This thesis describes research conducted since September 2006 in Prof. Robert Batey’s laboratory. The thesis is divided into four chapters. Chapter one presents a general introduction of domino reactions, sigmatropic rearrangements, and the allylic azide rearrangement. Several factors affecting the allylic azide rearrangement along with some respective examples are presented. Chapter two describes an efficient synthesis of azido unsaturated ester compounds using a microwave-assisted domino allylic azide / Johnson-Claisen rearrangement. The domino rearrangement reaction proceeds to give the azido ester compounds in good yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. The synthesis of vinyl epoxides and hydroxy allylic azides starting materials are also presented. In addition, other variants of Claisen rearrangements are briefly discussed. Chapter three describes a microwave-assisted domino allylic azide / Overman rearrangement process. The scope of the domino rearrangements, including an example involving an enantioenriched compound, is presented. The product of the domino rearrangements can be used as precursors to 1,2-vicinal diamines. Several functional group transformations and potential application of the product of the domino rearrangement are also described. Chapter four provides the synthesis of cis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines from domino reduction / cyclization of γ-azido-α,β-unsaturated ketones. The overall process involves hydrogenation of the alkene and the azido group, followed by intramolecular cyclization and loss of H2O to form an imine, which is further reduced to give cis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines. The reaction proceeds cleanly to give the products in high yield and with a very high diastereoselectivity ratio. In addition, the formation of pyrrolidinones via domino reduction / cyclication of γ-azido esters are also reported

This thesis describes research conducted since September 2006 in Prof. Robert Batey’s laboratory. The thesis is divided into four chapters. Chapter one presents a general introduction of domino reactions, sigmatropic rearrangements, and the allylic azide rearrangement. Several factors affecting the allylic azide rearrangement along with some respective examples are presented. Chapter two describes an efficient synthesis of azido unsaturated ester compounds using a microwave-assisted domino allylic azide / Johnson-Claisen rearrangement. The domino rearrangement reaction proceeds to give the azido ester compounds in good yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. The synthesis of vinyl epoxides and hydroxy allylic azides starting materials are also presented. In addition, other variants of Claisen rearrangements are briefly discussed. Chapter three describes a microwave-assisted domino allylic azide / Overman rearrangement process. The scope of the domino rearrangements, including an example involving an enantioenriched compound, is presented. The product of the domino rearrangements can be used as precursors to 1,2-vicinal diamines. Several functional group transformations and potential application of the product of the domino rearrangement are also described. Chapter four provides the synthesis of cis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines from domino reduction / cyclization of γ-azido-α,β-unsaturated ketones. The overall process involves hydrogenation of the alkene and the azido group, followed by intramolecular cyclization and loss of H2O to form an imine, which is further reduced to give cis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines. The reaction proceeds cleanly to give the products in high yield and with a very high diastereoselectivity ratio. In addition, the formation of pyrrolidinones via domino reduction / cyclication of γ-azido esters are also reported

Es ist in dieser Arbeit gelungen, starre Oligospiroketal(OSK)-Stäbe als Grundbausteine für komplexe 2D- und 3D-Systeme zu verwenden. Dazu wurde ein difunktionalisierter starrer Stab synthetisiert, der mit seines Gleichen und anderen verzweigten Funktionalisierungseinheiten in Azid-Alkin-Klickreaktionen eingesetzt wurde. An zwei über Klickreaktion verknüpften OSK-Stäben konnten mittels theoretischer Berechnungen Aussagen über die neuartige Bimodalität der Konformation getroffen werden. Es wurde dafür der Begriff Gelenkstab eingeführt, da die Moleküle um ein Gelenk gedreht sowohl gestreckt als auch geknickt vorliegen können. Aufbauend auf diesen Erkenntnissen konnte gezeigt werden, dass nicht nur gezielt große Polymere aus bis zu vier OSK-Stäben synthetisiert werden können, sondern es auch möglich ist, durch gezielte Änderung von Reaktionsbedingungen der Klickreaktion auch Cyclen aus starren OSK-Stäben herzustellen. Die neu entwickelte Substanzklasse der Gelenkstäbe wurde im Hinblick auf die Steuerung des vorliegenden Gleichgewichts zwischen geknicktem und gestrecktem Gelenkstab hin untersucht. Dafür wurde der Gelenkstab mit Pyrenylresten in terminaler Position versehen. Es wurde durch Fluoreszenzmessungen festgestellt, dass das Gleichgewicht z. B. durch die Temperatur oder die Wahl des Lösungsmittels beeinflussbar ist. Für vielfache Anwendungen wurde eine vereinfachte Synthesestrategie gefunden, mit der eine beliebige Funktionalisierung in nur einem Syntheseschritt erreicht werden konnte. Es konnten photoaktive Gelenkstäbe synthetisiert werden, die gezielt zur intramolekularen Dimerisierung geführt werden konnten. Zusätzlich wurde durch Aminosäuren ein Verknüpfungselement am Ende der Gelenkstäbe gefunden, das eine stereoselektive Synthese von Mehrfachfunktionalisierungen zulässt. Die Synthese der komplexen Gelenkstäbe wurde als ein neuartiges Gebiet aufgezeigt und bietet ein breites Forschungspotential für weitere Anwendungen z. B. in der Biologie (als molekulare Schalter für Ionentransporte) und in der Materialchemie (als Ladungs- oder Energietransporteure). / In this dissertation the use of rigid Oligospiroketal (OSK)-rods as basic model for 2D- and 3D-systems was shown. For that purpose a bifunctionalized rigid rod was synthesized and was used in Azide-Alkine-clickreaction with itself and with other branched functionalized units. By theoretical calculations a statement about the novel bimodulation of the conformation of two OSK-rods which are linked by a clickreaction could be made. “Articulated rod” was introduced as new term, because the molecules could exist elongated or buckled. Based on this knowledge it became apparent that not only the size selective synthesis of polymers by using up to four OSK-rods is possible but also cycles with OSK-rods by using different click-reaction conditions can be synthesized. The newly developed group of “articulated rod” substances was examined regarding the equilibrium between buckled and elongated “articulated rod”. That for the articulated rod was functionalized with pyrenyl moieties in terminal position. By fluorescence measurements of these rods it could be shown that the equilibration is influenced by different temperatures and different solvents. For multiple applications a simplified strategy for synthesis with a wide range of functionalization in only one step of synthesis could be achieved. Photoactive articulated rods were synthesized, that could be selectively intramolecular dimerized. Additionally, amino acids were introduced as linker at the end of a articulated rod. By this a stereoselective synthesis of multiple functionaliations is possible. By the synthesis of complex articulated rods a novel field of research was found. There is a wide potential of research for more applications for example in biology (as molecular switch for transportation of ions) and in materials chemistry (as transporter for charge or energy).

The iron and manganese superoxide dismutases are a family of metallo-enzymes with highly conserved protein folds, active sites and dimer interfaces. They catalyse the elimination of the cytotoxic free radical superoxide to molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide by alternate reduction then oxidation of the activesite with the concomitant transfer of protons from the solvent. There are many key aspects of enzymatic function that lack a structural explanation. The focus of this study is on three crystal structures. The iron-substituted manganese superoxide dismutase from Escherichia coli complexed with azide, a substrate-mimicking inhibitor, was solved to 2.2 Å. This “wrong” metal form shows a binding pattern seen previously in the manganese superoxide dismutase from Thermus thermophilus. Wild-type manganese specific superoxide dismutase from the extremophile Deinococcus radiodurans was solved to 2.0 Å and has an active site reminiscent of other solved manganese superoxide dismutases despite a lack of product inhibition. The azide-inhibited manganese superoxide dismutase from Deinococcus radiodurans was determined to a resolution of 2.0 Å and showed binding of azide, and by inference superoxide, different to that seen in Thermus thermophilus, but reminiscent of that seen in azide-inhibited iron superoxide dismutases. These results indicate that the azide ion, and by inference superoxide, bind to the metal centre of manganese superoxide dismutases in two modes, and transition between the two modes may be entropy dependent. These structures, integrated with knowledge from other structures, known biochemistry and various spectra, provide insight into catalytic function. An outer-sphere mechanism of proton transfer that does not rely on through-peptide proton uptake is proposed and compared to a previously proposed inner-sphere mechanism. This is based on the observation that a water molecule moves into the active site of the manganese superoxide dismutase from Deinococcus radiodurans upon azide binding, providing a Grötthus pathway for rapid proton transfer to the active site from the bulk solvent. Also presented in this study are the partially refined structures of four point mutants (S82T, L83M, L133V, and M164L/L166V) of the manganese superoxide dismutase from Escherichia coli all solved to roughly 2 Å resolution, designed to investigate product inhibition which varies across species.

Universiẗat, Diss., 2000--Köln.

Techn. Universiẗat, Diss., 2003--Darmstadt.

High-nitrogen-content energetic compounds containing multiple N-N bonds are an attractive alternative towards developing new generation of environmentally friendly, and more powerful energetic materials. High-N content translates into much higher heat of formation resulting in much larger energy output, detonation pressure and velocity upon conversion to large amounts of non-toxic, strongly bonded N2 gas. This thesis describes recent advances in the computational discovery of group-I alkali and hydrogen polynitrogen materials at high pressures using powerful first-principles evolutionary crystal structure prediction methods. This is highlighted by the discovery of a new family of materials that consist of long-sought after all-nitrogen N􀀀 5 anions and metal or hydrogen cations. The work has inspired a resurgence in the efforts to synthesize the N􀀀 5 anion. After describing the methodology of first-principles crystal structure prediction, several new high-nitrogen-content energetic compounds are described. In addition to providing information on structure and chemical composition, theory/simulations also suggests specific precursors, and experimental conditions that are required for experimental synthesis of high-N pentazolate EMs. To aid in experimental detection of newly synthesized compounds, XRD patterns and corresponding Raman spectra are calculated for several candidate structures. The ultimate success was achieved in joint theoretical and experimental discovery of cesium pentazolate, which was synthesized by compressing and heating cesium azide CsN3 and N2 precursors in a diamond anvil cell. This success highlights the key role of first-principles structure prediction simulations in guiding experimental exploration of new high-N energetic materials.

Neste trabalho, a complexação do sistema ferro-III/azoteto em meio áqüeo-orgânico foi estudada para avaliar a formação dessas espécies sob diferentes forças iônicas: 1,00; 2,00 e 3,00 mol L-1 e em presença de diferentes solventes: tetraidrofurano, acetona e p-dioxano (T = 20 °C). Além disso, em meio contendo tetraidrofurano, as constantes de formação condicionais (b) foram determinadas sob diferentes percentagens deste solvente: 20, 30 e 40 % (v/v). O método empregado na determinação de tais constantes baseia-se na competição entre o metal e o íon hidrogênio pelo azoteto, no sistema tampão formado entre o ligante e o ácido azotídrico (N3-/HN3). Os parâmetros necessários para o cálculo das constantes de formação foram obtidos potenciometricamente por meio de variações de pH, provocadas pela complexação após a introdução do metal à célula. Tais parâmetros foram tratados preliminarmente pelo método de Leden e, posteriormente, refinados com alguns programas computacionais visando à caracterização das espécies e a determinação dos valores das constantes de formação globais dos complexos coexistentes no sistema Fe (III)/N3-. Os resultados mostraram evidências de que até quatro espécies complexas estáveis: [Fe(N3)]2+, [Fe(N3)2]+, [Fe(N3)3] e [Fe(N3)4]- podem coexistir tanto em meio contendo acetona quanto naquele contendo p-dioxano. Porém, em meio contendo tetraidrofurano, somente as três primeiras espécies foram detectadas (evidenciadas). Isto indica que uma maior competição entre o solvente orgânico e o ligante azoteto, na esfera de coordenação do íon metálico, ocorre em meios contendo tetraidrofurano, nestas condições estudadas. Verificou-se ainda que tanto a percentagem de solvente orgânico quanto a força iônica do meio têm forte influência na formação dos complexos sucessivos investigados, sendo que os complexos de maior estabilidade foram obtidos em soluções contendo 40 % (v/v) de tetraidrofurano e força iônica de 1,00 mol L-1. Diante dos resultados obtidos, observa-se que o método competitivo adotado neste trabalho, usualmente empregado em estudos realizados em meio totalmente aquoso, também se mostrou apropriado para a determinação das constantes de formação nas condições experimentais investigadas (meios áqüeos-orgânicos). / In this work, the system the iron-III/azide in aqueous-organic media was studied in order to evaluate the formation of complexes under different conditions: ionic strengths in the range of 1.00 to 3.00 mol L-1 and effect of the presence of organic solvents (tetrahydrofuran, acetone and p-dioxan) at T = 20 °C. Besides, in medium containing tetrahydrofuran, the conditional formation constants (b) were determined under different proportions of this solvent (20-40 %, v/v). The method used in the determination of these constants is based on the competition between the metal and the hydrogen ion for the azide, in the buffered system formed between the ligand and the azotidric acid (N3-/HN3). The parameters for the determination of the formation constant of each complexe were obtained by potentiometric measurements, through changes on the solution pH, caused by complexation due the iron ions added into the cell. These parameters were initially analysed by using the Leden method and, subsequently, refined by computational simulation in order to characterize the different complexes in the Fe (III)/N3- system, as well as to determine the value for the global constant of formation for each coexistent species. The results showed the possible coexistence of following four stable complexes: [Fe(N3)]2+, [Fe(N3)2]+, [Fe(N3)3] e [Fe(N3)4]- in aqueous medium containing acetone or p-dioxan. However, in the presence of tetrahydrofuran, the [Fe(N3)4]- was not evidenced. This indicates that a larger competition between the molecules of this organic solvent and the azide ligand, into the coordination sphere of the metallic ion occurs under these experimental conditions. Besides, the organic solvent proportion and the experimental medium are important parameters affecting the formation of these complexes. It was observed that iron complexes with higher stability were produced in the presence of 40 % (v/v) tetrahydrofuran and 1.00 mol L-1 ionic strength. Before the obtained results, it is observed that the competitive method adopted in this work, usually employed in studies accomplished in totally aqueous medium, it was also shown appropriate for the determination of the formation constants in the experimental conditions (aqueous-organic media) investigated.

As formas SO2, HSO3- e SO32- em meio aquoso, são espécies de enxofre (IV) que coexistem; suas concentrações no equilíbrio químico dependem do pH do meio. O estudo das oxidações do S(IV) encontrado na atmosfera, resultante de fontes naturais e antropogênicas, é de fundamental importância, pois os produtos formados têm caráter ácido. Como consequência, ocorre a precipitação ácida, com seus efeitos deletérios ao ecossistema. O presente trabalho procura adicionar novas informações às já acumuladas em estudos anteriores. O estudo praticamente se restringe às condições de laboratório, levando em conta as condições ambientais. Em uma projeção futura, a metodologia poderá ser estendida e adaptada para as determinações do S(IV) na natureza. O método analítico proposto para determinar S(IV) na atmosfera, em fase aquosa, é baseado na reação catalítica onde o S(IV) induz a oxidação do Co(II) a Co(III), em tampão HN3/N3- e na presença do Mn++. O principal composto de coordenação, hexaazidocobaltato (III), é consideravelmente estável e apresenta um máximo de absorção em 365nm, com absortividade molar próxima de 3.104 mol-1cm-1L. Com o uso de uma cubeta de quartzo de 1cm de caminho ótico, a faixa de concentração de uso deste método, é de 280 ppb a 3000 ppb (expressa em HSO3-). A equação que descreve a concentração do S(IV) tem um erro menor que 5%. Para a elaboração do método foram feitos ensaios preliminares, a fim de otimizar as condições experimentais. Os principais parâmetros estabelecidos foram: ordem de adição dos reagentes, tempo de espera para a adição dos outros reagentes, concentração das espécies envolvidas e a solução de referência mais adequada para a leitura espectrofotométrica. As medições foram geralmente feitas a 20°C e 60% de umidade relativa do ar. Também foram realizados estudos em temperatura acima e abaixo de 20°C. A análise das diferentes condições das reações estudadas foi feita pela avaliação da evolução da reação no tempo decorrido. Os compostos de S (IV) são instáveis e por isto foi necessário selecionar uma substância que fosse capaz de coletá-lo no meio ambiente, estabilizá-lo até o momento da reação e que não interferisse na formação do complexo em questão. Com estas finalidades foram estudadas as soluções de MEA, TRIS, NH3 e formaldeído. A reação proposta é catalisada pelo Mn(II), por isto foram feitos estudos visando encontrar o compromisso da concentração deste cátion com o desenvolvimento da reação. O cobalto (II) e o azoteto (N3-) estão em excesso com relação ao S(IV), pela estequiometria da reação. Foi feito um estudo relacionando à concentração de Co(II), N3- e de Mn(II) . Cobalto e manganês são elementos químicos de transição, assim como molibdênio e níquel. Portanto, os dois últimos metais, têm potencialidade de atuar como catalisador ou mesmo formar complexos que absorvam, em substituição ao cobalto. No caso do molibdênio, este, em uma reação competitiva, retira peróxidos da solução que podem oxidar o sulfito. Cobre e ferro interferem no método. Porém, como formam complexos com bandas de absorção máxima, distintas entre si e diferentes de 365nm, foi verificada a possibilidade de determinação das concentrações de S(IV), Cu(II) e Fe(III), em água de chuva, pelo princípio da aditividade. Uma vez que o oxigênio toma parte na reação, foi feito um estudo da possibilidade de utilização do etanol como solvente. Neste solvente, a solubilidade do oxigênio é aproximadamente 20 vezes maior do que na água. O sulfato é um produto da reação e a adição de sulfato de sódio foi estudada, pois o equilíbrio químico é deslocado no sentido de inibir a reação. Finalmente, como a luz pode interferir na reação foi verificada a sua influência no comportamento da mesma. / The proposed analytical method for determining S(IV) in the atmosphere, in aqueous medium, is based upon the catalytic reaction where S(IV) promotes the oxidation of Co(II) to Co(III) in a HN3/N3- - buffer and Mn(II) ions are the catalyst. The main coordination compound is hexaazidecobaltate (III) ([Co(N3)6]3-). This species is relatively stable, it shows an absorption maximum at 365 nm and ε near to 3 x 104 mol-1cm-1L. The concentration range of use for this method is from 280 to 3000 ppb (expressed in HSO3-). Preliminary assays were done for optimizing the experimental conditions. The main parameters established were: order of the added reagents, elapsed time until the addition of the other reagent, concentration of the involved species and the best reference solution for spectrophotometric reading. The measurements were carried out at 20°C and 60% relative humidity. Measurements were also done above and below 20°C. S (IV) compounds are unstable, so it was necessary to select a substance which was able to collect them in the environment, stabilize them until the determination and was not an interferent in the complex formed. For this purpose, solutions for MEA, TRIS, NH4OH and formaldehyde were studied. Copper and iron interfere but they form complexes with different absorption maxima. It was possible to determine the concentrations of S(IV), Cu(II) and Fe(III) in rain water Oxygen takes part in the reaction and the use of ethanol, which dissolves 20 times more oxygen than water, was studied. Finally, as sulphate is a reaction product, sodium sulphate addition was studied too, since the equilibrium is shifted towards reaction inhibition.

Foram estudados os equilíbrios dos complexos de Mn (II) com íons azoteto, em meio aquoso, por método potenciométrico indireto, através de medidas de pH, em meio de azoteto 0 a 1,8 M, e a 25,0 ºC, utilizando força iônica 2,00 M mantida com perclorato de sódio. Nas diferentes concentrações de íon metálico empregadas, 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100 mM, obteve-se uma mesma curva de formação de número médio de ligantes vs. concentração de ligante livre, o que configura a inexistência de complexos polinucleares nessas condições experimentais. Os valores de número médio de ligantes n¯, e de concentração de ligante livre, [L], foram utilizados para a integração de função de Bjerrum, obtendo-se a função de Fronaeus, F0(L), a partir da qual calcularam-se, por métodos gráficos e matemáticos, as quatro sucessivas constantes globais de equilíbrio: β1 = 4,15 ± 0,02 M-1 , β2 = 6,61 ± 0,04 M-2 , β3 = 3,33 ± 0,02 M-3 , β4 = 0,63 ± 0,01 M-4 . Avaliando os valores das constantes, observa-se que os complexos formados são fracos e, em obediência à regra de Irving e Williams, são menos estáveis que os complexos de cobalto (II) e de níquel (II). Em concentrações de ligante superiores a 1M há condições para lenta oxidação espontânea dos complexos de manganês(II) a manganês(III) com significativas mudanças espectrais. / The equilibria of complex formation between manganese(II) cations and azide anions were studied in aqueous medium by an indirect potentiometric method, at 25°C and ionic strengh 2.0 M (NaClO4). The equilibrium data were based on pH measurements of Mn(II) in N3¯/HN3 buffers. Metal ion concentration changing from 20 to 100 mM have defined one single formation curve of n_ (Bjerrum function) vs. [N 3 ¯ ] which is an evidence that only mononuclear species ara present in the working solutions. Integration of the formation curve from the best n¯vs. [N3¯] data leads to Fronaeus function data. They were properly treated to obtain the formation by a variety of methods (graphic and mathematical). The best set formed is: β1 = 4,15 ± 0,02 M-1 , β2 = 6,61 ± 0,04 M-2 , β3 = 3,33 ± 0,02 M-3 , β4 = 0,63 ± 0,01 M-4 . The complex are weaks and are is agreement with the Irving and Williams rule, i. e., less stable than the corresponding complexes of Ni(II) and Co(II). At ligand concentration higher t than 1,0 M there were conditions for a slow spontaneous oxidation of manganese(II) complexes to manganese to manganese(III), with remarkable spectral changes.