archives@tulane.edu / 1 / Kristina Martinez

Computational techniques, mostly density functional theory (DFT), were applied to study metal-based catalytic processes for energy conversion reactions. In the first and second projects, the main focus was on activation of the light alkanes such as methane, which have thermodynamically strong and kinetically inert C–H bonds plus very low acidity/basicity. Two Mo-oxo complexes with the different redox non-innocent supporting ligands, diamide-diimine and ethylene-dithiolate, were modeled. These Mo-oxo complexes are modeled inspired by active species of a metalloenzyme, ethylbenzene dehydrogenase (EBDH). The results for the activation of the benzylic C–H bond of a series of substituted toluenes by modeled Mo-oxo complexes show there is a substantial protic character in the transition state which was further supported by the preference for [2+2] addition over HAA for most complexes. Hence, it was hypothesized that C–H activation by these EBDH mimics is controlled more by the pKa than by the bond dissociation free energy of the C–H bond being activated. The results suggest, therefore, promising pathways for designing more efficient and selective catalysts for hydrocarbon oxidation based on EBDH active site mimics. Also, it is found that the impact of supporting ligand and Brønsted/Lowry acid/base conjugate is significant on the free energy barrier of C–H bond activation. In the third project the focus was on assessing the nature of hydrogen in the transition state related to the transfer of hydrogen between a carbon and nitrogen in an experimentally studied hydroaminoalkylation process by a five-coordinate Ta complex. It was revealed that, for the studied substituents, pKa is a larger driving force in the rate-determining hydrogen transfer reaction than the BDFE, which suggest a reasonable amount of protic character in the transition state, and possible routes to the design of more active catalysts with greater substrate scope. Finally, for the last project, the focus was on hydrotris(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)borate complex as an electrocatalyst and study the impact of metal identity down a group or across a period of the d-block on proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), which is a key process in many electrocatalytic cycles. The studied thermodynamics and kinetics trends for a series of mid to late 3d- and 4d-transition metals show the metal and its electronic structure greatly impact the nature of the PCET processes.

Les phénomènes de transport de matière ainsi que la cinétique des réactions chimiques sont des processus importants en électrochimie car ceux-ci contrôlent le courant mesuré. Dans ce contexte, nous nous intéressons à de simples réactions électrochimiques et à la classe des réactions de transfert couplés électrons-protons (PCET), jouant un rôle important dans les phénomènes biologiques et la conversion d’énergie. Ces réactions impliquent le transfert d’électron(s) et de proton(s) et sont représentées par un schéma carré. Alors que la cinétique de transfert d’électrons est largement étudiée, la cinétique de transfert de protons l’est plus rarement. Ces réactions sont en effet supposées être très rapides alors qu’il existe des situations où les réactions de protonation constituent l’étape limitante. La première partie de la thèse consiste à étudier la cinétique des réactions de protonation en tenant compte de la catalyse de Brönsted. Par le biais de simulations numériques, nous montrons que la catalyse augmente la réversibilité des voltampérogrammes cycliques, à des pH où le transfert couplé s’opère. Les prédictions numériques ont été comparées aux données expérimentales et les résultats sont encourageants car une même tendance est observée. L’accord quantitatif n’est cependant pas satisfaisant à ce stade. Les phénomènes de transport étant connus pour affecter les processus à l’électrode, la seconde partie de la thèse est consacrée à l’étude de l’influence de la convection. Nous commençons par présenter les différentes raisons qui peuvent expliquer les déviations expérimentales par rapport à la diffusion seule, comme la convection naturelle induite par des gradients de densité ou de tension superficielle. Nous présentons le concept de convection spontanée associé aux mouvements microscopiques de la solution. Bien que les fondements théoriques de la convection spontanée soient discutables, la théorie permet de reproduire les résultats d’un certain nombre d’expériences, souvent pratiquées en conditions non contrôlées. Ensuite, nous évaluons l’influence de la convection naturelle sur de simples réactions électrochimiques, avant de passer à l’étude des réactions PCET. Les simulations numériques nous ont permis de prévoir la déviation des chronoampérogrammes par rapport à une situation diffusive en fonction de la durée de l’expérience et de la contribution de chaque espèce à la densité de la solution. Pour une électrode située au bord supérieur, la production d’espèces plus denses amène une déviation du courant plus importante, dû au développement d’instabilités hydrodynamiques. La convection due aux gradients de densité est supposée être accentuée lorsque que les réactions électrochimiques sont couplées avec des réactions chimiques, ce qui est la définition même des PCET. Cependant, nous avons conclu à un impact négligeable de celles-ci, sauf pour de faibles valeurs de constantes cinétiques. Pour conclure, nous avons évalué d’une part l’impact de la convection due aux effets Marangoni et d’autre part son couplage à la convection induite par des gradients de densité. L’influence de ces mouvements convectifs sur le courant résultant dépend des propriétés des réactifs et des produits de la réaction, mais également de la présence d’une surface libre. / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Complexos polipiridínicos de rutênio mononuclares vem sendo ativamente estudados como catalisadores da reação de oxidação de água a oxigênio, mas o complexo ativado dos catalisadores mais eficientes envolve a formação de um dímero, indicando a importância da estrutura binuclear para ativação dos mesmos. Assim, nesta tese propomos o estudo dos possíveis efeitos sinérgicos em complexos binucleares de rutênio polipiridinas angulares para ativação das espécies de alta valência do tipo RuV=O e RuIV=O. Assim, foram preparadas séries de complexos polipiridínicos de rutênio empregando os ligantes tridentados derivados de terpiridinas e bidentados tipo bipiridina na forma cloro complexos e aqua complexos mono e binucleares, capazes de atuar como precursores das espécies ativas de alta valência por meio de reações de transferência de elétrons acoplado a transferência de prótons (PCET). Os complexos [RuCl(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6), [Ru2Cl2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 e [Ru2Cl2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 (phtpy= 4\'-fenil-2,2\':6\',2\'\'-terpiridina, bpy= 2,2´-bipiriridina, Clphen= 5-cloro-1,10-fenantrolina e tpy2ph= 1,3-bis(4\'-2,2\':6\',2\'\'-terpiridil)benzeno) e seus aqua complexos foram sintetizados e caracterizados por técnicas espectroscópicas e eletroquímicas. Os complexos [RuCl(bpy)phtpy](PF6), [Ru2Cl2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 e [Ru2Cl2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 apresentam apenas reações de transferência de elétrons onde o estado de oxidação máximo do íon rutênio é 3+. Todavia, os respectivos aqua complexos [Ru(H2O)(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6)2, [Ru2(H2O)2(bpy)(tpy2ph)](PF6)4 e [Ru2(H2O)2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)4 podem ser oxidados de modo a gerar complexos de alta valência com íon rutênio nos estados de oxidação 4+ e 5+ via reação de transferência eletrônica acoplada a transferência de prótons (PCET). Os complexos de RuIV=O são gerados em potenciais relativamente baixos e não apresentaram atividade eletrocatalítica significativa, enquanto que as espécies RuV=O ([RuV(O)(bpy)(phtpy)]3+ e [Ru2V(O)2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)]6+) atuam como catalisadores eficientes para a reação de oxidação da água a oxigênio. Os valores de TOF para os complexos binuclear (0,97 s-1) é cerca de três vezes maior que para o complexo mononuclear (0,32 s-1), confirmando a presença de efeitos sinérgicos que aceleram a liberação de oxigênio no complexo binuclear. As propriedades eletrocatalíticas dos complexos polipiridínicos de rutênio de alta valência foram transferidos para a superfície de eletrodos via eletropolimerização redutiva do complexo [Ru2(H2O)2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](TfO)4. Neste caso foram observadas a geração eletroquímica de espécies contendo o íon rutênio nos estados de oxidação 2+, 4+ e 5+, enquanto que a espécie no estado 3+ aparentemente não é estável e sofre desproporcionamento. O eletrodo modificado preservou a alta atividade eletrocatalítica do aqua complexo binuclear para a reação de oxidação da água (TOF de 0,80 s-1) e também para a oxidação de álcool benzílico a benzaldeído, com kRuIV= 14,70 L·mol-1 s-1 demonstrando o elevado potencial do material para a oxidação de substratos orgânicos. / Mononuclear ruthenium polypyridyl complexes have been studied as catalysts of oxygen evolution in water oxidation reaction, but the activated complex of most efficient catalysts assume the formation of dimers indicating the importance of the binuclear structure for their activation. Thereby, in this thesis we propose the study of possible synergistic effects in binuclear ruthenium polypyridyl complexes in order to activate species with high valence as RuV=O and RuIV=O for multi-electronic catalytic oxidation reactions. For this purpose, it was prepared a series of ruthenium polyppyridyl complexes using tridentate ligands based in terpyridine and bidentate bipyridine generating binuclear chloride complexes and aqua complexes which are able to act as precursors of the respective high valence active species generated by proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions. The [RuCl(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6) and [Ru2Cl2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 complexes (phtpy= 4\'-phenyl-2,2\':6\',2\'\'-terpyridine, bpy= 2,2´-bipyridine and tpy2ph= 1,3-bis(4\'-2,2\':6\',2\'\'-terpyridin-4-yl)benzene) and their respective aqua complexes were synthetized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The chloro complexes [RuCl(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6), [Ru2Cl2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 and [Ru2Cl2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 (Clphen= 5-Chloro-1,10-phenanthroline) show only electron transfer reactions where the maximum oxidation state of the ruthenium ion is 3+. However, the respective aqua complexes [Ru(H2O)(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6)2, [Ru2(H2O)2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)4 and [Ru2(H2O)2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)4 can be oxidized further by proton coupled electron transfer (PCET), generating high valence complexes where the ruthenium oxidation state can be 4+ and 5+. Complexes of RuIV=O are generated in relatively low potentials and do not presented significant electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of water to dioxygen, whereas the RuV=O species ([RuV(O)(bpy)(phtpy)]3+ and [Ru2V(O)2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)]6+) showed to be efficient catalysts for the reaction of water oxidation. The values of TOF for the binuclear complexes (0,97 s-1) were about three times larger than for the mononuclear complex (0,32 s-1), confirming the presence of synergistic effects accelerating the formation and release of oxygen by the binuclear complex. The electrocatalytic properties of high valence ruthenium polypyridyl complexes were transferred to electrodes surface by reductive electropolymerization of the [Ru2(H2O)2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](TfO)4 complex. In this case the electrochemical generation of ruthenium 2+, 4+ and 5+ species were observed whereas the 3+ species was not stable and disproportionated. The modified electrodes preserved the high electrocatalytic activity of the binuclear aqua complexes for water oxidation reaction (TOF de 0,80 s-1), and also for oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde with kRuIV= 14,70 L mol-1 s-1 demonstrating the high catalytic efficiency for oxidation of organic substrates.

Complexos polipiridínicos de rutênio mononuclares vem sendo ativamente estudados como catalisadores da reação de oxidação de água a oxigênio, mas o complexo ativado dos catalisadores mais eficientes envolve a formação de um dímero, indicando a importância da estrutura binuclear para ativação dos mesmos. Assim, nesta tese propomos o estudo dos possíveis efeitos sinérgicos em complexos binucleares de rutênio polipiridinas angulares para ativação das espécies de alta valência do tipo RuV=O e RuIV=O. Assim, foram preparadas séries de complexos polipiridínicos de rutênio empregando os ligantes tridentados derivados de terpiridinas e bidentados tipo bipiridina na forma cloro complexos e aqua complexos mono e binucleares, capazes de atuar como precursores das espécies ativas de alta valência por meio de reações de transferência de elétrons acoplado a transferência de prótons (PCET). Os complexos [RuCl(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6), [Ru2Cl2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 e [Ru2Cl2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 (phtpy= 4\'-fenil-2,2\':6\',2\'\'-terpiridina, bpy= 2,2´-bipiriridina, Clphen= 5-cloro-1,10-fenantrolina e tpy2ph= 1,3-bis(4\'-2,2\':6\',2\'\'-terpiridil)benzeno) e seus aqua complexos foram sintetizados e caracterizados por técnicas espectroscópicas e eletroquímicas. Os complexos [RuCl(bpy)phtpy](PF6), [Ru2Cl2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 e [Ru2Cl2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 apresentam apenas reações de transferência de elétrons onde o estado de oxidação máximo do íon rutênio é 3+. Todavia, os respectivos aqua complexos [Ru(H2O)(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6)2, [Ru2(H2O)2(bpy)(tpy2ph)](PF6)4 e [Ru2(H2O)2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)4 podem ser oxidados de modo a gerar complexos de alta valência com íon rutênio nos estados de oxidação 4+ e 5+ via reação de transferência eletrônica acoplada a transferência de prótons (PCET). Os complexos de RuIV=O são gerados em potenciais relativamente baixos e não apresentaram atividade eletrocatalítica significativa, enquanto que as espécies RuV=O ([RuV(O)(bpy)(phtpy)]3+ e [Ru2V(O)2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)]6+) atuam como catalisadores eficientes para a reação de oxidação da água a oxigênio. Os valores de TOF para os complexos binuclear (0,97 s-1) é cerca de três vezes maior que para o complexo mononuclear (0,32 s-1), confirmando a presença de efeitos sinérgicos que aceleram a liberação de oxigênio no complexo binuclear. As propriedades eletrocatalíticas dos complexos polipiridínicos de rutênio de alta valência foram transferidos para a superfície de eletrodos via eletropolimerização redutiva do complexo [Ru2(H2O)2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](TfO)4. Neste caso foram observadas a geração eletroquímica de espécies contendo o íon rutênio nos estados de oxidação 2+, 4+ e 5+, enquanto que a espécie no estado 3+ aparentemente não é estável e sofre desproporcionamento. O eletrodo modificado preservou a alta atividade eletrocatalítica do aqua complexo binuclear para a reação de oxidação da água (TOF de 0,80 s-1) e também para a oxidação de álcool benzílico a benzaldeído, com kRuIV= 14,70 L·mol-1 s-1 demonstrando o elevado potencial do material para a oxidação de substratos orgânicos. / Mononuclear ruthenium polypyridyl complexes have been studied as catalysts of oxygen evolution in water oxidation reaction, but the activated complex of most efficient catalysts assume the formation of dimers indicating the importance of the binuclear structure for their activation. Thereby, in this thesis we propose the study of possible synergistic effects in binuclear ruthenium polypyridyl complexes in order to activate species with high valence as RuV=O and RuIV=O for multi-electronic catalytic oxidation reactions. For this purpose, it was prepared a series of ruthenium polyppyridyl complexes using tridentate ligands based in terpyridine and bidentate bipyridine generating binuclear chloride complexes and aqua complexes which are able to act as precursors of the respective high valence active species generated by proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions. The [RuCl(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6) and [Ru2Cl2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 complexes (phtpy= 4\'-phenyl-2,2\':6\',2\'\'-terpyridine, bpy= 2,2´-bipyridine and tpy2ph= 1,3-bis(4\'-2,2\':6\',2\'\'-terpyridin-4-yl)benzene) and their respective aqua complexes were synthetized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The chloro complexes [RuCl(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6), [Ru2Cl2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 and [Ru2Cl2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)2 (Clphen= 5-Chloro-1,10-phenanthroline) show only electron transfer reactions where the maximum oxidation state of the ruthenium ion is 3+. However, the respective aqua complexes [Ru(H2O)(bpy)(phtpy)](PF6)2, [Ru2(H2O)2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)4 and [Ru2(H2O)2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](PF6)4 can be oxidized further by proton coupled electron transfer (PCET), generating high valence complexes where the ruthenium oxidation state can be 4+ and 5+. Complexes of RuIV=O are generated in relatively low potentials and do not presented significant electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of water to dioxygen, whereas the RuV=O species ([RuV(O)(bpy)(phtpy)]3+ and [Ru2V(O)2(bpy)2(tpy2ph)]6+) showed to be efficient catalysts for the reaction of water oxidation. The values of TOF for the binuclear complexes (0,97 s-1) were about three times larger than for the mononuclear complex (0,32 s-1), confirming the presence of synergistic effects accelerating the formation and release of oxygen by the binuclear complex. The electrocatalytic properties of high valence ruthenium polypyridyl complexes were transferred to electrodes surface by reductive electropolymerization of the [Ru2(H2O)2(Clphen)2(tpy2ph)](TfO)4 complex. In this case the electrochemical generation of ruthenium 2+, 4+ and 5+ species were observed whereas the 3+ species was not stable and disproportionated. The modified electrodes preserved the high electrocatalytic activity of the binuclear aqua complexes for water oxidation reaction (TOF de 0,80 s-1), and also for oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde with kRuIV= 14,70 L mol-1 s-1 demonstrating the high catalytic efficiency for oxidation of organic substrates.

Chapter 1 Hydrocarbon autoxidation, a free radical chain reaction, is believed to play a key role in the onset and developments of most degenerative diseases and disorders. The two propagating steps: 1) H-atom abstraction from the hydrocarbon by a hydrocarbon-derived peroxyl radical, and 2) addition of oxygen to the resultant alkyl radical to form a new peroxyl, play a role in determining the rate of hydrocarbon autoxidation, as well as the regio- and stereochemistry of the product hydroperoxides. In the current study, we carried out a set of calculations to provide a detailed framework for understanding the mechanism of the first two steps of autoxidation. Chapter 2 Radical-trapping chain-breaking antioxidants inhibit hydrocarbon autoxidation. Phenols are the prototypical radical-trapping antioxidants and are employed in nature, as well as in industry, to inhibit the autoxidation of hydrocarbons. The mechanism of inhibiting radical chain propagation has recently been suggested to be a PCET on the basis of theoretical calculations. It has been demonstrated that the antioxidant activitiy of phenols is increased in the presence of either protic acids or alcohols, but the basis of this acceleration is not well understood. In the current study, we used computational methods to investigate the effects of acids and alcohols on the PCET pathway for the reaction of phenol with a peroxyl radical. Chapter 3 The antibiotic pyrrolnitrin [3-chloro-4-(2’-nitro-3’-chlorophenyl) pyrrole] (PRN) is biosynthesized from L-tryptophan in four steps, catalyzed by the enzymes PrnA, B, C and D encoded by the prn operon. Two of the four gene products, PrnA and PrnC, are flavin-dependent halogenases, a recently discovered and highly interesting class of enzymatic halogenation catalysts. Their activities have never been unequivocally demonstrated by reconstitution of the activity from a recombinant protein. Herein, we report the results of our efforts to clone the genes encoding PrnA and PrnC, and overexpress, isolate and purify the proteins from E. coli. We were able to successfully reconsistute halogenation activity of both and have obtained the first kinetic data for PrnC, which shows kinetics similar to other flavin-dependent halogenases, along with substrate inhibition. / Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2010-02-03 15:42:39.67

Superoxide, the product of the one-electron reduction of dioxygen, is a molecule of enormous importance. It participates in a variety of critical physiological processes and is also an important component of fuel cells where it is an intermediate in the cathodic reaction. However, the electrochemical behavior of superoxide, mainly its reduction, is not well understood. Here, the electrochemical behavior of superoxide has been investigated in acetonitrile on glassy carbon electrodes, through cyclic voltammetry experiments. By stabilizing the electrogenerated superoxide, aprotic solvents afford an opportunity to study its electrochemical reactions further. Superoxide was generated electrochemically from dioxygen at the first voltammetric peak. In the presence of hydrogen-bond donors (water, methanol, 2-propanol), the superoxide forms a complex with the donor resulting in a positive shift in the formal potential which can be analyzed to obtain formation constants for these complexes. Stronger acids (2,2,2- trifluoroethanol, 4-tert-butylphenol) result in protonation of superoxide followed by reduction to produce HO₂-. On scanning to more negative potentials a second peak is observed which is irreversible and extremely drawn out along the potential axis indicating a small value of the transfer coefficient α. Addition of hydrogenbond donors, HA, brings about a positive shift in this peak, without a noticeable change in shape. The reaction occurring at the second peak is a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) in which the electron is transferred to superoxide and a proton is transferred from HA to superoxide forming HO₂- and A- in a concerted process. We estimate the standard potential for this reaction for the case of water as the donor. This value suggests that the reaction at the second peak occurs at very high driving forces. Kinetic simulations using both Butler-Volmer and Marcusian schemes were performed to estimate the kinetic parameters. The unusually low rate constants obtained suggest high nonadiabaticity for this PCET reaction. The reaction was also found to proceed with an unusually large reorganization energy. Consistent with a PCET, a kinetic isotope effect, HA vs. DA, was detected for the three hydrogen-bond donors.

La photochimie est devenue une méthode utile et efficace en synthèse organique. La complémentarité avec la chimie traditionnelle thermique en fait une alternative de choix, en plus de pouvoir accéder à des réactivités inopérantes à d’autres régimes. La première partie de cette thèse présente l’élaboration d’un montage photochimique pour la chimie en débit continu et des méthodes photochimiques pour la synthèse de carbazoles par photocyclisation 6π de triaryles amines. La comparaison entre deux méthodes photochimiques, l’une visible, l’autre UV sera aussi examiné à la première partie. L’irradiation UV donne de meilleurs rendements en général, mais n’admet pas certains groupes fonctionnels qui sont toléré sous la lumière visible. De plus une certaine complémentarité est observée entre les deux méthodes. La deuxième partie explore le développement d’un photocatalyseur au cuivre(I) pour la synthèse de 1,2-diols par une étape de PCET. Un photocatalyseur compétent pour la dimérisation d’aldéhydes et de cétones activées par une étape de PCET a ainsi pu être synthétisé. Ce photocatalyseur est issu de l’étude d’une librairie de complexes de cuivre(I) qui a permis de déterminer quels ligands seraient en mesure de catalyser une étape de PCET. En somme, une exploration de la photocyclisation de triaryles amines a permis de solidifier les connaissances sur leur comportement de cyclisation et la synthèse d’un nouveau catalyseur bifonctionnel permettant des PCET promet des avancés dans l’activation homolytique de carbonyles. / Photochemistry and photocatalysis have had a significant impact in organic synthesis, often offering low-energy alternatives to traditional thermal chemistry, or even affording complementary reactivity. The thesis is divided into two sections describing photochemical methods for the synthesis of carbazoles and 1,2-diols. The first section described the conception of a flow chemistry apparatus and a comparison of two photochemical methods, one using visible light and another using UV-light for carbazole synthesis via flow chemistry. While UV irradiation affords better yields, it does not tolerate sensitive functionals groups that are accessible when irradiated in the visible range. The chemoselectivity of the carbazoles synthesis is also examined with both methods. The second section explores the development of copper(I) photocatalysts for promoting a reductive proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). General guidelines and structure/activity relationships were established for the PCET process through evaluation of a 50-member library of heteroleptic copper complexes bearing one diamine and one bisphosphine. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a copper photocatalyst could be designed a priori to incorporate a hydrogen-bond donor within its framework to promote PCET reactions. The newly designed catalyst was applied in a photochemical pinacol coupling and was capable of transforming substrates that were unreactive using existing technology, even with a hydrogen bond donor that was orders of magnitude less acidic than common additives. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the copper catalyst functioned via reductive quenching before PCET, which could not have been easily predicted given the literature precedent. The thesis describes the preparation of molecules such as pinacols and heterocycles that are of high value. Importantly, the new photochemical methods developed lower the energy requirements for synthesis, decrease reaction times and use continuous flow technology that would facilitate and intensify scale-up. In sum, the research herein contributes to efforts to promote sustainable and greener methods of synthesis for fine chemicals.

The Parkinsonian Syndrome-inducing effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on the body have been well-documented since its discovery. However, its mechanism of oxidation by monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) has been debated for just as long. Proponents of the single electron transfer (SET) pathway of oxidation faced severe critiques in that the hypothesized radical intermediates arising from the SET pathway were never directly observed. Work performed herein provides that exact evidence using biomimetics of MAO B. The first section of the dissertation will highlight the ability of one such biomimetic, 3-methyllumiflavin (3MLF), to provide a chemical model for the oxidation of -unsaturated tetrahydropyridines. Using a nontoxic analog of MPTP, 1-methyl-4-(1-methyl-1-H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridine (MMTP), reactions with 3MLF were performed under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The anaerobic studies of these reactions proved to be the key to the direct observations (by 1H NMR and EPR) of flavin-derived radical behavior. Armed with the knowledge of how to prepare reactions for the direct observation of flavin radical intermediates, studies of N-cyclopropyl substrate derivatives were subsequently conducted to gather evidence for the formation of radical substrate intermediates. If the hypothesized SET is the first step of the reaction mechanism, then the resulting aminyl radical cation could undergo a cyclopropyl ring opening. Several products derived from the substrate were observed; among them were ring-opened variations suggesting that the reaction does begin with a SET. Thermodynamically, this process is unfavorable, leading to the hypothesis that this reaction step may be better described as a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). The kinetics of this process were studied at length. Finally, to provide a more compelling argument for the fundamental reactivities, two other flavin biomimetics are investigated. Their reactions with tetrahydropyridines were put under the same scrutiny as 3MLF, leading to the conclusion that the chemistry discussed herein is not unique to 3MLF, but is much more broadly applicable to other flavin biomimetics and MAO B. / Doctor of Philosophy / First reported in 1982, Parkinsonian Syndrome related to the injection of the designer drug meperidine was linked to an impurity in the drug, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, MPTP. That compound was able to be oxidized in the brain by the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) to form the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). For many years, the way that oxidation occurred remained a mystery as MPTP is chemically very different than typical substrates of MAO B. One type of reaction, single electron transfer (SET), which involves the production of high-energy intermediates called radicals, was largely overlooked as it seemed chemically implausible, especially in a biological system. This dissertation will focus on providing evidence for the SET oxidation of MPTP-like molecules using a class of compounds called flavins. Flavins are biomimetics of MAO B, meaning they behave in reaction vessels the same way that MAO B behaves biologically. Evidence for the SET pathway comes primarily in two forms: nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Each of these techniques allow us to "see" exactly what species are present in solution. In the case of 1H NMR, we will be able to see the "normal" molecules, while EPR allows us to see the high energy radical species in solution. Using these techniques, several substrate and flavin analogs were investigated to uncover a universal reaction mechanism by which MPTP and related compounds are oxidized by MAO B.

La performance des complexes biomimétiques utilisés comme catalyseurs pourrait résider dans le fait que, lorsqu'ils impliquent un transfert 1e-,1H+ (PCET) celui-ci ait lieu de manière concertée, évitant ainsi la formation d'intermédiaires coûteux en énergie. Par une approche expérimentale électrochimique, nous avons déterminé les paramètres gouvernant la compétition entre mécanismes séquentiel et concerté pour un PCET grâce à un composé modèle ([OsII(bpy)2py(H2O)](PF6)2). Pour ce faire, les mécanismes propres à chaque PCET présentés par le complexe d'osmium ont été identifiés : le transfert 1e-,1H+ associé au couple rédox OsII(H2O)/OsIII(OH) emprunte un mécanisme séquentiel alors que celui associé au couple rédox OsIII(OH)/OsII=O emprunte un mécanisme concerté. En comparant ces deux systèmes, nous avons pu déterminer les paramètres influençant le mécanisme concerté. Ainsi, un complexe « idéal » présentant un mécanisme concerté possède une sphère de coordination assez rigide afin d'avoir des constantes de vitesse standard élevée, un écart de ses constantes d'acidité important, une base géographiquement proche, doit être dans un environnement ne présentant pas d'anion pouvant s'associer plus fortement avec le complexe que la base et enfin répondre correctement aux critères de solubilité et stabilité chimique dans le milieu ciblé. L'étude d'un complexe de manganèse biomimétique de la superoxyde dismutase a permis d'appliquer la méthodologie mise en place lors de l'étude du complexe d'osmium et de confirmer les conclusions mises à jour par ce dernier: lorsque la concentration en espèce acceptrice de proton est importante, le processus concerté peut devenir prépondérant.