Anion binding has emerged as an important field of study due to the role that anionic species play in nature. As a consequence, considerable effort has been focused on the generation of anion receptors. These receptors have been designed to recognize anions through interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, donor-acceptor, and hydrophofic effects, in order to achieve higher sensitivity and selectivity. Another approach involves ion pair recognition, wherein the anions and cations are bound to the same system. Specifically, receptors bearing both hydrogen bonding donor and cation coordination sites have been of great interest as systems that lead to anion recognition and enhanced anion selectivities. Chapter 1 of this dissertation describes efforts to develop systems on the basis of modified Schiff-base calixpyrroles. This modification was achieved by incorporating a “strap” across the macrocycle to produce the so-called strapped Schiff-base calixpyrroles. The strap bearing amides are known to act as hydrogen bonding donors that can isolate the binding site from the medium. On the other hand, Schiff-base calixpyrroles have been widely studied as multidentate ligands for metal cation coordination. Therefore, the synthetic combination of these two moieties might provide a system wherein an ion pair complex is formed. Strapped Schiff-base calixpyrrole palladium complex were found to bind selectively cyanide anions. The effects of direct substitution on one meso position on the optical and photophysical properties of porphycenes was recently found to be dependent of the electronic properties of the substituten (e.g., electron donor or electron withdrawing group). However, the effects on the electronic and optical properties properties as a result of substitution through a conjugated spacer are as yet unknown. This led to the synthesis of four meso substituted etioporphycenes, which are described in Chapter 2. Here, the substitution through an ethenyl group was stablished by analytical and structural means. This chapter provides of a description of the spectroscopic, structural and voltamperometric features of these compounds. Experimental procedures and characterization data are reported in Chapter 3. / text

With the goal of developing Schiff base macrocycles with conjugation extended over multiple aromatic rings, new phenanthrene and triphenylene-containing bis(salicylates) were synthesized. A convenient route to 3,6,9,10-tetraalkoxy-2,7-diiodophenanthrene was developed. This compound has been found to be a useful precursor for Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Macrocycles were synthesized by Schiff base condensation of the phenanthrene and triphenylene precursors. Reaction of smaller phenanthrene and triphenylene bis(salicylates) with 1,2-dialkoxy-4,5-phenylenediamine afforded macrocycles in poor yield and purity, but formation of the macrocycle was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Condensation of larger phenanthrene ethynylene bis(salicylates) with phenylenediamines formed [3+3] Schiff base macrocycles in good yield and could be purified through recrystallization. These two large macrocycles were weakly luminescent, and showed decrease in intensity of emission in solution over time. Addition of nitroaromatic compounds to solutions of the macrocycles caused quenching of luminescence, but Stern-Volmer constants could not be determined. One of the macrocycles aggregates in solution and shows some order in the solid state. Association constants for self-assembly of this macrocycle in chloroform were determined, and aggregation was found to be enthalpically driven and entropically disfavoured. Both large macrocycles can complex metals, but low solubility prevents thorough characterization of the metal complexes. Phenanthrene-containing poly(phenyleneethynylene)s (PPEs) and poly(phenylenevinylene)s (PPVs) were synthesized via the Sonogashira and Heckcouplings, respectively. The PPEs had high molecular weight and both polymers were extremely luminescent with OF = 70% for the PPE and OF = 59% for the PPV. These polymers show potential for use in solar cells and nitroaromatic sensors . Dithienylsalphen monomers were made using 4-(2-thienyl)salicylaldehyde and 5-(2-thienyl)salicylaldehyde. These monomers were coordinated to Ni(II), Cu(II) and vanadyl, and tested for electropolymerization. Conjugated dithienylsalphen monomers polymerize poorly, while non-conjugated dithienylsalphen monomers form good films through electropolymerization. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirmed extended conjugation in N,N '-phenylenebis(4-(2-thienyl)salicylideneimine).

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemistry / Christopher J. Levy / A series of chiral symmetrical and unsymmetrical acid-functionalized Schiff-base ligands were synthesized by condensation reactions between 3-formyl salicylic acid and the two diamines (1R,2R)-cyclohexyldiamine (CHDA) and (R)-[1,1'-binapthalene]-2,2'-diamine (BINAM). The addition of a weak base (TEA) to these Schiff-bases resulted in the formation of a partially deprotonated ligand while the addition of the strong base NaOMe, resulted in fully deprotonated ligands. Complexations were carried out using metal salts of Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cu(I) and Zn(II). The partially deprotonated unsymmetrical Schiff-base (CHDA as the backbone), resulted almost exclusively in the formation of double-stranded helices with M helices. The fully deprotonated ligand, on the other hand, formed cubane-type structures with Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) in methanol. Similar cubane-type structures were also obtained after complexation of the symmetrical CHDA-based ligands with Fe(II) and Co(II) using NaOMe in methanol. Reactions involving Cu(II) and Cu(I) salts resulted in either mono-or dinuclear salen complexes, even if the unsymmetrical Schiff-base was used as the starting ligand. This type of ligand conversion is dependent of the metal salt concentration in the reaction. Unsymmetrical Schiff-base ligands have a higher tendency to undergo conversion to their symmetrical salen analogues if the metal salt is added is much excess.

With the goal of developing Schiff base macrocycles with conjugation extended over multiple aromatic rings, new phenanthrene and triphenylene-containing bis(salicylates) were synthesized. A convenient route to 3,6,9,10-tetraalkoxy-2,7-diiodophenanthrene was developed. This compound has been found to be a useful precursor for Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Macrocycles were synthesized by Schiff base condensation of the phenanthrene and triphenylene precursors. Reaction of smaller phenanthrene and triphenylene bis(salicylates) with 1,2-dialkoxy-4,5-phenylenediamine afforded macrocycles in poor yield and purity, but formation of the macrocycle was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Condensation of larger phenanthrene ethynylene bis(salicylates) with phenylenediamines formed [3+3] Schiff base macrocycles in good yield and could be purified through recrystallization. These two large macrocycles were weakly luminescent, and showed decrease in intensity of emission in solution over time. Addition of nitroaromatic compounds to solutions of the macrocycles caused quenching of luminescence, but Stern-Volmer constants could not be determined. One of the macrocycles aggregates in solution and shows some order in the solid state. Association constants for self-assembly of this macrocycle in chloroform were determined, and aggregation was found to be enthalpically driven and entropically disfavoured. Both large macrocycles can complex metals, but low solubility prevents thorough characterization of the metal complexes. Phenanthrene-containing poly(phenyleneethynylene)s (PPEs) and poly(phenylenevinylene)s (PPVs) were synthesized via the Sonogashira and Heckcouplings, respectively. The PPEs had high molecular weight and both polymers were extremely luminescent with OF = 70% for the PPE and OF = 59% for the PPV. These polymers show potential for use in solar cells and nitroaromatic sensors . Dithienylsalphen monomers were made using 4-(2-thienyl)salicylaldehyde and 5-(2-thienyl)salicylaldehyde. These monomers were coordinated to Ni(II), Cu(II) and vanadyl, and tested for electropolymerization. Conjugated dithienylsalphen monomers polymerize poorly, while non-conjugated dithienylsalphen monomers form good films through electropolymerization. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirmed extended conjugation in N,N '-phenylenebis(4-(2-thienyl)salicylideneimine). / Science, Faculty of / Chemistry, Department of / Graduate

Essa pesquisa tem como meta estudar a atividade catalítica de complexos do tipo [RuCl2(PPh3)x(BS)] a partir de reações entre [RuCl2(PPh3)3] e os compostos do tipo Base de Schiff (BS) do tipo R1N=CHR2 onde os grupos R1 = cicloexil, fenil ou sec-butil, para aplicações em reações de polimerização via metátese por abertura de anel (ROMP) de norborneno (NBE). As reações foram realizadas na presença de etildiazoacetato (EDA) e os resultados dos complexos foram comparados em relação às características dos polímeros isolados em função da temperatura e do tempo de reação. Os complexos foram caracterizados por análise elementar CNH, espectroscopia na região do infravermelho e UV-Vis, RMN (31P; 1H) e voltametria cíclica. Os poliNBE apresentaram um σc = 0,41 determinado por RMN 13C. Experimentos realizados por 60 minutos a 25 °C na razão [NBE]/[Ru] = 5000 mostraram que o complexo [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminCy)] formou 95% de poliNBE, enquanto que o complexo [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminPh)] sintetiza 81,4% de NBE. Para o complexo [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminBu)] sua atividade em ROMP para o NBE foi de 70,3%. Assim foi comparado a reatividade entre os ligantes Cy, Ph e Bu. Nas mesmas condições, apenas o complexo [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminCy)] obteve melhora significativa no rendimento a 50 °C. Foram investigados também os efeitos de agentes promotores como ácido, sal e luz para a viabilização das reações de ROMP. / This research aims to study the activity of[RuCl2(PPh3)x(BS)] complexes by means of [RuCl2(PPh3)3] and Schiff base ligands (BS) R1N=CHR2where R1= cyclohexil, phenil and sec-butil groups, in order to catalyze ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reactions of norbornene (NBE). The reactions occur in presence of etyldiazoacetate (EDA) and was investigated according to the temperature and the time reaction. The complex was characterized by CNH elemental analysis, infrared, UV-vis spectra, NMR (1H; 31P) and cyclic voltametry. The polymer showed σc = 0,41 by NMR (13C). The experiments performed for 60 minutes at 25 °C with the ratio [NBE]/[Ru] = 5000 showed that [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminCy)] complex obtained 95% of polyNBE, while that [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminPh)] complex yielded 81,4% of NBE. However, the [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminBu)] provided 70,3% of polyNBE. Under same conditions, only [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminCy)] complex showed significant changes at 50°C. In addition, promoters agents with acids, salts and light were investigated with the aim at making the ROMP reactions feasible.

Metalopolimeros são considerados excelentes materiais para a construção de eletrodos modificados quimicamente devido ao fato de apresentar propriedades essenciais, como por exemplo, uma alta atividade eletrocatalítica, eletroluminescia, aplicações na área da eletroquímica e eletroanalítica em atividades de eletrocatálise, quimioresistores, fotoeltrocatálise e desenvolvimento de sensores, respectivamente. Alguns complexos de metais de transição contendo Bases de Schiff como ligantes exibem propriedades eletrônicas não convencionais, que têm sido extensivamente estudadas para a aplicação no desenvolvimento de modelos sintéticos aos compostos biológicos como as metaloproteínas e metaloenzimas. O intuito principal desta tese foi o estudo da síntese, otimização e aplicação do nano-metalopolimero à base de poli[Ni(Salpn)] como plataforma sensorial eletroquímica, visando a obtenção de melhoras significativas em determinadas propriedades estruturais, catalíticas, dentre outras. Essas propriedades dependem, não somente do comportamento molecular, mas também, dos efeitos dos possíveis rearranjos estruturais devido às interações intermoleculares. Desta forma, foi construído e estudado o desempenho eletroquímico de uma plataforma sensorial à base de eletrodos constituídos com filmes poliméricos, sendo possível a avaliação de suas aplicações na determinação de substâncias com importância analítica nas áreas clínica, farmacêutica e ambiental. No âmbito que tange a síntese e caracterização do complexo Ni(Salpn), foi possível confirmar por meio de técnicas de caracterização de materiais a eficiência do métodos utilizados. Analogamente, a eletropolimerização foi realizada com sucesso, obtendo nano-filmes com espessura aproximada 110 nm com ótima atividade eletroquímica. A avaliação na aplicação do nano-metalopolímero poli[Ni(Salpn)] apresentou uma excelente resposta frente ao H2O2, possuindo uma rápida resposta, um intervalo linear de 49,9 a 1480 μmol L-1, com limite de detecção de 7,68 μmol L-1 e sensibilidade de 24,05 μÅ mmol-1, viabilizando assim a construção de uma plataforma sensorial viável, rápida, precisa e exata, com a finalidade de resolução de problemas analíticos. / Metalopolymers are considered to be excellent materials for the construction of chemically modified electrodes due to the fact that they present essential properties, such as high electrocatalytic activity, electroluminescence, electrochemical and electroanalytical applications in electrocatalysis, chemoresistors, photoeltrocatalysis and sensor development, respectively. Some transition metal complexes containing Schiff Bases as binders exhibit unconventional electronic properties which have been extensively studied for application in the development of synthetic models for biological compounds such as metalloproteins and metalloenzymes. The most aim of this thesis was to study the synthesis, optimization and application of nano-metallopolymer based on poly [Ni(Salpn)] as an electochemical sensorial platform, aiming at obtaining significant improvements in certain structural, catalytic properties, among others. These properties depend not only on molecular behavior but also on the effects of possible structural rearrangements due to intermolecular interactions. In this way, the electrochemical performance of a sensorial platform based on electrodes made with polymer films was constructed and studied, being possible the evaluation of its applications in the determination of substances with analytical importance in the clinical, pharmaceutical and environmental areas. In terms of the synthesis and characterization of the Ni(Salpn) complex, it was possible to confirm by means of techniques of material characterization the efficiency of the methods used. Analogously, the electropolymerization was performed successfully, obtaining nano-films with a thickness of approximately 110 nm with excellent electrochemical activity. The evaluation in the application of the poly[Ni(Salpn)] nano-metallopolymer showed an excellent response against H2O2, having a fast response, a linear range of 4.99 x 10-5 to 1.48 x 10-3 mol L-1, with detection limit of 7.68 x 10-6 mol L-1 and sensitivity of 24,05 μmol mmol-1, thus making possible the construction of a viable, fast, precise and accurate sensorial platform for the purpose of resolution of analytical problems.

Metalopolimeros são considerados excelentes materiais para a construção de eletrodos modificados quimicamente devido ao fato de apresentar propriedades essenciais, como por exemplo, uma alta atividade eletrocatalítica, eletroluminescia, aplicações na área da eletroquímica e eletroanalítica em atividades de eletrocatálise, quimioresistores, fotoeltrocatálise e desenvolvimento de sensores, respectivamente. Alguns complexos de metais de transição contendo Bases de Schiff como ligantes exibem propriedades eletrônicas não convencionais, que têm sido extensivamente estudadas para a aplicação no desenvolvimento de modelos sintéticos aos compostos biológicos como as metaloproteínas e metaloenzimas. O intuito principal desta tese foi o estudo da síntese, otimização e aplicação do nano-metalopolimero à base de poli[Ni(Salpn)] como plataforma sensorial eletroquímica, visando a obtenção de melhoras significativas em determinadas propriedades estruturais, catalíticas, dentre outras. Essas propriedades dependem, não somente do comportamento molecular, mas também, dos efeitos dos possíveis rearranjos estruturais devido às interações intermoleculares. Desta forma, foi construído e estudado o desempenho eletroquímico de uma plataforma sensorial à base de eletrodos constituídos com filmes poliméricos, sendo possível a avaliação de suas aplicações na determinação de substâncias com importância analítica nas áreas clínica, farmacêutica e ambiental. No âmbito que tange a síntese e caracterização do complexo Ni(Salpn), foi possível confirmar por meio de técnicas de caracterização de materiais a eficiência do métodos utilizados. Analogamente, a eletropolimerização foi realizada com sucesso, obtendo nano-filmes com espessura aproximada 110 nm com ótima atividade eletroquímica. A avaliação na aplicação do nano-metalopolímero poli[Ni(Salpn)] apresentou uma excelente resposta frente ao H2O2, possuindo uma rápida resposta, um intervalo linear de 49,9 a 1480 μmol L-1, com limite de detecção de 7,68 μmol L-1 e sensibilidade de 24,05 μÅ mmol-1, viabilizando assim a construção de uma plataforma sensorial viável, rápida, precisa e exata, com a finalidade de resolução de problemas analíticos. / Metalopolymers are considered to be excellent materials for the construction of chemically modified electrodes due to the fact that they present essential properties, such as high electrocatalytic activity, electroluminescence, electrochemical and electroanalytical applications in electrocatalysis, chemoresistors, photoeltrocatalysis and sensor development, respectively. Some transition metal complexes containing Schiff Bases as binders exhibit unconventional electronic properties which have been extensively studied for application in the development of synthetic models for biological compounds such as metalloproteins and metalloenzymes. The most aim of this thesis was to study the synthesis, optimization and application of nano-metallopolymer based on poly [Ni(Salpn)] as an electochemical sensorial platform, aiming at obtaining significant improvements in certain structural, catalytic properties, among others. These properties depend not only on molecular behavior but also on the effects of possible structural rearrangements due to intermolecular interactions. In this way, the electrochemical performance of a sensorial platform based on electrodes made with polymer films was constructed and studied, being possible the evaluation of its applications in the determination of substances with analytical importance in the clinical, pharmaceutical and environmental areas. In terms of the synthesis and characterization of the Ni(Salpn) complex, it was possible to confirm by means of techniques of material characterization the efficiency of the methods used. Analogously, the electropolymerization was performed successfully, obtaining nano-films with a thickness of approximately 110 nm with excellent electrochemical activity. The evaluation in the application of the poly[Ni(Salpn)] nano-metallopolymer showed an excellent response against H2O2, having a fast response, a linear range of 4.99 x 10-5 to 1.48 x 10-3 mol L-1, with detection limit of 7.68 x 10-6 mol L-1 and sensitivity of 24,05 μmol mmol-1, thus making possible the construction of a viable, fast, precise and accurate sensorial platform for the purpose of resolution of analytical problems.

Essa pesquisa tem como meta estudar a atividade catalítica de complexos do tipo [RuCl2(PPh3)x(BS)] a partir de reações entre [RuCl2(PPh3)3] e os compostos do tipo Base de Schiff (BS) do tipo R1N=CHR2 onde os grupos R1 = cicloexil, fenil ou sec-butil, para aplicações em reações de polimerização via metátese por abertura de anel (ROMP) de norborneno (NBE). As reações foram realizadas na presença de etildiazoacetato (EDA) e os resultados dos complexos foram comparados em relação às características dos polímeros isolados em função da temperatura e do tempo de reação. Os complexos foram caracterizados por análise elementar CNH, espectroscopia na região do infravermelho e UV-Vis, RMN (31P; 1H) e voltametria cíclica. Os poliNBE apresentaram um σc = 0,41 determinado por RMN 13C. Experimentos realizados por 60 minutos a 25 °C na razão [NBE]/[Ru] = 5000 mostraram que o complexo [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminCy)] formou 95% de poliNBE, enquanto que o complexo [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminPh)] sintetiza 81,4% de NBE. Para o complexo [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminBu)] sua atividade em ROMP para o NBE foi de 70,3%. Assim foi comparado a reatividade entre os ligantes Cy, Ph e Bu. Nas mesmas condições, apenas o complexo [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminCy)] obteve melhora significativa no rendimento a 50 °C. Foram investigados também os efeitos de agentes promotores como ácido, sal e luz para a viabilização das reações de ROMP. / This research aims to study the activity of[RuCl2(PPh3)x(BS)] complexes by means of [RuCl2(PPh3)3] and Schiff base ligands (BS) R1N=CHR2where R1= cyclohexil, phenil and sec-butil groups, in order to catalyze ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reactions of norbornene (NBE). The reactions occur in presence of etyldiazoacetate (EDA) and was investigated according to the temperature and the time reaction. The complex was characterized by CNH elemental analysis, infrared, UV-vis spectra, NMR (1H; 31P) and cyclic voltametry. The polymer showed σc = 0,41 by NMR (13C). The experiments performed for 60 minutes at 25 °C with the ratio [NBE]/[Ru] = 5000 showed that [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminCy)] complex obtained 95% of polyNBE, while that [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminPh)] complex yielded 81,4% of NBE. However, the [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminBu)] provided 70,3% of polyNBE. Under same conditions, only [RuCl(PPh3)2(Ph)(IminCy)] complex showed significant changes at 50°C. In addition, promoters agents with acids, salts and light were investigated with the aim at making the ROMP reactions feasible.

In this study, we used different ways to synthetize four-coordinate zinc(II) and nickel(II) complexes with optically active Schiff base offering N2S2 coordination, i.e. N,N'-Bis(2-thiobenzylidene)-l,2-(R,R)cycholhexyl- enediaminatozinc(II) (1) and N,N'-Bis(2-thiobenzylidene)-l,2-(R,R)cychol- hexylenediaminatonickel(II) (2). We obtained the crystal structure of 2 and the pyridine adduct of 1, N,N'-Bis(2-thiobenzylidene)-l,2-(R,R)cycholhexylenediaminopyridylzinc(II) (1¡DPy). Coordination geometry around Zn atom in 1¡DPy is a distorted trigonal bipyramid. These structures were compared with the N2O2 stuctural analogues reported in the literature. We hope these chiral complexes can make contribution to the enzyme model studies in the future.

In this study, we took four diamines of different carbon chain lengthes to synthesize several thiosalen derived zinc(II) complexes, i.e. N, N¡¦-Bis- (2-thio-benzylidene)- 1,3-propylenediaminato-zinc(II)(1),N,N¡¦-Bis(2-thio-benzylidene)-2,2-dimethyl- 1,3-propylenediaminato-zinc(II)(2),N,N¡¦-Bis-(2-thio-benzylidene)-1,2-ethylene- diaminato-zinc(II)(3),andN,N¡¦-Bis(2-thio-benzylidene)-1-methyl-1,2-ethylene- diaminato-zinc(II)(4). The crystal structure of 1 was shown to be trimeric. We then used NaBH4 to reduced complexes1, 2, and 4 to get complexes 5, 6, and 7 respectively for reactivity and structure studies. To expand our current study, we also synthesized nickel analogue (8) of complex 1 by transmetallation.