Processos que envolvem sensibilização são extremamente importantes para diversas áreas do conhecimento, incluindo a biologia, a química e a medicina. A aplicação de sensibilização em medicina tem se destacado, especialmente, em face de uma modalidade alternativa de tratamento de câncer denominada terapia fotodinâmica (TFD). Uma das linhas de pesquisas fundamentais para a evolução da terapia fotodinâmica é o desenvolvimento de novos fotossensibilizadores (Fs) com composição definida, que absorvam na janela terapêutica (600- 800nm) e que apresentem maior eficiência na indução de apoptose. Os Fs que apresentam cargas positivas e que são relativamente lipofílicos, permeiam membranas e são atraídos pelo potencial negativo das mitocôndrias, que tem papel central no controle da vida e da morte celular. Neste trabalho foi realizado um estudo da influência dos grupos funcionais na atividade dos Fs, através da funcionalização da protoporfirina IX (Pp IX). Foram estudadas três diferentes rotas sintéticas. Na rota I (esquema 14), utilizou-se como composto de partida a Hematoporfina IX (Hp IX), a qual foi funcionalizada com grupos aminas e amidas, respectivamente, nas hidroxilas e nas carboxilas. Esta rota forneceu baixo rendimento global (20%), e compostos de difícil purificação, no entanto obteve-se 1 composto puro. Na rota II (esquema 15), utilizou-se como composto de partida a Pp IX, a qual foi funcionalizada nos grupos vinílicos com grupos aminas. Obteve-se 4 compostos, com rendimento global de reação superior a 50%, mas observou-se que ocorre uma reação de eliminação que impede a quartenarização das aminas localizadas nas posições α ao anel porfirínico. Na rota III (esquema 16), os grupos carboxílicos de Pp IX foram transformados em cloreto de ácido, que foram substituídos por compostos bifuncionais, amina primária e um segundo grupo. Esta rota possibilitou a obtenção de 7 compostos, inclusive compostos quaternários com rendimento global de reação superior a 70%. Dois derivados da clorofilina, que apresentam a banda QIV com um ε elevado em 650nm, foram também sintetizados. Todos os compostos, foram caracterizados estruturalmente de forma inequívoca através do espectro eletrônico (UV-vis e fluorescência), vibracional no infravermelho, RMN de 1H e 13C (1D e 2D) e espectrometria de massa. A série de compostos obtidos permitiu um estudo da relação entre a estrutura química do Fs com a sua fotoatividade. As propriedades fotofísicas foram caracterizadas por espectro de absorção e de emissão, fotólise de relâmpago a laser, eficiência quântica de fluorescência e de geração de oxigênio singlete. Estas determinações indicaram que as propriedades fotofísicas dos Fs não foram consideravelmente alteradas no processo sintético. Foi determinada a formação de agregados em solução aquosa e o equilíbrio monômero agregado foi deslocado no sentido da formação do monômero na presença de micelas de CTAB e SDS e de soro fetal. Observou-se, que a contribuição para desagregação é mais eficiente quando a carga da micela é oposta à do Fs. Foi determinado o coeficiente de partição octanol/água (logPo/a) em função do pH e constatou-se que os compostos que têm carga líquida apresentam valores de logPo/a entre -1 e 1 na faixa de pH entre 3 e 10. A incorporação destes compostos em lipossomos, seguiu perfil esperado considerando a carga, o logPo/a e a característica anfifílica dos compostos sintetizadas. Genericamente a eficiência de morte celular fotoinduzida seguiu o perfil de incorporação das drogas em células HeLa. Os estudos comparativos da citolocalização foram realizados por co-encubação das porfirinas sintetizadas com rodamina 123 (Rd), que se concentra em mitocôndrias. A localização em organelas citoplasmáticas foi determinada através de imagens obtidas por microscopia de fluorescência confocal. A sobreposição da emissão da Rd foi de 80% e 31% com o composto catiônico PpNpNI e aniônico PpNetPO3, respectivamente, comprovando a localização mitocondrial do composto positivo. / Processes that involve sensitization are extremely important for several areas of knowledge, including biology, chemistry and medicine. The application of sensitization in medicine is especially important, in face of an alternative modality of cancer treatment called Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). One of the lines of basic research important for the evolution of PDT is the development of new photosensitizers (PS) with defined composition, that absorb in the therapeutical window (600-800nm) and that present greater efficiency in the induction of apoptosis. Positively charged PS with the proper lipophilic/hidrophilic balance permeate membranes and are attracted by the negative potential of mitochondria, which is an organelle that has central roles in the control of cell life and death. In this work the influence of the functional groups in the activity of PS was carried out, through the functionalization of protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX). Three different synthetic routes were used. In route I (scheme 14), Hematoporphyrin IX (Hp IX), was used as departure compound and it was modified with amino and amide groups in hydroxyls and carboxyls, respectively. We found low yield in the synthetic (20%) and purification steps. However 1 pure PS was obtained. In route II (scheme 15), Pp IX was used as departure compound, which was modified in the vinilic groups with amino groups. We obtained 4 compounds, with global yield superior than 50%, but it was observed that an elimination reaction occurs that hinders the quarternization of the amino groups located in position α to the porphyrin ring. Into route III (scheme 16), the carboxilic groups of Pp IX had been transformed into chloride acid, which was substituted by bi- functional groups, primary amine in one side and another group in the other. This route made it possible to obtain 7 compounds, including quaternary ammonium compounds with global yield superior than 70%. Two derivatives of chlorophyllin, that present QIV band with large extinction coefficient in 650nm, also were synthesized. All compounds were characterized structurally through the electronic and vibrational spectra (UV-vis and fluorescence, IR), RMN of 1H and 13C (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometry. This series of compounds allowed us to study the relation between the chemical structure of the Fs with its photoactivity. The photophysical properties were characterized by emission and absorption spectra, laser flash photolysis, fluorescence emission in the visible and NIR regions (generation of singlet oxygen). These determinations indicated that the photophysical properties of the PS were not modified in the synthetic process. The formation of aggregates were characterized in aqueous solution and the balance between aggregate and monomer species was dislocated in the direction of the formation of monomers in the presence of CTAB, SDS micelles and fetal serum. It was observed, that the disaggregating efficient is larger with micelles that have the opposite charges to that of the PS. The Octanol water partition coefficient (logPo/a), was determined as a function of pH. logPo/a values between -1 and 1 were observed for charged PS in the pH range of 3-10. The incorporation of these compounds in liposomes, followed the expected profile considering the charge, logPo/a and the amphifilic nature. Generically, the photoinduced cell death efficiency followed the profile of incorporation of the PS in HeLa cells. Comparative studies of cytolocalization were carried out by co-incubation of the cells with porphyrins and Rhodamine 123 (Rd), which localizes in mitochondria. The localization in cytoplasmic organelles was determined through fluorescence confocal microscopy images. The overlapping emission of the Rd was of 80% and 31% with the cationic PpNpNI and the anionic PpNetPO3 compounds, respectively, proving the mitochondrial localization of the positive PS.

No presente trabalho estão descritas a síntese e as propriedades espectroscópicas e eletroquímicas da meso-{tetrakis-(3-piridilpentacianoferrato)} porfirinato e dos materiais do tipo Azul da Prússia, obtidos pela reação de \"auto-formação\" da nova porfirina com íons de metais de transição. Os novos materiais foram caracterizados por espectroscopia de massa, UV -Vis, Infravermelho, Raman ressonante e Mossbauer de 57Fe, cronoamperometria, voltametria cíclica e de pulso diferencial, espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica e espectroeletroquímica. A PPCF foi obtida através da reação do 3-TPyP com [Fe(CN)5(NH3)]3-, numa mistura de 2,2,2- trifluoroetanol/água. A porfirina supramolecular exibe propriedades características dos pentacianoferratos, tais como a alta solubilidade em água e formação de sólidos com metais de transição, como Ni2+, Zn2+ e Fe3+. Os resultados espectroscópicos e eletroquímicos confirmaram a coordenação de grupos pentacianoferrato aos resíduos piridínicos da 3-TPyP. Além disso, sugerem uma maior interação por retro-doação π: entre a 3-TPyP e o complexo de ferro que no composto análogo [Fe(CN)5py]3-. Os materiais do tipo Azul da Prússia foram utilizados como modificadores de eletrodos de níquel e de pasta de carbono. O comportamento eletroquímico desses eletrodos modificados é bastante dependente da solução eletrolítica empregada. Por exemplo, ao se utilizar solução eletrolítica de NaNO3 no lugar de KNO3, os picos se tornam mais largos e menos intensos, indicando que o processo redox está sendo limitado pela difusão dos cátions hidratados no material. Filmes estáveis e bastante homogêneos da nova porfirina foram gerados galvanostaticamente (6,7 mC.cm-2 ) sobre superfícies de níquel. Os eletrodos de níquel modificados com PPCF exibem rápida fotoresposta e uma fotocorrente bastante reprodutível. / The present work describes the synthesis and spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of meso-{tetrakis-(3 pyridylpentacyanoferrate)} porphyrin (PPCF) and its Prussian Blue type materiais, obtained by self-assembly reaction between the new porphyrin and transition metal ions. The new materiais were characterized by Mass, UV -Vis, Infrared, Resonance Raman, and 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, cyclic and differential pulse voltametry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and spectroelectrochemistry. The meso-{tetrakis-(3-pyridylpentacyanoferrate)} porphyrin (PPCF) was obtained by the reaction of 3-TPyP with [Fe(CN)5(NH3)]3--in a 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol/water solution. The supramolecular porphyrin exhibits characteristic properties of the pentacyanoferrate complexes, such as high solubility in aqueous solutions and formation of highly insoluble solids with transition metal ions, like Ni2+, Zn2 + or Fe3 +. The spectroscopic and electrochemical data indicated the coordination of the pentacyanoferrate complex to the pyridyl residues of 3-TPyP. They also suggested a stronger π back-bonding interaction between 3-TPyP and the iron complex than in the related compound [Fe(CN)5py]3--· The Prussian Blue type materiais were used as nickel and carbon paste electrodes modifiers. The electrochemical behavior is dependent of the electrolyte. For example, when NaNO3 was used instead of KNO3 the waves became broad and the intensity decreased, indicating that the charges generated in the redox reactions are compensated by the diffusion of the hydrated cation through the material. Stable and quite homogeneous films of the new porphyrin were grown galvanostatically (6.7 mC.cm-2 ) on nickel surfaces. The PPCF nickel modified electrodes exhibited fast photoresponse and a reproducible photocurrent.

Neste trabalho são descritas as propriedades morfológicas, condutoras, fotoeletroquímicas e eletrocatalíticas de filmes de porfirinas supramoleculares, contendo complexos de rutênio polipiridina e clusters trinucleares de rutênio. Foram empregadas técnicas de microscopia de varredura por sonda, voltametria cíclica, espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, espectroeletroquímica UV-vis, voltametria de disco rotatório e experimentos combinados de eletroquímica/fotoeletroquímica. Cálculos semi-empíricos foram utilizados em alguns casos para dar maior suporte às interpretações. O método de preparação dos filmes tem efeito drástico sobre o tipo de empacotamento do material. Conseqüentemente, as propriedades condutoras e fotoeletroquímicas também são afetadas. Por exemplo, o coeficiente de difusão eletrônica (DeCm2) pode variar até 104 vezes dependendo do tipo de empacotamento de uma mesma porfirina utilizada. Os processos de condução desses filmes são controlados por um mecanismo redox envolvendo os sítios de rutênio e são mediados por orbitais &#906;* dos anéis porfirínicos e polipiridínicos. A intensidade de fotocorrente em função do &#955; incidente depende do mecanismo de transporte de elétrons e pode ser modulada pela natureza e grau de acoplamento eletrônico entre os anéis porfirínicos dentro do filme. Esses filmes exibem propriedades eletrocatalíticas na oxidação de substratos de interesse ambiental, da indústria alimentícia e do setor médico, tais como nitrito, sulfito e ácido ascórbico. As eficiências desses materiais são altas, com kf > 104 mol-1dm3s-1. Em catalisadores redox foi verificada uma tendência exponencial entre a constante cinética de transferência eletrônica heterogênea e potencial de E1/2 do centro redox no filme, como previsto pela equação de Marcus. A cobalto porfirina contendo quatro clusters trinucleares de rutênio se comporta como um eficiente catalisador molecular da redução do O2 por 4 elétrons, em pH < 5. O mecanismo de redução não envolve a bis-coordenação do O2 a dois sítios metálicos. Nesse caso, efeitos eletrônicos dos complexos periféricos devem ativar o centro da metaloporfirina, promovendo a transferência multieletrônica e prevenindo a formação de espécies reativas, como OH· e O2-. Uma célula de FIA foi construída visando a análise quantitativa de sulfito, exibindo alta eficiência em termos de limite de detecção, freqüência de análises e reprodutibilidade. O sistema FIA foi adaptado e empregado juntamente com o filme de uma porfirina supramolecular para reproduzir as funções básicas de um portal lógico, exibindo comportamento singular, podendo desempenhar as três funções (AND, OR e NOT) num único sistema químico integrado. / A full characterization of the morphologic, conduction, photoelectrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of supramolecular porphyrin films containing ruthenium polypyridyl or ruthenium clusters, is described. Techniques, such as scanning probe microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroelectrochemistry, rotating disk electrode voltammetry, and combined electrochemical/photoelectrochemical experiments were employed. Semi-empirical calculations were utilized in order to obtain more information on the interpretations. The preparation method of film deposition has a special effect on the material packing. Consequently, the conduction and photoelectrochemical properties are also affected. For example, the electronic diffusion coefficient (DeCm2) differs by up to 104 times depending on the packing characteristics of the same porphyrin material. The conduction process is limited by a redox mechanism involving the ruthenium centers and is mediated by &#960;* orbitals of the porphyrin or polypyridine species. The photocurrent intensity as a function of the incident &#955; depends on the electron transport mechanism involved and this can be tuned by the nature and the degree of electronic coupling between the porphyrin rings, in the film. This kind of films also exhibits electrocatalytic activities for the oxidation of substrates with interests in the environmental, food and medical areas, such as nitrite, sulfite, and ascorbic acid. The efficiency of these materials are also high, with kf > 104 mol-1dm3s-1. An exponential relationship of the heterogeneous electron transfer kinetic constant with the E1/2 of the redox center was found, as predicted by the Marcus equation. The cobalt porphyrin containing four ruthenium clusters behaves as an efficient catalyst for the 4-electron reduction of O2, at pH <5. The mechanism does not involve the bis-coordination of O2 to two metallic centers, but electronic effects from the ruthenium clusters should be activating the metalloporphyrin center, promoting the multi-electronic transfer and preventing the formation of reactive species, such as OH· e O2-. A FIA cell was built in order to provide a quantitative analysis of sulfite, and it exhibited high sampling frequency, reproducibility, as confirmed by the low detection limit (0.1 &#181;mol.dm-3). The FIA system was adapted and employed with a supramolecular porphyrin film as logic gates and they exhibited a unique behavior, operating the three basic functions (AND, OR and NOT) in a single integrated chemical system.

The objective of this work presented here is to extend the capabilities of siloxane waveguide technology in the field of biochemical sensing. Recent advances in the integration of polymeric optical waveguides with electronics onto standard printed circuit boards (PCBs) allow the formation of cost-effective lab-on-achip modules suitable for mass production. This technology has been primarily designed for on-board data communication. The focus of this research is to investigate the possibility of realising a Siloxane polymer based lab-on-chip sensor. Different siloxane-polymer-based optical waveguide sensor structures have been designed and analysed from the aspect of biochemical sensing. An evanescent-wave absorption sensor based on mode-selective asymmetric waveguide junctions is proposed for the first time. The device mitigates the common optical effect of spurious response in absorption sensors due to the analyte transport fluid. Head injury is the leading cause of death in the population of people under 40 years. Currently, 3 out of 5 deaths in emergency rooms are due to severe brain injuries in the developed world. Researchers at the Neurosciences Critical Care Unit (NCCU) at Addenbrooke's Hospital have managed to correlate biochemical changes with the severeness of the injury and the likelihood of patient recovery. Considerable progress has been made to develop a lab-on-chip sensor capable of continuously monitoring glucose, lactate and pyruvate concentrations in the brain fluid, hence the contribution to the current trend in the advancement of portable lab-on-chip technologies for the deployment of point-of-care diagnostic tools. A novel recognition layer has been developed based on porphyrin in combination with glucose, lactate and pyruvate oxidase for measuring all the analytes, enabling fast and reversible chemical reactions to be monitored by optical interrogation. The operational wavelength of the developed recognition layer is 425 nm, which required the formation of polymer features that were beyond the fabrication capabilities at the time. Through considerable process development and the adoption of nanoimprinting lithography, siloxane polymer based optical waveguides were fabricated allowing the realisation of highly sensitive optical sensors. Based on the results that are presented here, it can be concluded the functionalization of siloxane polymer waveguide have a potential for realising biochemical sensors in the future. The new fabrication technique will allow the formation of more robust and complex lab-on-chip sensors based on this material.

Highly reactive iron-oxo intermediates play important roles as active oxidants in enzymatic and synthetic catalytic oxidation. Many transition metal catalysts are designed for biomimetic studies of the predominant oxidation catalysts in Nature, namely cytochrome P450 enzymes. In this work, a series of iron(IV)-oxo porphyrins [FeIV(Por)O] and manganese(IV)-oxo porphyrins [MnIV(Por)O] have been successfully produced in two electron-deficient ligands by photochemical and chemical methods, and spectroscopically characterized by UV-vis, and 1H-NMR. With iodobenzene diacetate [PhI(OAc)2] as the oxygen source, iron(III) porphyrin and manganese(III) porphyrin complexes converted to the corresponding metal(IV)-oxo species as oxygen atom transfer (OAT) agents. In addition, a new photochemical method was developed to generate the same species by visible light irradiation of highly photo-labile porphyrin-iron(III) bromate or porphyrin-manganese(III) chlorate precursors. Furthermore, the kinetics of oxygen transfer atom reactions with alkene, active hydrocarbons and aryl sulfides by photo-generated and chemical-generated [FeIV(Por)O]were studied in CH3CN solutions. Apparent second-order rate constants determined under pseudo-first-order conditions for sulfide oxidation reactions are (9.8 ± 0.1) × 102 − (3.7 ± 0.3) × 101 M-1s-1, which are 3 to 4 orders of magnitude greater in comparison with those of alkene epoxidations and activated C-H bond oxidations by the same oxo species.

Anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives with relatively high reduction potentials have been synthesized to afford good candidates for electron transfer studies in DNA. Electron withdrawing groups on the anthraquinone ring gave derivatives with less negative reduction potentials. The anthraquinone imide (AQI) derivatives had reduction potentials less negative than AQ derivatives. The AQI ring system was subject to base-induced hydrolysis. Water-soluble sulfonated tetraarylporphyrins have been studied in a wide variety of contexts. Herein, we report the first synthesis of a pentasulfonated porphyrin bearing an internal cyclic sulfone ring. Treatment of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS4) with fuming H2SO4 gave a structure consistent with initial sulfonation followed by dehydration to give a sulfone bridge between an ortho-position of one of the phenyl groups and a β-pyrrole position on the porphine ring (TPPS4Sc). The structure was established by ESI-MS and 1HNMR. The Soret absorption is red shifted by about 32 nm compared to that of TPPS4. Streptococcus pyogenes obtains iron by taking up heme from the environment during infection. One of the heme uptake pathways is the Sia or Hts pathway. The initial protein in this pathway is Shr, which has two heme-binding NEAT domains, NEAT1 nearer the N-terminus, and NEAT2 nearer the C-terminus. We report biophysical characteristics of these two NEAT domains. To assess stability of this domain towards heme release, denaturation studies of the Fe(II) and Fe(III) forms were performed. For each domain, both the Fe(II) and the Fe(III) forms behave similarly in thermal denaturation and guanidinium denaturation. Overall, NEAT2 is more stable than NEAT1. Spectral signatures, sequence alignment and homology modeling for both domains suggest that one of the axial ligands is methionine. NEAT2 autoreduces as the pH increases and autooxidizes as the pH decreases. Heme uptake from the host environment is the only iron acquisition pathway in S. pyogenes; inhibition of this pathway might be an approach to infection control. Compounds that might inhibit the heme uptake pathway were selected via virtual screening.

The research and development of organic electron donors is essential in the discovery of photodynamic therapy photosensitizers and catalysts, as well as in the fabrication of organic-based electronic devices. Recently, [pi]-extended tetrathiafulvalenes (exTTFs) have emerged as important organic donors due to their superb electronic properties. However, in general, exTTFs lack significant absorption in the visible and near-infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, thereby limiting their utility. This doctoral dissertation depicts the author's efforts to address this inherent drawback of exTTFs by extending the electronic conjugation of tetrathiafulvalene moieties through pyrrole-based chromophores. The reported findings describe the design, synthesis, properties and potential applications of exTTFs with greatly enhanced absorption profiles. The first Chapter provides a brief historical overview on the history and development of [pi]-extended tetrathiafulvalenes. The various conjugated linkers utilized in exTTF systems are reviewed. In the latter part of the Chapter, emphasis is given to the applications in which exTTFs find use. Chapter 2, as the major focus of the dissertation, details the synthesis and characteristics of a quinoidal porphyrin-bridged exTTF, termed MTTFP. Several metalated complexes, including the Zn, Co, Cu, and Ni derivatives of MTTFP are reported. Additionally, the electrochemical, photophysical, and structural properties of MTTFPs are discussed. We also detail our efforts to synthesize and characterize both the one- and two-electron oxidized forms of MTTFPs. Finally, we discuss our efforts to reversibly switch thermodynamic electron transfer from ZnTTFP to Li@C₆₀ through coordination of axial ligands. Chapter 3 describes the formation of a 2:1 supramolecular ionic porphyrin complex between the two-electron oxidized form of ZnTTFP and a tetranionic sulfonated porphyrin. The association constants and the X-ray crystal structure of the complex are reported. A brief discussion outlining the photophysical characteristics (performed in Prof. Shunichi Fukuzumi and Prof. Dongho Kim's group) of the porphyrin donor-acceptor complexes are included. Chapter 4 details the synthesis, photophysical properties, and spectroelectrochemistry of a difluoroboradiazaindacene (BODIPY) bridged exTTF. This compound is referred to as ex-BODIPY. A singlet oxygen generation study provides initial evidence that ex-BODIPY could potentially serve as a photosensitizer. All of the experimental procedures, characterization data, and X-ray crystallographic data tables are reported in Chapter 5. / text

Ferrochelatase catalyzes the terminal step of heme biosynthesis by inserting ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX. The current study is aimed at understanding the structural basis of porphyrin binding and distortion in ferrochelatase-catalyzed reaction by functional analysis of a highly conserved active site loop motif. The loop was shown to contact bound porphyrin based on crystallographic and molecular modelling observations, and its role in murine ferrochelatase was assessed by random mutagenesis and steady-state kinetic analysis. To overcome the limitations of conventional kinetic assay methods for ferrochelatase, a continuous assay was developed by monitoring porphyrin fluorescence decrease using natural substrates ferrous iron and protoporphyrin IX under anaerobic conditions. For wild-type murine ferrochelatase, the assay yielded KmPPIX of 1.4 uÌ?M, KmFe2+ of 1.9 uÌ?M and kcat of 4.0 min-1 at 30 °C. The results of random mutagenesis indicated that all the loop re sidues spanning Q248-L257 tolerated functional substitutions. While Q248, S249, G252, W256 and L257 possessed high informational content, the other five positions contained low informational content. Selected active loop variants exhibited kcat comparable to or higher than that of wild-type enzyme, while KmPPIX was increased in most variants. The kcat/KmPPIX remained largely unchanged, with the exception of a 10-fold reduction in variant K250M/V251L/W256Y. Molecular modeling of the active loop variants suggested that loop mutations resulted in alterations of the active site architecture. Distortion of porphyrin substrate, a crucial step in ferrochelatase-catalyzed metal chelation, was examined using resonance Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed that both wild-type enzyme and loop variants induced saddling of substrate protoporphyrin. Further, loop mutations generally interfered with porphyrin saddling, with the least deformation observed in variant K250M/V251L/W256Y.N-alkyl porphyrins are potent competitive inhibitors of mammalian ferrochelatase. The present study showed that while N-methyl protoporphyrin strongly inhibited the wild-type enzyme with an inhibition constant in the nanomolar range, it was less effective in inhibiting variants P255R and P255G. These results suggest that inhibitor binding may be associated with a protein conformational change mediated by P255. Wild-type ferrochelatase is a homodimeric [2Fe-2S] cluster-containing protein. Variants S249A/K250Q/V251C and S249A/K250R/G252W were found to retain enzymatic activity in the absence of FeS cluster and form active, higher order oligomers. These observations raise the possibility that FeS cluster and homodimeric organization are not essential to ferrochelatase catalysis.

The overall efficiency of photovoltaics is dictated by processes occurring within it. These processes include exciton formation, diffusion, dissociation and charge collection. This dissertation will focus around the fundamental issue of charge collection. In organic photovoltaics (OPVs) the rate of charge injection is dominated by the interaction between dissimilar materials, usually organic compound interacting with inorganic ones. In order to improve this rate of injection and, by direct consequence the efficiency of this process, fundamental knowledge of this organic-inorganic interface must be gained. In this work the focus will reside solely on creating molecules capable of probing the interface between the indium tin oxide (ITO) and the donor layer. At this interface, the usual charge transfer being transferred is the hole. Chapters 2 and 3 detail the synthesis and photophysical characterization of porphyrin-perylene diimide (Por-PDI) and porphyrin-fullerene (Por-C₆₀) molecular dyads. The idea behind these moieties is that covalent attachment of these species to ITO should lead to a robust ohmic contact. Since these molecular dyads are capable of producing charge-separated states after photoexcitation, they should have the capacity to produce a radical-cation in close proximity to the ITO. This will translate to a capacity for probing the dynamics of the hole injection at this interface. Studies performed demonstrate that in fact these dyads are capable of producing a charge-separated state upon photo-excitation. The lifetimes of these states were determine to be 35 ps and 3 ns for the Por-PDI and Por-C₆₀ respectively. Chapter 4 takes a different turn. It is focused on the application and extension of a solvent-free synthesis of metallated phthalocyanines (Pcs). Shown in chapter 4 is the synthesis of a series of metallated Pcs using various transition metals and group 3 elements. Photophysical and electrochemical investigation of these materials shows that they have near-infrared absorption and relative high HOMO levels making them potential candidates for OPV applications. In addition, they displayed non-linear optical behavior due to their highly polarizable pi-systems and the presence of axial susbtituents. Finally Chapter 5 describes the synthesis and characterization of porphyrin possessing rigid linkers. This chapter also shows the further directions in which the various ideas presented in this work could be driven.

Metal-catalyzed cyclopropanation of olefins with diazo reagents has attracted research interest because of its fundamental and practical importance. The resulting cyclopropyl units are recurrent motifs in biologically important molecules and can serve as versatile precursors in organic synthesis. Since they were first introduced in 2004, Co(II) complexes of D2-symmetric chiral amidoporphyrins [Co(D2-Por*)] have emerged as a new class of catalysts for asymmetric cyclopropanation. These metalloradical catalysts have been shown to be highly effective for asymmetric intermolecular cyclopropanation of a broad scope of substrates with different classes of carbene sources, particularly including electron-deficient olefins and acceptor/acceptor-substituted diazo reagents, with excellent diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity. This dissertation focuses on exploring the Co(II)-based metalloradical catalyzed enantioselective cyclization reactions. It includes expanding families of catalysts, types of reactions and classes of substrates. With the developed novel approach for chiral porphyrin ligands, a new family of catalysts bearing different electronic and steric characters was synthesized. They turned out to be better catalysts for metalloradical cyclization in many cases, for instance, enantioselectivity of intramolecular cyclopropanation reached up to 99% with new catalyst. Besides the catalyst synthesis, more challenging diazo reagents were successfully employed in both intra- and intermolecular cyclopropanation for direct synthesis of highly functionalized cyclopropanes. Moreover, a tandem radical cyclization process beyond cyclopropanation was discovered, dihydrofuran was generated in a highly selective manner. Last but not least, we developed some novel applications of cyclopropane products, which could potentially lead to more exciting works.