Occupational risk management can be a catalyst in generating superior returns for all stakeholders on a sustainable basis. A number of companies in South Africa have implemented Cardinal Rules of Safety adopted from international companies to ensure the safety of their employees. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the cardinal rules on employee safety behaviour implemented at power stations in Mpumalanga. The empirical study was done by using a questionnaire as measuring instrument. The questionnaire was developed from a literature review and contains questions and items relevant to the initial research problem. The questionnaire comprised of five–point Likert scale type questions.The convenience sampling method was applied identifying 90 participants at three different power stations in Mpumalanga taking part in the study. Statistical analysis was performed by the Statistical Consulting Service of the North–West University using SPSS. Cronbach’s alpha co–efficients was used to determine the reliability of the factors. Descriptive statistics (Mean, standard, deviation, were used in the compiling of the profile of the results. While Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was calculated to identify practically significant associations between variables and factors The research findings suggest that there is practical significant correlation between the factors that were measured. The opinion given by respondents suggests that cardinal rules of safety were implemented, given all the necessary support by management and enforced throughout the organisation. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Biochemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Occupational risk management can be a catalyst in generating superior returns for all stakeholders on a sustainable basis. A number of companies in South Africa have implemented Cardinal Rules of Safety adopted from international companies to ensure the safety of their employees. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the cardinal rules on employee safety behaviour implemented at power stations in Mpumalanga. The empirical study was done by using a questionnaire as measuring instrument. The questionnaire was developed from a literature review and contains questions and items relevant to the initial research problem. The questionnaire comprised of five–point Likert scale type questions.The convenience sampling method was applied identifying 90 participants at three different power stations in Mpumalanga taking part in the study. Statistical analysis was performed by the Statistical Consulting Service of the North–West University using SPSS. Cronbach’s alpha co–efficients was used to determine the reliability of the factors. Descriptive statistics (Mean, standard, deviation, were used in the compiling of the profile of the results. While Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was calculated to identify practically significant associations between variables and factors The research findings suggest that there is practical significant correlation between the factors that were measured. The opinion given by respondents suggests that cardinal rules of safety were implemented, given all the necessary support by management and enforced throughout the organisation. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Biochemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The thesis entitled “Controlling Stereochemistry at the Quaternary Center Using Bifunctional (Thio)urea Catalysis” is divided into five chapters. Chapter 1: Catalytic Enantioselective Construction of Quaternary Stereocenters through Direct Vinylogous Michael Addition of Deconjugated Butenolides to Nitroolefins The direct use of deconjugated butenolides in asymmetric C–C bond forming reaction is a powerful but challenging task because of the additional problem of regioselectivity along with the issues of diastereo- and enantioselectivity. In this chapter, a direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of deconjugated butenolides to nitroolefins has been demonstrated for the construction of quaternary stereocenter at the γ-position of butenolides. A novel thiourea-based bifunctional organocatalyst, containing two elements of chirality, was synthesized starting from commercially available quinine and (S)-tert-leucine. Remarkably, the sense of stereoinduction in this process is dominated by the tert-leucine segment of the catalyst. Synthetically versatile & highly functionalized γ-butenolides with contiguous quaternary and tertiary stereocenters were synthesized stereoselectively. The reaction was found to be general and a wide range of nitroolefins, with both electron-rich and electron-deficient substituents, underwent smooth reaction under these mild conditions. Similarly, deconjugated butenolides, having various substituents at the γ-position were well tolerated under these reaction conditions and the products were obtained in excellent yields and with uniformly high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. Reference: Manna, M. S.; Kumar, V.; Mukherjee, S. Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 5193–5195. Chapter 2: Catalytic Asymmetric Direct Vinylogous Michael Addition of Deconjugated Butenolides to Maleimides for the Construction of Quaternary Stereogenic Center In this chapter, a mild and operationally simple protocol for the direct vinylogous Michael addition of deconjugated butenolides to maleimides has been illustrated. Using bifunctional tertiary amino thiourea organocatalyst, derived from a ‘matched’ combination of trans-(1R,2R)-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) and (S)-tert-leucine, the Michael adducts were obtained in excellent yields and with good to high diastereoselectivities and outstanding enantioselectivities. Application of the corresponding diastereomeric catalyst indicated the dominance of the ‘DACH’ unit over the chiral side chain in determining the sense of stereoinduction. The practicality of this protocol is illustrated by substantial low catalyst loading (down to 5 mol%) and one-pot catalyst recycling. Based on the X-ray structure of the catalyst and observed stereochemistry of the Michael adduct, a stereochemical model is proposed which was further supported by additional experiment. Reference: Manna, M. S.; Mukherjee, S. Chem.–Eur. J. 2012, 18, 15277–15282. Chapter 3: Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Cyclopentenedione through Direct Catalytic Vinylogous Michael Addition of Deconjugated Butenolides Five-membered carbocycles containing one or more stereogenic centers on the ring are privileged structural motifs found in many biologically active natural and non-natural compounds. Among various methods for accessing these enantioenriched carbocyclic frameworks, desymmetrization of prochiral or meso-compounds through catalytic enantioselective transformations represents a powerful strategy. The biggest advantage of such asymmetric desymmetrization reactions lies in their ability in controlling stereochemistry remote from the reaction site. This chapter deals with a highly efficient desymmetrization protocol for 2,2-disubstituted cyclopentene-1,3-diones via direct vinylogous nucleophilic addition of deconjugated butenolides with the help of a tertiary amino thiourea bifunctional catalyst. In contrast to the existing desymmetrization protocols, this method represents a unique example where quaternary stereocenter is generated not only within the ring but also outside the cyclopentane ring. Densely functionalized products are obtained in excellent yields and with outstanding diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The robustness screening indicated that the reaction is highly tolerant to a variety of competing electrophiles and nucleophiles. The remarkable influence of the secondary catalyst site on the enantioselectivity points towards an intriguing mechanistic scenario. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time such an effect is observed in the context of asymmetric catalysis. Reference: (1) Manna, M. S.; Mukherjee, S. Chem. Sci. 2014, 5, 1627–1633. (2) Manna, M. S.; Mukherjee, S. Org. Biomol. Chem. 2015, 13, 18–24. (Perspective) Chapter 4: Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Cyclopentenediones through Organocatalytic C(sp2)–H Alkylation Organic compounds are characterized by the presence of various C–H bonds. Functionalization of a specific C–H bond in a molecule with a selected atom or group are among the most straightforward and desirable synthetic transformations in organic chemistry. In this chapter, a simple protocol for the direct alkylation of olefinic C(sp2)–H bond has been developed, not only enantioselectively using an organocatalyst but more importantly without using any directing group. This alkylative desymmetrization of prochiral 2,2-disubstituted cyclopentene-1,3-diones is catalyzed by a dihydroquinine-based bifunctional urea derivative. Using easily accessible, inexpensive and air-stable nitroalkanes as the alkylating agent, this C(sp2)−H alkylation represents a near-ideal desymmetrization and delivers products containing an all-carbon quaternary stereogenic center in good to excellent yields and with high enantioselectivities. The mild reaction conditions allow for the introduction of various functionalized alkyl groups. The possibility of a second alkylation and its applications has also been demonstrated. This protocol is the first example of the use of nitroalkane as the alkyl source in an enantioselective transformation. It is expected that, these findings would have broader consequences and applications to other alkylative and related transformations. Reference: Manna, M. S.; Mukherjee, S. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 130–133. (Highlighted in Synform 2015, 67–70) Chapter 5: Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Cyclopentenediones through Organocatalytic Formal C(sp2)–H Vinylation The development of catalytic enantioselective C(sp2)–H vinylation reactions remained relatively underexplored for a long time because of various challenges associated with it. As C(sp2)–H functionalization reactions do not generate any stereocenter at the reaction site, development of enantioselective C(sp2)−H functionalization must rely on desymmetrization of prochiral or meso-substrates. More important issue is the identification of a suitable directing group which can efficiently control the regioselectivity during the activation of C(sp2)−H bond. In this chapter, an efficient formal C(sp2)−H vinylation of prochiral 2,2-disubstituted cyclopentene-1,3-dione is developed without using any directing group. This formal C(sp2)−H vinylation of 2,2-disubstituted cyclopentene-1,3-dione is realized using a two-step operation: catalytic enantioselective Michael addition of deconjugated butenolides followed by a base mediated decarboxylation. The vinylated products, containing a remote all-carbon quaternary stereogenic center, are obtained in good yields and with good to high enantioselectivities. Synthetic utility of this protocol is demonstrated by converting the resulting chiral electron-deficient diene into various important building blocks. Significant erosion in enantioselectivity during the decarboxylation process was explained by a plausible mechanism, which was further supported by control experiments. Reference: Manna, M. S.; Sarkar, R.; Mukherjee, S. manuscript under preparation.

A presente tese trata de α-sulfonil carbânions, trazendo uma contribuição para a compreensão da sua estabilidade conformacional e reatividade frente a reagentes eletrofílicos. As reações investigadas foram as alquilações e sulfenilações de α-sulfonil tioésteres e as descarboxilações alquilativas dos ácidos α-fenilsulfonil-α-fenilpropanóicos racêmico e opticamente ativo. A apresentação e discussão dos resultados das reações de alquilação e sulfenilação é precedida por uma revisão bibliográfica que apresenta os trabalhos mais relevantes da literatura sobre as reações de α-sulfonil carbânions com diversos eletrófilos, envolvendo reações tais como: halogenação, alquilação, acilação, condensação e sulfenilação. Os estudos das reações de alquilação, por nós efetuados com dois diferentes α-sulfonil tioésteres, empregando o método em fase homogênea, indicaram que, no caso dos haletos de metila, etila e alila, foram obtidas misturas dos produtos mono- e di- alquilados, enquanto que no caso do brometo de benzila houve formação exclusiva de produtos monoalquilados (ver arquivo). Entretanto, a alquilação pelo emprego do método de catálise de transferência de fase (CTF), efetuada com o α-fenilsulfonil tioacetato de metila, conduziu exclusivamente aos produtos monoalquilados correspondentes, independentemente do reagente alquilante empregado (ver arquivo). Estes resultados mostraram a superioridade do método em transferência de fase sobre o em fase homogênea. Os estudos das reações de sulfenilação, efetuados com o α-fenilsulfonil tioacetato de metila e os seus derivados α-alquilsubstituídos, empregando o método CTF, conduziram exclusivamente aos produtos monossulfenilados (ver arquivo). Neste caso, o método em transferência de fase também se mostrou superior ao em fase homogênea, sendo os produtos monossulfenilados obtidos em maior rendimento. É sugerido um mecanismo para as reações de alquilação e sulfenilação de α-sulfonil tioésteres em CTF, empregando sistema sólido / líquido, o qual explica a ausência, nestas condições reacionais, dos produtos dialquilado e dissulfenilado. A apresentação e discussão dos resultados das reações de descarboxilação alquilativas dos ácidos α-fenilsulfonil-α-fenilpropanóicos racêmico e opticamente ativo é precedida por uma introdução que apresenta os estudos mais relevantes da literatura sobre as reações de descarboxilação de ácidos α-sulfonil carboxílicos na presença de eletrófilos, tais como hidrogênio, halogênio, carbono e enxofre. São de especial interesse os estudos envolvendo o curso estereoquímico da reação de descarboxilação protonativa de ácidos α-sulfonil carboxílicos opticamente ativos em meio alcalino, demonstrando a grande estabilidade do α-sulfonil carbânion, que retém a sua configuração original, sendo esta mantida mesmo após a protonação. Estas investigações se relacionam com os nossos estudos de descarboxilação alquilativa dos ácidos α-fenilsulfonil-α-fenilpropanóicos racêmico e opticamente ativo, efetuados em continuação aos estudos anteriores de descarboxilações alquilativas dos ácidos α-fenilsulfonil-α-fenil carboxílicos realizados no nosso laboratório. Os nossos resultados mostraram que é possível obter a sulfona tetrassubstituída pela reação do ácido α-fenilsulfonil-α-fenilpropanóico com iodeto de etila na presença de NaH / DMSO, desde que se expulse o CO2 formado na reação (ver arquivo). É apresentada a síntese do ácido α-fenilsulfonil-α-fenilpropanóico opticamente ativo, o qual foi obtido por vários passos reacionais, através da resolução do ácido α-fenilsulfenil-α-fenilpropanóico e a sua posterior oxidação. A configuração de ambos os compostos foi determinada pela análise de raios X, mostrando ser o isômero S. As sínteses destes ácidos foram efetuadas por dois métodos distintos, constituídos de 3 e 5 passos reacionais. Entretanto, não foi possível obter a sulfona tetrassubstituída opticamente ativa pela reação do ácido α-fenilsulfonil-α-fenilpropanóico opticamente ativo com iodeto de etila nas mesmas condições empregadas no caso do composto racêmico correspondente. Foi obtido um esclarecimento do processo da descarboxilação de ácidos α-sulfonil carboxílicos a partir de cálculos semi-empíricos que mostraram a existência de duas etapas intermediárias na descarboxilação dos respectivos carboxilatos, ou seja, uma em que o CO2 se liga ao carbânion (I) e outra, de mais baixa energia, em que ele se liga ao oxigênio sulfonílico (II) (ver arquivo). Foram fornecidas provas, através de experiências comparativas de alquilação e protonação, que para que o α-sulfonil carbânion mantenha a sua configuração, é necessário que o eletrófilo reaja com o carbânion antes da expulsão total de CO2, isto é, na fase em que ele se encontra ligado ao oxigênio sulfonílico (II). Este é o caso da descarboxilação protonativa, que mostrou ocorrer com retenção da configuração na experiência por nós realizada. A racemização que ocorre no caso da descarboxilação alquilativa foi atribuída à pequena janela de reação, que impede a aproximação do reagente alquilante. Foi por nós sugerido que a ligação do CO2 ao oxigênio sulfonílico seria responsável pela barreira rotacional que mantém a assimetria do α-sulfonil carbânion, tornando-o conformacionalmente estável. No decorrer do presente estudo foram sintetizados 11 compostos ainda não descritos na literatura, entre eles: três α-bromo tioésteres, cinco α-sulfonil tioésteres, quatro α-sulfonil tioésteres α-sulfenilados e uma sulfona tetrassubstituída. / This thesis gives a contribution to the chemistry of α-sulfonyl carbanions, such as the comprehension of its conformational stability and reactivity towards electrophilic reagents. The investigated reactions were alkylation and sulfenylation of α-sulfonyl thioesters and the decarboxylative alkylation of racemic and optically active α-phenylsulfonyl-α-phenylpropanoic acids. The presentation of the results and the discussion of the alkylation and sulfenylation reactions are preceded by a bibliographic revision describing the most important reports in the literature concerning the reactions of α-sulfonyl carbanions with different electrophiles, such as: protonation, halogenation, alkylation, acylation, condensation and sulfenylation. Our studies of the alkylation reaction, carried out with two different α-sulfonyl thioesters, employing homogeneous media, indicated that in the case of methyl, ethyl and allyl halides, mixtures of mono- and dialkylated products were obtained. However, in the case of benzyl bromide, the corresponding monoalkylated compound was obtained as the only reaction product (see file). On the other hand, the alkylation of methyl α-phenylsulfonyl thioacetate by PTC method afforded, exclusively, the corresponding monoalkylated products. These results show the superiority of the PTC method over the homogeneous one (see file). The sulfenylation reactions carried out with methyl α-phenylsulfonyl thioacetate and their α-alkylsubstituted derivatives employing PTC conditions, afforded only monosulfenylated α-sulfonyl thioesters as the only reaction products. Also in this case, the PTC method showed to be superior to give the monosulfenylated products in higher yields (see file). A mechanism for the alkylation and sulfenylation reactions in solid / liquid PTC system, which explains the absence of the dialkylated and disulfenylated products is suggested. The presentation and discussion of the results for the alkylative decarboxylation reactions of racemic and optically active α-phenylsulfonyl-α-phenylpropanoic acids is preceded by a bibliographic introduction reporting the most important works in the literature concerning the decarboxylation of α-sulfonyl carboxylic acids in the presence of electrophiles such as hydrogen, halogens and sulfur. Specially important are the studies on the stereochemical course of the base-catalyzed protonative decarboxylation of optically active α-sulfonyl carboxylic acids, showing the high stability of the a-sulfonyl cabanion, which retains its original configuration even after protonation. There is a link between these investigations and our studies of the alkylative decarboxylation of racemic and optically active α-phenylsulfonyl-α-phenylpropanoic acids, which are undertook in continuation to our investigations on the alkylative decarboxylation of α-phenylsulfonyl-α- phenyl carboxylic acids. Our results showed that it is possible to obtain the tetrasubstituted sulfone from the reaction of α-phenylsulfonyl-α-phenylpropanoic acid with ethyl iodide, in the presence of NaH / DMSO as base, provided that the CO2, which is formed during the reaction, is expelled (see file). The synthesis of the optically active α-phenylsulfonyl-α-phenylpropanoic acid containing several reaction steps is presented, through the resolution of the α-phenylsulfenyl-α-phenylpropanoic acid, followed by its oxidation. The configurations of both acids were determined through X-rays analyses, and showed to be S. However, it was not possible to obtain the optically active tetrasubstituted sulfone from the reaction of optically active α-phenylsulfonyl-α-phenylpropanoic acid with ethyl iodide in the experimental conditions employed for the corresponding racemic acid. The insight for the decarboxylation process of the α-sulfonyl carboxylic acids was obtained from semi-empiric calculations that showed the existence of two intermediate steps in the decarboxylation of the corresponding carboxylates, one of which with CO2 bonded to the carbanion and another one, of lower energy, in which the CO2 is linked to the sulfonyl oxygen (see file). Proofs were provided, through the comparative experiments of alkylation and protonation for the optically active α-sulfonyl acid, that for retention of configuration of the α-sulfonyl carbanion it is necessary that the reaction of the carbanion with the electrophile takes place before the total expulsion of CO2, i.e., when it is linked to SO2. It was suggested that the CO2-OSO linkage could be responsible for the rotational barrier, which maintains the symmetry of the a-sulfonyl carbanion, which becomes conformationaly stable. Finally, eleven new compounds were prepared in the course of the present study such as: three α-bromo thioesters, five α-sulfonyl thioesters, four α-sulfenylated α-sulfonyl thioesters and one α-tetrasubstituted sulfone.

La mise au point de méthodologies de synthèse permettant d’obtenir des substances énantiopures présentant une diversité structurale importante est une préoccupation majeure de la chimie contemporaine. L’efficacité de ces approches doit être désormais évaluée au regard de critères tel que la pureté optique et l’analyse de l’impact écologique des processus mis en jeu. Au cours de ce travail nous avons développé de nouvelles méthodologies permettant d’accéder à des γ-lactones polyfonctionnelles chirales. La 5-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one, petite molécule bio-sourcée, a servi d’élément clé pour la construction du cycle γ-lactone. Dans une première approche, des γ-lactones chirales possédant une grande diversité structurale ont été obtenues par une séquence réactionnelle « one pot ». Une première étape de catalyse organique a permis d’activer le transfert énantiosélectif d’acides boroniques sur la 5-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one ; l’adduit chiral obtenu a ensuite été engagé dans une réaction de Passerini pour construire le cycle lactone. Dans une deuxième partie, nous avons mis au point des réactions d’alkylation de γ-lactones, catalytiques et énantiosélectives, pour la formation de γ-lactones possédant un centre quaternaire. L’utilisation de complexes du palladium et de l’iridium a permis d’effectuer des réactions d’Alkylation Allylique Asymétrique avec un très bon contrôle de l’induction asymétrique. Le squelette carboné des lactones obtenues par AAA a permis d’effectuer une fonctionnalisation inédite d’hétérocycles aromatiques par des réactions sigmatropiques [3,3]. Enfin des réactions d’alkylations énantiosélectives induites par un catalyseur organique ont été évaluées. / The development of new synthetic pathway leading to enantiopure compounds with significant structural diversity is an ongoing challenge in many fields of chemistry. The efficiency of these processes has to be evaluated, not only in term of quantitative criteria, such as yields and/or optical purities of obtained compounds, but also by analyzing the environmental impact of the different processes involved. In this work, we sought to develop new methodologies for the synthesis of polyfunctional chiral γ-lactones. The 5-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one, a bio-based molecule, was used as a platform to the construction of the γ-lactone ring. In the first part of our work, a variety of chiral γ-lactone displaying a great structural diversity were obtained by a one-pot sequential reaction. First, a step of enantioselective organocatalysis allowed the activation for the transfer of boronic acids on the hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one; then the chiral adduct formed was engaged in a Passerini reaction leading to the construction of the lactone ring. In a second part, our efforts focused then on the development of catalytic asymmetric alkylation reactions leading to the construction of γ-lactones bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter. Asymmetric allylic reactions were carried out with a very good control of the selectivity of the reaction by the use of palladium and iridium complexes catalysts. Theses lactones bearing an [1,5]-diene scaffold were then engaged in a sigmatropic [3,3] reaction opening a path for a new approach to the functionalization of aromatic heterocycles. Finally, the use of organic enantioselective catalysis was envisioned for the creation of all-quaternary stereocenters.

No description available.

<p dir="ltr">Zeolites are microporous crystalline aluminosilicates that are widely used as catalysts for upgrading hydrocarbons and oxygenates to higher value chemicals and fuels. The substitution of tetrahedral Si⁴⁺ with Al³⁺ in a charge-neutral silica framework ([SiO_4/2]) generates anionic centers ([AlO_4/2]^-), which charge-compensate Brønsted acid protons (H⁺) that serve as active sites for catalysis. Brønsted acid sites in aluminosilicates of diverse topologies have similar acid strength, but can be located within varying intracrystalline (or internal) microporous environments (0.4‒2 nm diameter) or at extracrystalline (or external) surfaces and mesoporous environments (>2 nm diameter); yet, catalytic diversity exists, <i>even</i> for a fixed zeolite framework topology, because micropores impose constraints on molecular access to and from intracrystalline active sites and provide van der Waals contacts that influence the stabilities of reactive intermediates and transition states. Tailoring the material properties of a given zeolite framework for targeted catalytic applications requires strategies to design both the bulk crystallite properties (e.g., morphology, active site density) that influence intracrystalline diffusion and the secondary environments that surround active sites and influence intrinsic kinetics, and further necessitates molecular-level insights to elucidate the influences of bulk and active site properties on catalysis. In this work, we provide synthetic and post-synthetic strategies to respectively tune active site environments within varying micropore voids and at external surfaces of zeolites, and develop gas-phase toluene methylation and liquid-phase mesitylene benzylation as probe reactions to quantify the catalytic consequences of active site environments on aromatic alkylation catalysis.</p><p dir="ltr">The MFI framework (orthorhombic phase) consists of 12 crystallographic distinct tetrahedral-sites and 26 unique framework oxygen atoms located around channels (~0.55 nm diameter) or channel intersections (~0.70 nm diameter). The synthesis of MFI zeolites using the conventional tetra-<i>n</i>-propylammonium (TPA⁺) organic structure directing agent (OSDA) is known to place framework Al and their attendant H⁺ sites within the larger intersection environments, because electrostatic interactions are favorable between such locations of [AlO_4/2]^- and the quaternary N⁺ center in TPA⁺ that becomes positioned rigidly within channel intersections during crystallization. The methylation of toluene by dimethyl ether (DME; 403 K) on MFI-TPA zeolites of fixed active site densities (~2 Al per unit cell) result in <i>ortho</i>-xylene (<i>o</i>-X; ~65%) as the major product over <i>para</i>-xylene (<i>p</i>-X; ~27%) and <i>meta</i>-xylene (<i>m</i>-X; ~8%). In contrast, toluene methylation on MFI zeolites (~2 Al per unit cell) synthesized using non-conventional OSDAs, such as ethylenediamine (EDA) or 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), predominantly forms <i>p</i>-X (~75%) over <i>o</i>-X (~23%) and <i>m</i>-X (~2%). Within the subsets of MFI-TPA and MFI-EDA/DABCO zeolites, measured xylene formation rates and isomer selectivities are independent of crystallite sizes (0.1‒13 µm), toluene conversions (0.02‒2.0%) and external H⁺ content (up to 9% external H⁺ per total Al), indicating negligible effects of diffusion-enhanced secondary xylene isomerization reactions at intracrystalline or extracrystalline domains. The invariance of xylene isomer selectivity with reactant pressures (0.2‒9 kPa toluene, 25‒66 kPa DME) or methylating agent (1‒4 kPa methanol) indicate that differences in reactivity of toluene to form each xylene isomer reflects differences in the stabilities of their respective kinetically relevant transition states that share the same reactive intermediate. Measured xylene isomer formation rate constants and rate constant ratios, obtained from mechanism-derived rate expressions and interpreted using transition state theory formalisms, are used alongside density functional theory (DFT) calculations to reveal that intersection void environments (~0.70 nm diameter) similarly stabilize all three xylene transition states over unconfined surfaces (>2 nm diameter) without altering the established aromatic substitution patterns, while channel void environments (~0.55 nm diameter) preferentially destabilize bulkier <i>o</i>-X and <i>m</i>-X transition states thereby resulting in high intrinsic <i>p</i>-X selectivity. DFT calculations reveal that the ability of protonated DABCO complexes to reorient within MFI intersections and participate in additional hydrogen-bonding interactions with anionic Al centers during synthesis, facilitates the placement of Al in smaller channel environments that are less favored by TPA⁺. These molecular-level details, enabled by combining synthesis, characterization, kinetics and DFT, establish a mechanistic link between OSDA structure, active site placement and transition state stability, and provide active site design strategies orthogonal to crystallite design approaches that rely on complex reaction-diffusion phenomena.</p><p dir="ltr">For various reactions including toluene methylation at higher reaction temperatures (573‒773 K) and toluene conversions (>10%), extracrystalline H⁺ sites in MFI zeolites are reported to influence reactivity, selectivity, and deactivation behavior during catalysis in undesired ways. Post-synthetic chemical treatments to passivate external H⁺ sites on MFI zeolites result in unintended (but not always undesirable) changes to bulk structural properties and Al and H⁺ contents. The number of extracrystalline H⁺ sites is difficult to quantify using conventional spectroscopic or titrimetric methods, especially when present in dilute amounts on samples whose surfaces have been passivated. The systematic treatment of MFI zeolites (2.4, 5.7 and 7.1 Al per unit cell) using ammonium hexafluorosilicate (AHFS) at varying treatment duration times, AHFS concentrations and number of successive treatments resulted in MFI zeolites that retain their bulk structural properties and total Al and H⁺ contents, except for one parent MFI sample containing a significant amount of non-framework Al species. The benzylation of mesitylene by dibenzyl ether (363 K) occurs exclusively at external H⁺ sites because the bulky 1,3,5-trimethyl-2-benzylbenzene product is sterically prevented from forming at intracrystalline H⁺ sites. The intrinsic zero-order rate constant (per external H⁺) for mesitylene benzylation is extracted from rate measurements (per total Al) on a suite of untreated MFI samples with known amounts of external H⁺ sites (1‒15% external H⁺ per total Al) quantified using bulky 2,6-di-<i>tert</i>-butylpyridine base titrants. Measured zero-order rate constants on AHFS-treated MFI zeolites are used to quantify the extent to which AHFS treatments passivate external H⁺ sites, revealing efficacies that depend on the specific treatment conditions and the parent sample used. The developed kinetic methods demonstrate the utility of catalytic probes, when compared to stoichiometric probes based on spectroscopic or titration methods, in amplifying and quantifying dilute concentrations of external H⁺ sites on zeolites. The methods enable comparisons of the efficacy of various post-synthetic passivation strategies and permit rigorous assessments of the influence of external H⁺ during acid catalysis.</p><p dir="ltr">Overall, this work provides (post-)synthetic strategies to tune active site environments within intracrystalline micropores or at extracrystalline surfaces and develops quantitative kinetic probes that enable a molecular-level understanding of catalytic consequences of active site environments on aromatic alkylation reactions. Taken together, the methodology and findings of this study have broader implications in zeolite catalyst design for selectively upgrading traditional fossil feedstocks (crude oil and shale gas) and emerging feedstocks (biomass and waste plastics).</p>

Les tétrazoles ont une place importante dans la chimie médicinale contemporaine par leurs caractéristiques spatiales et électroniques uniques. Leur haute teneur en azote leur confère également des qualités requises dans le développement de substances explosives et de haute énergie. Le développement de nouveaux outils synthétiques pour les créer prend donc ici tout son sens. Dans cet ouvrage, il est tout d’abord question d’une nouvelle méthode de synthèse qui génère des tétrazoles bicycliques en conditions douces par l’entremise d’azidonitriles aliphatiques séparés par trois ou quatre atomes de carbone (effet de proximité) et d’acides de Lewis. De plus, cette méthode de synthèse présente une réaction tandem qui génère des tétrazoles oxabicycliques 1,5-dialkylés via une cycloaddition 1,3-dipolaire diastéréosélective à partir d’azidoacétals ou d’azidocétals arborant un azoture proximal. La réaction s’effectue dans le nitrométhane de 0 °C à la température ambiante avec du TMSCN et est promue par une variété d’acides de Lewis dont le BF3OEt2. Les aspects mécanistiques de la réaction (l’ouverture des acétals, l’équilibre entre les éthers de cyanhydrine, la cycloaddition 1,3-dipolaire diastéréosélective et le réarrangement de Boyer-Schmidt-Aubé) ainsi que les paramètres réactionnels (solvants, acides de Lewis, stœchiométrie, sources de cyanure, etc.) seront en outre abordés. Ensuite, le motif de tétrazole oxabicyclique a été l’objet de diversifications, de fonctionnalisations et de transformations afin d’en valoriser l’utilité. Des réactions d’alkylations, d’azoturations radicalaires, de bêta-éliminations et de diversifications de la chaîne latérale ont été étudiées. De ces mêmes motifs de tétrazoles, la synthèse de tétrazoles azabicycliques et celle de morpholines 2,6-polysubstituées ont aussi été investiguées. La synthèse d’un sel de tétrazolium et l’alkylation de 5-tétrazolyllithiums ont aussi fait l’objet d’études préliminaires. Enfin, une étude théorique en DFT a été effectuée pour mieux comprendre l’équilibre tétrazole-azidoazométhine sur des motifs de types benzo- et pyrido- diazidodiazines parents à la 6-azidotétrazolo[5,1-a]phthalazine, un métabolite toxique du Gymnodinium breve (Ptychodiscus brevis, aussi actuellement connu sous le nom de Karenia brevis). Les aspects thermodynamiques, les états de transition, les orbitales HOMO, les cartes de potentiels d’ionisation locaux, les cartes de densité de la LUMO, les effets de solvant et certains paramètres permettant d’évaluer l’aromaticité (indices de Bird, ordres de liaison minimaux de Jug, indices HOMA et NICS) ont été considérés dans l’étude. Le constat a été que certaines des analyses théoriques peuvent constituer de bons outils prédictifs, particulièrement avec des considérations thermodynamiques, mais que cette approche a aussi ses limites qui sont principalement dues aux incertitudes inhérentes aux calculs théoriques. / Tetrazoles have an important place in contemporary medicinal chemistry due to their unique spatial and electronic characteristics. Their high nitrogen content also gives them the qualities required for the development of explosive and high energy substances. The development of new synthetic tools to create them takes here all its meaning. Therefore, in this work, a new synthesis method that generates bicyclic tetrazoles under mild conditions using aliphatic azidonitriles separated by three or four carbon atoms (proximity effect) and Lewis acids will first be discussed. In addition, a tandem reaction which generates 1,5-dialkylated oxabicyclic tetrazoles via a diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition from azidoacetals or azidoketals bearing a proximal azide will also be disclosed. The reaction is carried out in nitromethane at 0 °C to room temperature with TMSCN and is promoted by a variety of Lewis acids including BF3OEt2. The mechanistic aspects of the reaction (acetal opening, equilibrium between cyanohydrin ethers, diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and Boyer-Schmidt-Aubé rearrangement) as well as the reaction parameters (solvents, Lewis acids, stoichiometry, cyanide sources, etc.) will be discussed. Furthermore, the oxabicyclic tetrazole unit was involved in diversifications, functionalizations and transformations to enhance its utility. Reactions of alkylations, radical azidations, beta-eliminations and diversifications of the side chain were applied. From these same tetrazole units, the synthesis of azabicyclic tetrazoles and that of 2,6-polysubstituted morpholines was also investigated. The synthesis of a tetrazolium salt and the alkylation of 5 tetrazolyllithiums were also the subject of preliminary studies. Finally, a theoretical DFT study was carried out to have a better understanding of the tetrazole-azidoazomethine equilibrium on benzo- and pyrido- diazidodiazines similar to 6 azidotetrazolo [5,1-a] phthalazine, a toxic metabolite from Gymnodinium breve (Ptychodiscus brevis, actually known as Karenia brevis). Thermodynamic aspects, transition states, HOMO orbitals, local ionization potential maps, LUMO density maps, solvent effects, and some parameters to evaluate the aromaticity (Bird index, Jug minimum bond order, HOMA index and NICS) were considered in the study. It has been noted that some of the theoretical analysis can be good predictive tools, particularly with thermodynamic considerations, but they also have their limits, which are mainly due to the uncertainties inherent in the theoretical calculations.

Les azapeptides sont des mimes peptidiques où le carbone alpha d’un ou de plusieurs acides aminés est remplacé par un atome d’azote. Cette modification tend à stabiliser une conformation en repliement beta en raison de la répulsion électronique entre les paires d’électrons libres des atomes d’azote adjacents et de la géométrie plane de l’urée. De plus, le résidu semicarbazide a une meilleure résistance face aux protéases en plus d’être chimiquement plus stable qu’une liaison amide. Bien que les propriétés des azapeptides en fassent des mimes peptidiques intéressants, leurs méthodes de synthèses font appel à la synthèse laborieuse d’hydrazines substituées en solution. Le peptide sécréteur d’hormone de croissance 6 (GHRP-6, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) est un hexapeptide synthétique qui possède une affinité pour deux récepteurs distincts: les récepteurs GHS-R1a et CD36. Les travaux effectués au cours de mon doctorat qui seront détaillés dans cet ouvrage visent à atteindre deux objectifs: (1) le développement d’analogues du peptide GHRP-6 sélectif à un seul récepteur et (2) la mise au point d’une nouvelle méthodologie pour la synthèse combinatoire d’azapeptides. En réponse au premier objectif, la synthèse parallèle de 49 analogues aza-GHRP-6 a été effectuée et certains candidats sélectifs au récepteur CD36 ont été identifiés. L’étude de leurs propriétés anti-angiogéniques, effectuée par nos collaborateurs, a également permis d’identifier des candidats intéressants pour le traitement potentiel de la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge. Une nouvelle approche pour la synthèse combinatoire d’azapeptides, faisant appel à l’alkylation et la déprotection chimiosélective d’une sous-unité semicarbazone ancrée sur support solide, a ensuite été développée. La portée de cette méthodologie a été augmentée par la découverte de conditions permettant l’arylation régiosélective de cette sous-unité semicarbazone, donnant accès à treize nouveaux dérivés aza-GHRP-6 possédant des résidus aza-arylglycines aux positions D-Trp2 et Trp4. L’élaboration de conditions propices à l’alkylation et la déprotection chimiosélective de la semicarbazone a donné accès à une variété de chaînes latérales sur l’acide aminé « aza » préalablement inaccessibles. Nous avons, entre autres, démontré qu’une chaîne latérale propargyl pouvait être incorporée sur l’acide aminé « aza ». Tenant compte de la réactivité des alcynes, nous avons ensuite élaboré des conditions réactionnelles permettant la formation in situ d’azotures aromatiques, suivie d’une réaction de cycloaddition 1,3-dipolaire sur support solide, dans le but d’obtenir des mimes de tryptophane. Sept analogues du GHRP-6 ont été synthétisés et testés pour affinité au récepteur CD36 par nos collaborateurs. De plus, nous avons effectué une réaction de couplage en solution entre un dipeptide possédant un résidu aza-propargylglycine, du paraformaldehyde et une variété d’amines secondaires (couplage A3) afin d’accéder à des mimes rigides d’aza-lysine. Ces sous-unités ont ensuite été incorporées sur support solide afin de générer sept nouveaux azapeptides avec des dérivés aza-lysine à la position Trp4 du GHRP-6. Enfin, une réaction de cyclisation 5-exo-dig a été développée pour la synthèse de N-amino imidazolin-2-ones en tant que nouveaux mimes peptidiques. Leur fonctionnalisation par une série de groupements benzyliques à la position 4 de l’hétérocycle a été rendue possible grâce à un couplage Sonogashira précédant la réaction de cyclisation. Les propriétés conformationnelles de cette nouvelle famille de composés ont été étudiées par cristallographie aux rayons X et spectroscopie RMN d’un tétrapeptide modèle. L’activité biologique de deux mimes peptidiques, possédant un résidu N-amino-4-méthyl- et 4-benzyl-imidazolin-2-one à la position Trp4 du GHRP-6, a aussi été examinée. L’ensemble de ces travaux devrait contribuer à l’avancement des connaissances au niveau des facteurs structurels et conformationnels requis pour le développement d’azapeptides en tant que ligands du récepteur CD36. De plus, les résultats obtenus devraient encourager davantage l’utilisation d’azapeptides comme peptidomimétiques grâce à leur nouvelle facilité de synthèse et la diversité grandissante au niveau de la chaîne latérale des acides aminés « aza ». / Azapeptides are peptide mimics in which the CH alpha in one or more amino acids has been replaced with a nitirogen atom. Such a modification tends to induce beta turn conformations in peptides, because of the consequences of lone–pair lone–pair repulsion between the two adjacent nitrogens and the planar geometry of the urea in the semicarbazide moiety. Furthermore, the semicarbazide increases protease resistance and is chemically more stable than its amide counterpart. Despite the potential advantages of using azapeptides mimics, their synthesis has been hampered by the solution-phase construction of substituted hydrazines prior to their incorporation into peptide sequences. Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6 sequence (GHRP-6, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) is a synthetic hexapeptide that binds to two distinct receptor: the Growth Hormone Secretatgogue Receptor 1a (GHS-R1a) and the Cluster of Differentiation 36 (CD36) receptor. The body of my Ph.D thesis has been generally targeted towards two objectives: (a) the development of azapeptide analogs of GHRP-6 with enhanced receptor selectivity and (b) the elaboration of a new synthetic approach for combinatorial submonomer azapeptide synthesis. In response to the first objective, 49 aza-GHRP-6 derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for receptor binding and biological activity. From this library, certain candidates were identified which exhibited decreased affinity for the GHS-R1a receptor with maintained affinity for the CD36 receptor. Furthermore, in studying their anti-angiogenic properties, our collaborators have identified aza-GHRP-6 analogs, which caused a marked decrease in microvascular sprouting in choroid explants, as well as another displaying potential to increase angiogenesis. A new approach for the combinatorial synthesis of azapeptides was developed to better conduct SAR studies using azapeptides. This method features the chemoselective alkylation and deprotection of a resin-bound semicarbazone building block. The scope of the methodology was further expanded by the development of reaction conditions for the chemoselective N-arylation of this semicarbazone residue, yielding 13 aza-GHRP-6 derivatives with aza-arylglycines residues at the D-Trp2 and Trp4 positions. The elaboration of a methodology based on the chemoselective alkylation and deprotection of a semicarbazone has allowed for greater aza-amino acid side chain diversity, enabling for example, the efficient incorporation of aza-propargylglycine residues into peptide sequences. Considering the reactivity of alkynes, we developed reaction conditions for in situ formation of aromatic azides, followed by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction on solid support to yield aza-1-aryl,2,3-triazole-3-alanine residues as tryptophan mimics. Seven aza-GHRP-6 analogs were synthesized and subsequently tested for binding to the CD36 receptor by our collaborators. Moreover, the coupling reaction between an aza-propargylglycine-containing dipeptide building block, paraformaldehyde and a variety of secondary amines (A3 coupling) was accomplished in solution to provide access to rigid aza-lysine mimics. These aza-dipeptides were subsequently incorporated at the Trp4 position of seven new aza-GHRP-6 analogues using a solid-phase protocol, and the resulting azaLys mimics were tested for binding towards the CD36 receptor. Finally, conditions for a 5-exo-dig cyclization of an aza-propargylglycine residue were developed to give N-amino imidazolin-2-ones as turn-inducing peptide mimics. Their modification at the 4 position was achieved using a Sonogashira coupling protocol prior to the cyclization step. The conformational properties of these new heterocyclic motifs were assessed by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy on a tetrapeptide model system. The incorporation of N-amino-4-methyl- and 4-benzyl-imidazolin-2-ones at the Trp4 position of GHRP-6 was further accomplished and the biological evaluation of the peptidomimetics was examined. Taken together, these results should lead to a better understanding of the structural and conformational factors responsible for binding and biological activity of azapeptide ligands of the CD36 receptor. Furthermore, the submonomer approach for azapeptide synthesis developed should promote the use of azapeptides as peptide mimics, given its accessibility and the increased aza-amino acid side-chain diversity available.

Les azapeptides sont des mimes peptidiques où le carbone alpha d’un ou de plusieurs acides aminés est remplacé par un atome d’azote. Cette modification tend à stabiliser une conformation en repliement beta en raison de la répulsion électronique entre les paires d’électrons libres des atomes d’azote adjacents et de la géométrie plane de l’urée. De plus, le résidu semicarbazide a une meilleure résistance face aux protéases en plus d’être chimiquement plus stable qu’une liaison amide. Bien que les propriétés des azapeptides en fassent des mimes peptidiques intéressants, leurs méthodes de synthèses font appel à la synthèse laborieuse d’hydrazines substituées en solution. Le peptide sécréteur d’hormone de croissance 6 (GHRP-6, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) est un hexapeptide synthétique qui possède une affinité pour deux récepteurs distincts: les récepteurs GHS-R1a et CD36. Les travaux effectués au cours de mon doctorat qui seront détaillés dans cet ouvrage visent à atteindre deux objectifs: (1) le développement d’analogues du peptide GHRP-6 sélectif à un seul récepteur et (2) la mise au point d’une nouvelle méthodologie pour la synthèse combinatoire d’azapeptides. En réponse au premier objectif, la synthèse parallèle de 49 analogues aza-GHRP-6 a été effectuée et certains candidats sélectifs au récepteur CD36 ont été identifiés. L’étude de leurs propriétés anti-angiogéniques, effectuée par nos collaborateurs, a également permis d’identifier des candidats intéressants pour le traitement potentiel de la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge. Une nouvelle approche pour la synthèse combinatoire d’azapeptides, faisant appel à l’alkylation et la déprotection chimiosélective d’une sous-unité semicarbazone ancrée sur support solide, a ensuite été développée. La portée de cette méthodologie a été augmentée par la découverte de conditions permettant l’arylation régiosélective de cette sous-unité semicarbazone, donnant accès à treize nouveaux dérivés aza-GHRP-6 possédant des résidus aza-arylglycines aux positions D-Trp2 et Trp4. L’élaboration de conditions propices à l’alkylation et la déprotection chimiosélective de la semicarbazone a donné accès à une variété de chaînes latérales sur l’acide aminé « aza » préalablement inaccessibles. Nous avons, entre autres, démontré qu’une chaîne latérale propargyl pouvait être incorporée sur l’acide aminé « aza ». Tenant compte de la réactivité des alcynes, nous avons ensuite élaboré des conditions réactionnelles permettant la formation in situ d’azotures aromatiques, suivie d’une réaction de cycloaddition 1,3-dipolaire sur support solide, dans le but d’obtenir des mimes de tryptophane. Sept analogues du GHRP-6 ont été synthétisés et testés pour affinité au récepteur CD36 par nos collaborateurs. De plus, nous avons effectué une réaction de couplage en solution entre un dipeptide possédant un résidu aza-propargylglycine, du paraformaldehyde et une variété d’amines secondaires (couplage A3) afin d’accéder à des mimes rigides d’aza-lysine. Ces sous-unités ont ensuite été incorporées sur support solide afin de générer sept nouveaux azapeptides avec des dérivés aza-lysine à la position Trp4 du GHRP-6. Enfin, une réaction de cyclisation 5-exo-dig a été développée pour la synthèse de N-amino imidazolin-2-ones en tant que nouveaux mimes peptidiques. Leur fonctionnalisation par une série de groupements benzyliques à la position 4 de l’hétérocycle a été rendue possible grâce à un couplage Sonogashira précédant la réaction de cyclisation. Les propriétés conformationnelles de cette nouvelle famille de composés ont été étudiées par cristallographie aux rayons X et spectroscopie RMN d’un tétrapeptide modèle. L’activité biologique de deux mimes peptidiques, possédant un résidu N-amino-4-méthyl- et 4-benzyl-imidazolin-2-one à la position Trp4 du GHRP-6, a aussi été examinée. L’ensemble de ces travaux devrait contribuer à l’avancement des connaissances au niveau des facteurs structurels et conformationnels requis pour le développement d’azapeptides en tant que ligands du récepteur CD36. De plus, les résultats obtenus devraient encourager davantage l’utilisation d’azapeptides comme peptidomimétiques grâce à leur nouvelle facilité de synthèse et la diversité grandissante au niveau de la chaîne latérale des acides aminés « aza ». / Azapeptides are peptide mimics in which the CH alpha in one or more amino acids has been replaced with a nitirogen atom. Such a modification tends to induce beta turn conformations in peptides, because of the consequences of lone–pair lone–pair repulsion between the two adjacent nitrogens and the planar geometry of the urea in the semicarbazide moiety. Furthermore, the semicarbazide increases protease resistance and is chemically more stable than its amide counterpart. Despite the potential advantages of using azapeptides mimics, their synthesis has been hampered by the solution-phase construction of substituted hydrazines prior to their incorporation into peptide sequences. Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6 sequence (GHRP-6, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) is a synthetic hexapeptide that binds to two distinct receptor: the Growth Hormone Secretatgogue Receptor 1a (GHS-R1a) and the Cluster of Differentiation 36 (CD36) receptor. The body of my Ph.D thesis has been generally targeted towards two objectives: (a) the development of azapeptide analogs of GHRP-6 with enhanced receptor selectivity and (b) the elaboration of a new synthetic approach for combinatorial submonomer azapeptide synthesis. In response to the first objective, 49 aza-GHRP-6 derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for receptor binding and biological activity. From this library, certain candidates were identified which exhibited decreased affinity for the GHS-R1a receptor with maintained affinity for the CD36 receptor. Furthermore, in studying their anti-angiogenic properties, our collaborators have identified aza-GHRP-6 analogs, which caused a marked decrease in microvascular sprouting in choroid explants, as well as another displaying potential to increase angiogenesis. A new approach for the combinatorial synthesis of azapeptides was developed to better conduct SAR studies using azapeptides. This method features the chemoselective alkylation and deprotection of a resin-bound semicarbazone building block. The scope of the methodology was further expanded by the development of reaction conditions for the chemoselective N-arylation of this semicarbazone residue, yielding 13 aza-GHRP-6 derivatives with aza-arylglycines residues at the D-Trp2 and Trp4 positions. The elaboration of a methodology based on the chemoselective alkylation and deprotection of a semicarbazone has allowed for greater aza-amino acid side chain diversity, enabling for example, the efficient incorporation of aza-propargylglycine residues into peptide sequences. Considering the reactivity of alkynes, we developed reaction conditions for in situ formation of aromatic azides, followed by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction on solid support to yield aza-1-aryl,2,3-triazole-3-alanine residues as tryptophan mimics. Seven aza-GHRP-6 analogs were synthesized and subsequently tested for binding to the CD36 receptor by our collaborators. Moreover, the coupling reaction between an aza-propargylglycine-containing dipeptide building block, paraformaldehyde and a variety of secondary amines (A3 coupling) was accomplished in solution to provide access to rigid aza-lysine mimics. These aza-dipeptides were subsequently incorporated at the Trp4 position of seven new aza-GHRP-6 analogues using a solid-phase protocol, and the resulting azaLys mimics were tested for binding towards the CD36 receptor. Finally, conditions for a 5-exo-dig cyclization of an aza-propargylglycine residue were developed to give N-amino imidazolin-2-ones as turn-inducing peptide mimics. Their modification at the 4 position was achieved using a Sonogashira coupling protocol prior to the cyclization step. The conformational properties of these new heterocyclic motifs were assessed by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy on a tetrapeptide model system. The incorporation of N-amino-4-methyl- and 4-benzyl-imidazolin-2-ones at the Trp4 position of GHRP-6 was further accomplished and the biological evaluation of the peptidomimetics was examined. Taken together, these results should lead to a better understanding of the structural and conformational factors responsible for binding and biological activity of azapeptide ligands of the CD36 receptor. Furthermore, the submonomer approach for azapeptide synthesis developed should promote the use of azapeptides as peptide mimics, given its accessibility and the increased aza-amino acid side-chain diversity available.