This thesis describes how radical cyclization chemistry can be applied for the construction of heterocyclic compounds. In the first part, a series of electron deficient α-phenylselenenylalkenes were prepared via a PhSeCl-addition/HCl-elimination sequence. Allyl- and propargylamines readily underwent conjugate addition to these species to produce pyrrolidines or dihydropyrrol derivatives, after triethylborane initiated reductive radical cyclization in the presence of tris(trimethylsilyl)silane. The second part describes a convergent synthesis of the pineal hormone melatonin. The indole nucleus is secured via a tris(trimethylsilyl)silane mediated 5-exo radical cyclization. The protocol provides convenient and simple access to compounds useful for studies of biological activity and structure activity relationships. The third part describes construction of substituted tetrahydrofuran-3-ones and pyrrolidin-3-ones. Regioselective ring-opening of epoxides or aziridines with benzeneselenolate/tellurolate, followed by Michael addition to electron deficient alkynes afforded the corresponding O/N-vinylated compounds. The tetrahydrofuran-3-ones and pyrrolidin-3-ones were secured via radical carbonylation/reductive cyclization using pressurized carbon monoxide (80 atm). The fourth part is concerned with the effect of an N-protecting group on the cyclization of 2-substituted-3-aza-5-hexenyl radicals. Relative energies for reactants and transition states were determined using density functional calculations. Reactant and transition state conformers leading to cis-product were lower in energy than those leading to trans-product. The results can be explained by the unfavorable 1,2-strain present in chair-equatorial and boat-equatorial conformers.

In the first part of this study, four new chiral ligands (FAM) were synthesized and used in catalytic amounts in asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of azomethine ylides. This method leads to the synthesis of chiral pyrrolidines, which are found in the structure of many biologically active natural compounds and drugs. It was found that using 10 mol% of one of these chiral ligands with different dipolarophiles (dimethyl maleate, dimethyl fumarate, methyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, and Nmethylmaleimide), pyrrolidine derivatives could be synthesized in up to 94% yield and 95% ee. In the second part of the study, the catalytic activity of these chiral ligands were tested with titanium in asymmetric alkynylzinc addition reactions to aldehydes. By this method, chiral propargylic alcohols, which are important precursors for the natural products and pharmaceuticals can be synthesized. Using our catalyst, chiral propargylic alcohols were obtained in up to 96% yield and 98% ee. Although, most of the catalyst systems in the literature worked only with aromatic or aliphatic aldehydes and phenylacetylene, the catalyst system developed in this study worked with four different types of aldehydes (aromatic, aliphatic, heteroaromatic and a,b-unsaturated) and two different aliphatic acetylenes very successfully. Additionally, chiral ligand can be recovered in more than 90% yield and reused without losing its activity.

In this study new twelve phosphorus based chiral ligands were synthesized and characterized. Then the catalytic activity of these chiral ligands was tested with Cu(II) and Ag(I) salts in asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of azomethine ylides. This method provides the synthesis of different pyrrolidine derivatives with up to four stereogenic centers. Pyrrolidine derivatives are found in the structure of many biologically active natural compounds and drugs. Therefore the asymmetric synthesis of these compounds is highly important and many groups are involved in this area. As the precursor of the azomethine ylides, N-benzyliden-glycinmethylester, N-(4-methoxy benzyliden)-glycinmethylester, N-(naphthalene-1-ylmethylene)-amino-acetic acid methyl ester, and N-(naphthalen-2-ylmethylene)-amino-acetic acid methyl ester were synthesized and used. As the dipolarophiles, methyl acrylate, dimethyl maleate and N-methyl maleimide were used. Using these imines and dipolarophiles with 6 mol % of one of the P-FAM chiral ligands in the presence of Ag(I) salt, pyrrolidine derivatives were synthesized in up to 95% yield and 89% enantioselectivity. Additionally, chiral ligand was recovered in more than 80% yield and reused without losing its activity.

ABSTRACT Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer, is a highly metastatic disease. Late stage metastatic RCC is essentially incurable and lethal. The average survival of patients, following metastatic RCC, is about 4 months and only 10% of patients survive for one year. None of the currently available chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal or biological therapies have a significant impact on the progression of the disease. Novel chemotherapeutics are urgently required for the treatment of this deadly disease. The mechanisms that pose the greatest challenges to chemotherapeutics are resistance of tumour cells to apoptosis, tumour angiogenesis and multi-drug resistance. Resistance to apoptosis may be mediated by the up-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins, especially Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, and/or by the down- regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, particularly Bax. Angiogenesis is pivotal for tumour growth and metastasis. Of all identified pro-angiogenic molecules, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered to be a key molecule. Drug resistance is thought to be mediated by the up-regulation of multi-drug resistance molecules such as MDR-1 and MRP-1. Up-regulation of Bcl-2 also confers drug resistance to cancer cells. The main hypothesis of this thesis was that treatment targets of metastatic RCCs are likely to multifactorial and that inhibition of molecules that regulate the processes of apoptosis, angiogenesis and multidrug resistance are likely to be better targets than those that regulate only one of these processes. In this regard, the transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kB) meets the criterion, regulating the apoptotic, angiogenic and multi-drug resistance pathways of cancer cells. Its inhibition appeared to be an attractive strategy for the treatment of metastatic RCC. Many studies have demonstrated an association between the over-expression NF-kB and RCC. Thus, the major aim of this thesis was to explore the anti-cancer effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a potent NF-kB inhibitor on human metastatic RCC cell lines. The thesis is divided into seven Chapters. In Chapter 1, the literature on RCC, NF-B and the role of NF-kB in RCC development and progression are reviewed. The rationale for the inhibition of NF-kB as a potential anti-RCC strategy using PDTC is established. During the course of this research, the use of PDTC as an anti-cancer agent has risen to prominence. Chapter 2 describes the materials and methods used in the project. In Chapter 3, the expression of NF-kB in human kidney and the RCC cell lines, ACHN and SN12K1, was established. The proof of hypothesis that NF-kB inhibition using PDTC is an effective anti-cancer strategy was demonstrated. PDTC was selectively toxic to the RCC cell lines, but not to normal human kidney cells. PDTC induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of the RCC cells. PDTC also inhibited NF-kB, its upstream regulatory molecules such as the inhibitory protein family of the IkBs, and the kinase IKK complex. PDTC also inhibited anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, but not pro-apoptotic Bax. Chapter 4 demonstrated the in vitro and ex vivo anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects of PDTC. Protein microarrays for angiogenic factors produced controversial results. PDTC inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced in endothelial cells. VEGF had neutral effect on angiogenesis under the experimental conditions used. In the RCC cell lines, several pro-angiogenic molecules were modulated. Interestingly, the pro-angiogenic molecule interleukin (IL)-8 was up-regulated in both RCC cell lines. The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was decreased in ACHN cells, but increased in SN12K1 cells. The implications of these controversial findings are discussed. Chapter 5 demonstrated the ability of PDTC to overcome drug resistance in a synergism with cisplatin. Individual non-toxic concentrations of PDTC and cisplatin, when combined, induced significant toxicity of RCC cell lines. The synergistic effect was not mediated by the inhibition of NF-kB, but rather through the inhibition of transcriptional activation of NF-kB. Bcl-2 rather than MDR-1 or the regulatory protein MRP-1 may be important in overcoming drug resistance in RCC. Chapter 6 showed the anti-cancer effect of PDTC in an animal model of RCC. PDTC significantly decreased the growth of RCC implanted in the kidney of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. PDTC inhibited NF-kB and was not toxic to normal cells. The expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and Bax were contradictory to the in vitro findings and a theory about the spread of RCC based on these findings is discussed. In Chapter 7, the findings are summarised. A case for PDTC as a potential therapeutic agent for RCC is established. Under the experimental conditions used, PDTC was demonstrated to be an effective anti-RCC agent by targeting the three most important characteristics of RCC that pose the greatest challenges to chemotherapeutics: resistance of tumour cells to apoptosis, tumour angiogenesis and multi-drug resistance. PDTC was selectively toxic to RCC, but not to normal renal cells. Thus PDTC appears to be a promising anti-cancer agent. This is supported by the current increase in interest, and in the number of publications, on the use of PDTC in several cancers. Some future directions are also discussed in this Chapter. These include, but are not limited to, an investigation of what is protecting normal cells from the toxicity of PDTC, the creation of an Australian database on RCC, and the characterisation of RCC based on NF-kB expression.

The focus of these studies has been toward the development of new synthetic methods and procedures for the synthesis of novel compounds with unique biological properties. This research has led to the development of two new synthetic strategies for the construction of two novel amphibian alkaloids. In addition, the efforts have led to the large-scale process for the preparation of a novel analgesic compound. The regioselective ring opening of lactones (δ-valerolactone and γ-butyrolactone) with aryllithium reagents is reported for the construction of a series of δ-hydroxyarylketones and γ-hydroxyarylketones. Both the R and S enantiomers of the amphibian alkaloid noranabasamine were prepared in >30% overall yield with 80% ee and 86% ee, respectively. An enantioselective iridium-catalyzed N-heterocyclization reaction with either (R)- or (S)-1-phenylethylamine and 1-(5-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-1, 5-pentanediol was employed to generate the 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-piperidine ring system in 69-72% yield. A cis-2, 5-disubstitued pyrrolidine building block derived from (-)-Cocaine•HCl was prepared. We utilized this compound as a chiral building block for the formal synthesis of (+)-gephyrotoxin. Using this pyrrolidine building block, Kishi's intermediate was obtained enantiospecifically in 15 steps and 9.4% overall yield. A large-scale process for the preparation of the analgesic compounds SCP-123 and its sodium salt, SCP-123ss•monohydrate has been developed. The process for the preparation of SCP-123 required three synthetic steps with no chromatography, while the process for the preparation of SCP-123ss required four synthetic steps and no chromatography. The overall yields for both SCP-123 and SCP-123ss were 47% and 46%, respectively, and both compounds were obtained in exceptionally high purity (>99%).

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The synthesis of a series of 1-aryl-4-[(dimethylamino)methylene] pyrrolidine- 2,3,5-trione from the cyclocondensation reaction between b-enaminodiketone [Cl3C(O)C(=CHNMe2)C(O)CO2Et] and aniline derivatives [R = Ph, 3-Me-C6H4, 3- MeO-C6H4, 3-HO-C6H4, 4-Me-C6H4, 4-F-C6H4, 4-Cl-C6H4, 4-Br-C6H4, 4-O2N-C6H4, 4- MeCO-C6H4] was performed. The reaction conditions used to synthesize the pyrrolidine-2,3,5-triones involved environmentally benign techniques, as the use of microwave irradiation, employing the reactants b-enaminodiketone and amine in a molar ratio of 1:1.1, respectively, and a non-halogenated solvent. The reaction was carried out with short time (12-16 min) and the products were obtained in moderate to good yields (50- 76%). In addition, the advantages of using the microwave irradiation method in comparison to the conventional thermal heating were demonstrated. / A síntese de uma série de 4-(dimetilamino)metileno-1-aril-pirrolidino-2,3,5-triona foi realizada a partir da reação de ciclocondensação da b-enaminodicetona [Cl3C(O)C(=CHNMe2)C(O)CO2Et] com derivados da anilina [R = Ph, 3-Me-C6H4, 3- MeO-C6H4, 3-HO-C6H4, 4-Me-C6H4, 4-F-C6H4, 4-Cl-C6H4, 4-Br-C6H4, 4-O2N-C6H4, 4- MeCO-C6H4]. As condições reacionais utilizadas para a síntese das pirrolidino-2,3,5- trionas envolveram técnicas ambientalmente corretas, como o uso de irradiação de micro-ondas, empregando uma relação molar da b-enaminodicetona e da amina de 1:1.1, respectivamente e solvente não halogenado. A reação foi realizada em curtos períodos de reação (12-16 min) e os produtos foram obtidos com rendimentos de moderados a bons (50-76%). Além disso, foram demonstradas as vantagens da utilização do método de irradiação de micro-ondas sobre o método convencional de aquecimento térmico.

Les alcaloïdes Daphniphyllum constituent une vaste famille de produits naturels isolés à partir de plantes à feuillage persistant couramment utilisés dans la médecine chinoise traditionnelle. Ils affichent une gamme impressionnante d'activités biologiques; antipyrétique, anti-inflammatoire, antioxydant et même anticancéreux. La calyciphylline B appartient à cette famille et possède un motif original comprenant sept stéréocentres adjacents, dont un stéréocentre quaternaire tout carbone, avec un échafaudage hexacyclique. Sa structure a été déterminée par données spectroscopiques, plus précisément par des techniques de RMN 2D. Malgré le peu d'information sur son activité biologique, sa synthèse représente sans le moindre doute un grand défi pour les chimistes organiciens. Le groupe de recherche du Prof. Hanessian a entrepris la synthèse totale de la calyciphylline B en 2010, laquelle est toujours en cours. Une nouvelle approche a été développée pour la préparation d'un intermédiaire azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane avancé. Ce mémoire résume les travaux de recherche de l'auteur sur les progrès réalisés pour la voie alternative élaborée par le groupe du prof. Hanessian. Le travail effectué comprend la formation d'un stéréocentre quaternaire, l'alkylation d'un énolate sur un triflate d'alkyle secondaire, une réduction diastéréosélective, une cyclisation réductrice ainsi qu'une oxydation de Wacker régiosélective. / The Daphniphyllum alkaloids constitute a broad class of natural products isolated from a genus of evergreen plants extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. These alkaloids display an impressive range of biological activities, including antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anticancer properties. Calyciphylline B is a structurally unique member of this family containing seven contiguous stereocenters including an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter with a fused-hexacyclic ring scaffold. Its structure was determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR techniques. Despite the sparse availability of information on its biological activity, its synthesis is undoubtedly a great challenge for synthetic chemists. The research group of Prof. Hanessian embarked on the total synthesis of calyciphylline B in 2010 and the project is still ongoing. A new route was developed for the preparation of an advanced azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane intermediate. This thesis summarizes the research work of the author on the progress made for the synthetic route developed by the Hanessian group. The work done includes the formation of a quaternary stereocenter, alkylation of an enolate using a secondary alkyl triflate, diastereoselective reduction, reductive cyclization, and a regioselective Wacker oxidation.

Les alcaloïdes Daphniphyllum constituent une vaste famille de produits naturels isolés à partir de plantes à feuillage persistant couramment utilisés dans la médecine chinoise traditionnelle. Ils affichent une gamme impressionnante d'activités biologiques; antipyrétique, anti-inflammatoire, antioxydant et même anticancéreux. La calyciphylline B appartient à cette famille et possède un motif original comprenant sept stéréocentres adjacents, dont un stéréocentre quaternaire tout carbone, avec un échafaudage hexacyclique. Sa structure a été déterminée par données spectroscopiques, plus précisément par des techniques de RMN 2D. Malgré le peu d'information sur son activité biologique, sa synthèse représente sans le moindre doute un grand défi pour les chimistes organiciens. Le groupe de recherche du Prof. Hanessian a entrepris la synthèse totale de la calyciphylline B en 2010, laquelle est toujours en cours. Une nouvelle approche a été développée pour la préparation d'un intermédiaire azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane avancé. Ce mémoire résume les travaux de recherche de l'auteur sur les progrès réalisés pour la voie alternative élaborée par le groupe du prof. Hanessian. Le travail effectué comprend la formation d'un stéréocentre quaternaire, l'alkylation d'un énolate sur un triflate d'alkyle secondaire, une réduction diastéréosélective, une cyclisation réductrice ainsi qu'une oxydation de Wacker régiosélective. / The Daphniphyllum alkaloids constitute a broad class of natural products isolated from a genus of evergreen plants extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. These alkaloids display an impressive range of biological activities, including antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anticancer properties. Calyciphylline B is a structurally unique member of this family containing seven contiguous stereocenters including an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter with a fused-hexacyclic ring scaffold. Its structure was determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR techniques. Despite the sparse availability of information on its biological activity, its synthesis is undoubtedly a great challenge for synthetic chemists. The research group of Prof. Hanessian embarked on the total synthesis of calyciphylline B in 2010 and the project is still ongoing. A new route was developed for the preparation of an advanced azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane intermediate. This thesis summarizes the research work of the author on the progress made for the synthetic route developed by the Hanessian group. The work done includes the formation of a quaternary stereocenter, alkylation of an enolate using a secondary alkyl triflate, diastereoselective reduction, reductive cyclization, and a regioselective Wacker oxidation.

This thesis describes the development of nitro-Mannich/hydroamination cascade reactions for the synthesis of N-heterocycles, which are important motifs found in a variety of biologically active natural products and pharmaceuticals, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®). Chapter 2 outlines the development of an efficient synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted pyrroles using a nitro-Mannich/hydroamination cascade. Starting from easily prepared N-protected imines and nitroalkyne substrates, a compatible combination of KOtBu (10 mol%) and AuCl3 (5 mol%) was used to afford the desired pyrrole products, after an alkene isomerisation/HNO2 elimination reaction sequence. Chapter 3 describes the extension of this methodology to the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine derivatives using a nitroalkyne substrate with an extended carbon chain. The sequential addition of a bifunctional Brønsted base/H-bond donor organocatalyst and a gold complex was found to facilitate the desired cascade reaction affording substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine products. We then established that highly substituted pyrrolidine compounds could be prepared by replacing the nitroalkyne substrate with a nitroallene substrate (Chapter 4). The combination of KOtBu (5 mol%) and a gold catalyst derived from Au(PPh3)Cl (10 mol%) and AgSbF6 (20 mol%) was found to give an efficient diastereoselective synthesis of pyrrolidine derivatives after an additional nitro group epimerisation step. In addition, the nitro-Mannich/hydroamination cascade using nitroallene substrates was developed into an enantioselective variant using the previously employed bifunctional Brønsted base/H-bond donor organocatalyst. This afforded enantioenriched pyrrolidine derivatives.

Iminosugars, carbohydrate analogues in which nitrogen replaces the endocyclic oxygen, have attracted much interest due to their biological activity. Iminosugars inhibit carbohydrate-processing enzymes, thereby affecting many biological processes. Several iminosugars are licensed drugs, with many more compounds undergoing clinical trials. The main subject of this thesis is the synthesis and evaluation of novel iminosugars, particularly the effects of structural modifications on the biological activity of these compounds. Chapter 1 describes the role of carbohydrate-processing enzymes in the body, and explores the therapeutic applications of iminosugars that arise from their activity against these enzymes. Examples of substituted iminosugars are reviewed, and the effects of substituents on enzyme inhibition are described. Chapter 2 concerns methyl-branched swainsonine derivatives. Swainsonine has shown potential as a cancer treatment through its inhibition of α-mannosidase. The synthesis of (6R)- and (6S)-C-methyl D-swainsonine is described; both compounds were potent and selective α-mannosidase inhibitors (IC₅₀ 3.8 μM, 14 μM). Although less active than the parent compound, their selectivity for Golgi mannosidase over lysosomal mannosidase may be more important than the absolute value against the model enzyme. Chapter 3 describes the synthesis of a 2-C-methyl L-fucose derivative. A diastereoselective Kiliani reaction allowed the formation of a single lactone bearing a new quaternary centre. The utility of this intermediate in accessing di-branched iminosugars was explored; however, attempts to introduce nitrogen to the lactone lacked the necessary stereoselectivity. Chapter 4 relates to the synthesis of pyrrolidine iminosugars, specifically methyl amides. Two enantiomeric dihydroxyproline amides were synthesised; the D-proline derivative was a potent β-N-acetylhexosaminidase inhibitor (IC₅₀ values of up to 3.6 μM), but the L-enantiomer was completely inactive. Inhibition of N-acetylhexosaminidases is relevant to the treatment of cancer and lysosomal storage diseases, and this work contributed to a wider project investigating the effects of altered stereochemistry on the biological activity of pyrrolidine amides.