increased number of sclereids, inclusion of tyloses in the lactiferous ducts and intracellular deposit of amorphous lignin of a greyish- brown color very similar to the one described in one of the types of panel dryness called Brown Bast, which cause has not yet been clarified. The first step of biosynthesis of the two cyanogenic glycosides linamarin and lotaustralin is catalyzed by multifunctional cytochromes, enzymes connected with the membrane generically called P-450 cytochromes. The increased activity of the referred enzyme was observed in vivo when nitrogen (N) rates were applied, in this case, followed by increased cyanogenic glycoside content, and in vitro in the presence of manganese (Mn). Such evidence led to the creation of the following hypotheses: i) crown clones capable of synthesizing large amounts of cyanogenic glycosides (HCNp) may transport them to the panel, thus increasing their concentration in the bark of the tree trunk, ii) high concentrations of HCNp in the bark of the panel clone, from the grafted crowns, reduce latex stability, producing a depressant effect on the production that may evolve to panel dryness similar to the Brown Bast disease. iii) the amount of cyanogenic glycosides produced in the leaves is influenced by the N and Mn concentrations in the vegetable tissue. In this context, the present study aimed to determining criteria for the selection of tree crown clones to obtain more productive crown/panel arrangements, based on the assessment of the relationships between cyanogenesis, nutritional status, latex stability and incidence of dryness in the panel, through the following studies: a) assessment of cyanogenic potential (HCNp) of the crown clones, b) evidence of transport of cyanogenic glycosides from the crown to the tree trunk as a determining factor in the variation of HCNp level in the panel bark c) relationship between cyanogenesis and latex stability and the dryness of the panel, d) N and Mn fertilization effects on cyanogenic glycosides formation. The cyanogenic potential (HCNp) was found to have a broad range of variation among the studied species as crown clones, with the lowest values obtained with Hevea nítida clones and the highest values obtained with H. rigidifolia. However, the occurrence of H. nítida individuals with average HCNp values and H. rigidifolia individuals with low values indicate that this characteristic is not well defined within Hevea species. The grafted crowns influence the cyanogenic potential (HCNp) of the bark of the tree trunk of the panel clones. Yet, the lack of correspondence between the HCNps of the trees of the crown clones and that of the bark of the trunk invalidate the use of the crown HCNp as a selection criterion. Further research is necessary to identify the mechanism of the effect of grafted crowns on the panel HCNp. The activity of the -glicosidase enzyme was not influenced by the crown/panel arrangements, with the cyanogenic capacity (HCNc) found to be directly related to the HCNp of the barks of the trees. In rubber tree, regardless the age and species of Hevea, the foliar chlorophyll, N and Mn concentrations have a positive relationship to the HCNp of the young leaves and diagnosis, so they can be used in future selection processes. Under low N contents (0.8% of urea), the Mn influences the nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iron and manganese uptake by rubber tree plants at nursery stage.

Submitted by Biblioteca de Pós-Graduação em Geoquímica BGQ (bgq@ndc.uff.br) on 2018-02-19T14:59:21Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissertaçãoAlexandreMicelli[1].pdf: 1978595 bytes, checksum: 81933e309b30a00178ca424a3700d482 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-19T14:59:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissertaçãoAlexandreMicelli[1].pdf: 1978595 bytes, checksum: 81933e309b30a00178ca424a3700d482 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Universidade Federal Fluminense. Instituto de Química. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geoquímica, Niterói, RJ / O trabalho apresenta um método analítico simples, rápido e que possibilitou a determinação de cianeto com baixos limites de detecção em amostras de efluentes industriais provenientes de uma refinaria de petróleo. O processo utilizado foi baseado em método proposto por Nagaraja, Kumar, Yathirajan e Prakash (2002). A detecção e determinação de pequenas quantidades de íons cianeto é importante devido à extrema toxicidade desta espécie para a matéria viva. Os baixos limites de concentração de cianeto exigidos pelas entidades de controle ambiental para águas de efluentes industriais, demandam o desenvolvimento de métodos analíticos sensíveis. A medida de cianeto foi realizada após o pré-tratamento da amostra por destilação, conforme recomendado pela APHA (American Public Health Association), possibilitando a liberação do cianeto sob a forma de HCN, o qual foi coletado, processado em sistema FIA (Flow Injection Analysis) e quantificado espectrofotometricamente. Realizou-se a otimização do sistema FIA após várias etapas de estudo envolvendo interpretação e análise dos resultados obtidos quando para diferentes concentrações dos reagentes, temperatura, tamanho das bobinas utilizadas no sistema e concentração da solução padrão em uma das alças de amostragem. O sistema FIA utilizado constou de duas válvulas de amostragem, sendo uma para introdução de volume pré-determinado de solução padrão de cianeto de concentração conhecida e outra para introdução das soluções de calibração ou amostras. Para a obtenção dos resultados, foram construídas curvas analíticas, através da utilização de padrões de cianeto contendo de 0,01 a 0,04 mg.mL–1, as quais foram utilizadas na análise das 6 (seis) amostras de efluentes finais de uma refinaria de petróleo. Os resultados foram validados através da comparação com a metodologia clássica recomendada pela APHA. O método desenvolvido de fácil aplicação e de baixo custo pode ser utilizado com confiança, pois os resultados obtidos com o método padrão foram comparáveis aos encontrados pelo método espectrofotométrico automático proposto. O limite de detecção obtido para cianeto foi de 0,02 μg.mL–1, adequado para a determinação de cianeto em efluentes industriais. / The work shows a simple and fast analytical method, fast capable of determination of cyanide at low detection limits in an oil refinery industrial waste samples. The used process was based on the reaction proposal for Nagaraja, Kumar, Yathirajan e Prakash (2002). The detection and determination of low amounts of cyanide ions is important due to its high toxicity to living matter. The low cyanide detection levels established by enviromental protecion agencies for industrial wastes, demand the development of accurate and selective analytical methods. Measurement of cyanide was carried out after pretreatment of the sample by destillation, as recommended for the APHA (American Public Health Association), releasing cyanide in the form of HCN, which was collected, processed in FIA (Flow Injection Analysis) system and quantified spectrophotometrically. The optimization of the FIA system was done after some stages of study involving interpretation and analysis of the obtained results for concentrations of the reagents, temperature, size of the reactors used in the system and concentration of the standard solution in one of the sampling loops. The FIA system composed two sample valves, one for introduction of a predetermined volume of standard cyanide solution of known concentration and the another for introduction of the calibration solutions or samples. In order to get results, analytical curves were constructed, by using of the cyanide standards containing 0,01 to 0,04 mg.mL-1, which was used in the analysis of the 6 (six) effluent samples of oil refinery. The results were validated by comparison these obtained by using classic methodology recommended by APHA (Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater). The developed method of easy application and of low cost, and can be used with confidence, because the results obtained with the standard method were comparable with the found ones with the automatic spectrophotometric method considered. The detection limit for cyanide was 0,02 μg.mL-1, adequate for the determination of cyanide in industrials effluents