Les nanotubes de carbone (NTC) n'ont eu de cesse, depuis leur (re)-découverte par Sumio Iijima en 1991, de passionner la communauté scientifique. Leurs propriétés électroniques, optiques et mécaniques exceptionnelles en font l'un des matériaux les plus prometteurs des nanotechnologies. Néanmoins, l'utilisation des NTC en microélectronique se heurte à de nombreux problèmes. En particulier, les propriétés électroniques de ces nanotubes sont dépendantes de plusieurs paramètres : le diamètre du NTC, son organisation et le nombre de feuillets qui le composent. Ainsi, l’obtention de nanotubes exclusivement semiconducteurs (recherchées pour réaliser un dispositif microélectronique tel qu’un transistor) ne peut être garantie par les techniques de synthèse actuelles. Ces techniques (CVD, ablation laser, etc…) ne conduisent en général qu’à un mélange de nanotubes semiconducteurs et métalliques, difficiles à trier. Dans le cas spécifique des nanotubes de carbone « Zig-Zag », leur comportement électronique n’est défini que par le diamètre. Une synthèse de nanotubes exclusivement « Zig-Zag » et de diamètres contrôlés apporterait donc une solution définitive à ce problème. La chimie des calixarènes peut apporter des solutions pour résoudre cette problématique. On utiliserait alors la chimie covalente pour former le NTC de façon séquentielle. Le but de mon travail est d'obtenir une structure de type « zig-zag » avec un diamètre strictement contrôlé par la taille du calixarène de départ. Nous avons envisagé plusieurs méthodes de synthèses en fonction du motif de répétition que nous souhaitions introduire pour la croissance séquentielle du nanotube de carbone. Dans un premier temps, une stratégie basée sur le motif cyclacène a été utilisée. Les résultats de ces travaux seront présentés dans le chapitre 2. Nous présenterons la synthèse et la fonctionnalisation des calixarènes de départ ainsi que du synthon que nous avons choisi pour effectuer la croissance séquentielle. Le couplage entre ces deux composés sera effectué via une réaction de type Wittig Horner. Ce motif de répétition sera également utilisé lors du chapitre 3 pour présenter une nouvelle stratégie de croissance basée sur l’utilisation de la réaction de Heck afin d’effectuer la croissance séquentielle. Enfin, dans une dernière partie, nous présenterons les résultats obtenus par utilisation d’une autre stratégie, basée sur la répétition d’un motif métacyclopolyphénylène. Cette stratégie est basée sur une succession de réactions de couplage de Suzuki, catalysés par des complexes de palladium. / Since their rediscovery by Iijima in 1991, carbon nanotubes (CNT) has been a main subject of interest. Their extraordinary properties may open large fields of applications in different domains such as electronics, medicine, or optics. But their use in microelectronics is limited by the lack of control of the electronics properties of each carbon nanotubes. These properties are depending on different parameters such as diameter, chirality, or the number of layers of graphène. Obtaining exclusively semi conducting CNT using current synthetic methods of synthesis is not guaranteed. These technics (CVD, Laser ablation…) leads, in general, to a very complex mixture of semi conducting and metallic CNT, quite difficult to sort out. In the specific case of “zig-zag” CNT, their electronic properties only depend of the diameter of the tube. An exclusive synthesis of a “zig-zag”, diameter controlled CNT should thus solve this problem. We propose here the use of organic, molecular chemistry, and more specifically, calixarene chemistry to achieve this goal. Two different synthetic strategies were explored, as a function of the repeating unit considered for the growth of “zig-zag” carbon nanotubes. During the first part of this work, we have used a strategy based on a cyclacene-type pattern as a repeating unit. These results will be presented in the second chapter. We will describe the results dealing with calixarene functionalization and the synthesis of a new bifunctionnal molecule to be used as a building block for the sequential growth. The coupling between these two species is performed by a Wittig reaction or a Wittig/Horner reaction. The same cyclacene-type repeating unit is also envisioned during the first part of the third chapter for a second strategy for zig-zag SWCNTs synthesis, based on Heck coupling reactions. Finally, during the last part of the third chapter, we will present the results obtained by the use of a new repetition pattern , the metacyclophenylene unit. This strategy relies on the use of successive Suzuki couplings.

<p>This thesis describes the use of copper and palladium to mediate transformations of carboranes, especially <i>p</i>-carborane.</p><p>1-(1-<i>p</i>-carboranyl)-<i>N</i>-methyl-<i>N</i>-(2-butyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide, a carborane containing analogue of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) ligand PK11195, has been synthesised. A key step in the reaction is the copper (I) mediated coupling of p-carborane with ethyl 1-bromo-isoquinoline-3-carboxylate. </p><p><i>p</i>-Carborane has been arylated on the 2-<i>B</i>-atom in high yields, using the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. Thus the reaction between 2-I-<i>p</i>-carborane and various arylboronic acids [1-naphthyl-, phenyl-, 4-MeO-C₆H₄-, 3-CH₃CONH-C₆H₄-, 4-NC-C₆H₄-, 3-NO₂-C₆H₄-], gave the corresponding 2-aryl-<i>p</i>-carboranes in DME solution when reacted in the presence of cesium fluoride and the catalytic Pd₂(dba)₃–dppb system. Under the same conditions, the boron-boron bond forming reaction of two <i>p</i>-carboranylboronic esters (2-[(pinacolato)boron]-<i>p</i>-carborane and 2-[(neopentyl glycolato)boron]-p-carborane) was also shown feasible.</p><p><i>p</i>-Carborane has been vinylated on the 2-<i>B</i>-atom in high yields by use of the Heck reaction. The coupling between 2-I-<i>p</i>-carborane and various styrenes [4-H-, 4-C₆H₄-, 4-Cl , 4-Br-, 4-NO₂-, 4-CH3O- and 4 CH₃ ] resulted in the formation of the corresponding<i>trans</i>-β-(2-<i>B</i>-<i>p</i>-carboranyl) styrene in DMF solution when reacted in the presence of silver phosphate and the palladacycle Herrmann´s catalyst. The reaction was shown to proceed at higher rate with electron rich than with electron deficient olefins.</p><p>The feasibility of palladium-catalysed isotopic exchange of an iodinated closo-carborane with a radioisotope of iodine has been studied. 2-I-<i>p</i>-carborane was selected as a model compound. It was shown, that such isotopic exchange is possible and provides a high yield (83 ± 4.2 %) during 40 min long reaction. The reaction conditions were optimised, and it was demonstrated that presence of the tetra n-butylammonium hydrogensulphate is important in order to stabilise catalyst and provide reproducibility of labelling. In this work we have modified the methodology and extended the application to a wider range of iodinated carboranes. By the use of Herrmann’s catalyst in toluene at 100 °C this [¹²⁵I]-iodide labelling could be improved and extended. 2-I-<i>p</i>- 9-I-<i>m</i>-, 9-I-<i>o</i>-, 3-I-<i>o</i>-carborane, 1-phenyl-3-I-<i>o</i>-carborane and 1,2-diphenyl-3-I-<i>o</i>-carborane could be [¹²⁵I]-iodide labelled in high to excellent yields within 5 minutes.This reported palladium catalyzed radio-iodination of the uncharged closo-carboranes might find use in pharmacokinetic studies of carborane derivatives.</p>

This thesis describes the use of copper and palladium to mediate transformations of carboranes, especially p-carborane. 1-(1-p-carboranyl)-N-methyl-N-(2-butyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide, a carborane containing analogue of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) ligand PK11195, has been synthesised. A key step in the reaction is the copper (I) mediated coupling of p-carborane with ethyl 1-bromo-isoquinoline-3-carboxylate. p-Carborane has been arylated on the 2-B-atom in high yields, using the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. Thus the reaction between 2-I-p-carborane and various arylboronic acids [1-naphthyl-, phenyl-, 4-MeO-C6H4-, 3-CH3CONH-C6H4-, 4-NC-C6H4-, 3-NO2-C6H4-], gave the corresponding 2-aryl-p-carboranes in DME solution when reacted in the presence of cesium fluoride and the catalytic Pd2(dba)3–dppb system. Under the same conditions, the boron-boron bond forming reaction of two p-carboranylboronic esters (2-[(pinacolato)boron]-p-carborane and 2-[(neopentyl glycolato)boron]-p-carborane) was also shown feasible. p-Carborane has been vinylated on the 2-B-atom in high yields by use of the Heck reaction. The coupling between 2-I-p-carborane and various styrenes [4-H-, 4-C6H4-, 4-Cl , 4-Br-, 4-NO2-, 4-CH3O- and 4 CH3 ] resulted in the formation of the correspondingtrans-β-(2-B-p-carboranyl) styrene in DMF solution when reacted in the presence of silver phosphate and the palladacycle Herrmann´s catalyst. The reaction was shown to proceed at higher rate with electron rich than with electron deficient olefins. The feasibility of palladium-catalysed isotopic exchange of an iodinated closo-carborane with a radioisotope of iodine has been studied. 2-I-p-carborane was selected as a model compound. It was shown, that such isotopic exchange is possible and provides a high yield (83 ± 4.2 %) during 40 min long reaction. The reaction conditions were optimised, and it was demonstrated that presence of the tetra n-butylammonium hydrogensulphate is important in order to stabilise catalyst and provide reproducibility of labelling. In this work we have modified the methodology and extended the application to a wider range of iodinated carboranes. By the use of Herrmann’s catalyst in toluene at 100 °C this [125I]-iodide labelling could be improved and extended. 2-I-p- 9-I-m-, 9-I-o-, 3-I-o-carborane, 1-phenyl-3-I-o-carborane and 1,2-diphenyl-3-I-o-carborane could be [125I]-iodide labelled in high to excellent yields within 5 minutes.This reported palladium catalyzed radio-iodination of the uncharged closo-carboranes might find use in pharmacokinetic studies of carborane derivatives.

Alloys, intermetallic compounds and multi-metal oxides are generally made by traditional solid-state methods that often require melting or grinding/pressing powders followed by high temperature annealing (> 1000 degrees C) for days or weeks. The research presented here takes advantage of the fact that nanoparticles have a large fraction of their atoms on the surface making them highly reactive and their small size virtually eliminates the solid-solid diffusion process as the rate limiting step. Materials that normally require high temperatures and long annealing times become more accessible at relatively low-temperatures because of the increased interfacial contact between the nanoparticle reactants. Metal nanoparticles, formed via reduction of metal salts in an aqueous solution and stabilized by PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), were mixed into nanoparticle composites in stoichometric proportions. The composite mixtures were then annealed at relatively low temperatures to form alloy and intermetallic compounds at or below 600 degrees C. This method was further extended to synthesizing multi-metal oxide systems by annealing metal oxide nanoparticle composites hundreds of degrees lower than more traditional methods. Nanoparticles of Pt (supported or unsupported) were added to a metal salt solution of tetraethylene glycol and heated to obtain alloy and intermetallic nanoparticles. The supported intermetallic nanoparticles were tested as catalysts and PtPb/Vulcan XC-72 showed enhanced catalytic activity for formic acid oxidation while Pt3Sn/Vulcan XC-72 and Cu3Pt/y-Al2O3 catalyzed CO oxidiation at lower temperatures than supported Pt. Intermetallic nanoparticles of Pd were synthesized by conversion chemistry methods previously mentioned and were supported on carbon and alumina. These nanoparticles were tested for Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. However; the homocoupled product was generally favored. The catalytic activity of Pd3Pb/y-Al2O3 was tested for the Heck reaction and gave results comparable to Pd/y-Al2O3 with a slightly better selectivity. Conversion chemistry techniques were used to convert Pt nanocubes into Ptbased intermetallic nanocrystals in solution. It was discovered that aggregated clusters of Pt nanoparticles were capable of converting to FePt3; however, when Pt nanocubes were used the intermetallic phase did not form. Alternatively, it was possible to form PtSn nanocubes by a conversion reaction with SnCl2.

Since the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) as the bacterial agent causing tuberculosis, the permanent eradication of this disease has proven challenging. Although a number of drugs exist for the treatment of tuberculosis, 1.7 million people still die every year from this infection. The current treatment regimen involves lengthy combination therapy with four different drugs in an effort to combat the development of resistance. However, multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains are emerging in all parts of the world. Therefore, new drugs effective in the treatment of tuberculosis are much-needed. The work presented in this thesis was focused on the early stages of drug discovery by applying different hit identification and hit expansion strategies in the exploration of two new potential drug targets, glutamine synthetase (GS) and 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR). A literature survey was first carried out to identify new Mtb GS inhibitors from compounds known to inhibit GS in other species. Three compounds, structurally unrelated to the typical amino acid derivatives of previously known GS inhibitors, were then discovered by virtual screening and found to be Mtb GS inhibitors, exhibiting activities in the millimolar range. Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine analogues were also investigated as Mtb GS inhibitors. The chemical functionality, size requirements and position of the substituents in the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine hit were investigated, and a chemical library was designed based on a focused hierarchical design of experiments approach. The X-ray structure of one of the inhibitors in complex with Mtb GS provided additional insight into the structure–activity relationships of this class of compounds. Finally, new α-arylated fosmidomycin analogues were synthesized as inhibitors of Mtb DXR, exhibiting IC50 values down to 0.8 µM. This work shows that a wide variety of aryl groups are tolerated by the enzyme. Cinnamaldehydes are important synthetic intermediates in the synthesis of fosmidomycin analogues. These were prepared by an oxidative Heck reaction from acrolein and various arylboronic acids. Electron-rich, electron-poor, heterocyclic and sterically hindered boronic acids could be employed, furnishing cinnamaldehydes in 43–92% yield.

A number of novel isoindoline nitroxides have been synthesised using a variety of synthetic techniques. Several carbon-carbon bond forming methodologies, including the first examples of Heck and Sonogashira coupling applied to the isoindoline nitroxide class, were utilised to give novel robust aromatic frameworks. Palladium-catalysed Heck coupling of brominated nitroxides and ester-substituted olefins generates novel nitroxides possessing extended conjugation. Hydrolysis of the nitroxide esters gave the corresponding carboxylic acids, which showed enhanced water solubility. Sonogashira coupling of an iodo-isoindoline nitroxide gave several novel alkynesubstituted nitroxides in high yield. Subsequent coupling of a deprotected ethynyl nitroxide with aromatic iodides gave acetylene-linked nitroxides and an acetylene linked nitroxide dimer. A butadiyne linked dinitroxide was successfully synthesised via Eglinton oxidative coupling of two ethynyl nitroxides. The synthesis of a novel water-soluble dicarboxy nitroxide was achieved by base hydrolysis of a dinitrile. Functional group interconversion furnished anhydride and imide substituted nitroxides from the diacid. Subjecting the imide to the Hofmann rearrangement gave an unexpected brominated amino-carboxy nitroxide. The dicarboxy nitroxide and the brominated amino-carboxy nitroxide were both shown to have a protective effect on Ataxia-Telangiectasia cells, indicating a possible role as antioxidants in the treatment of this disease. A fluorescein nitroxide was successfully synthesised through the condensation of the anhydride substituted nitroxide and resorcinol. After limited success using a variety of other techniques, Buchwald-Hartwig amination was able to furnish a rhodamine nitroxide, via a triflate-fluorescein nitroxide. The extended aromatic nitroxides possess suppressed fluorescence and we have described these systems as profluorescent. The profluorescent nitroxides were found to have significantly lower quantum yields than the non-radical analogues and displayed a substantial increase in fluorescence intensity upon radical trapping, making them useful probes for free radical reactions.

Le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit est consacré à la synthèse et à l'évaluation pharmacologique de quelques δ-valérolactones. Une première séquence réactionnelle a permis d'accéder aux analogues synthétiques des kavalactones avec de bons rendements en développant notamment des réactions de couplage par activation aux micro-ondes. Diverses modulations ont ensuite été réalisées par des couplages de type Heck, Suzuki et Sonogashira. Parallèlement une deuxième séquence réactionnelle a été mise au point au départ d'alcools allyliques en utilisant une réaction tandem isomérisation-aldolisation avec divers aldéhydes pour entrer différents substituants en position 3, 5 et 6 du cycle lactonique. Notre intérêt s'est aussi porté sur la chimie combinatoire, pour préparer des petites chimiothèques de δ-valérolactones. Nous avons utilisé le couplage de Heck suivi d'une aldolisation/lactonisation à partir d'un support fluoré. Les avantages de ce support fluoré ont permis de simplifier les étapes de purification. La séquence réactionnelle choisie n'a cependant été validée qu'en solution. Concernant l'aspect biologique, l'évaluation de l’activité cytotoxique in vitro de 34 δ-valérolactones seul un composé présente une cytotoxicité modérée sur les lignées cancéreuses B16 et A375M (CI50 < 10μM). Les effets inhibiteurs in vitro sur le sang total permettent de souligner l'intérêt thérapeutique éventuel de cette famille de molécules dans le traitement de l’inflammation. Enfin le test à l'acide acétique in vivo pour évaluer l’activité analgésique de quelques composés a montré une forte inhibition pour l'hétérocycle 131 (69,4%). / A pesquisa e desenvolvimento de medicamentos é um processo complexo e longo que se inicia com a pesquisa básica de um novo composto bioativo em modelos experimentais in vitro e pré-clinicos. Neste trabalho descreve-se a síntese de d-valerolactonas e avaliação biológica. Uma primeira rota sintética permitiu obter análogos das kavalactones com bons rendimentos através de reações de aldolisação e acoplamentos do tipo Heck e Suzuki com o auxílio do forno de microondas. Paralelamente outra estratégia sintética foi realizada através de modulações no anel aromático ligado ao núcleo lactônico, com reações do tipo Heck, Suzuki e Sonogashira, com excelentes rendimentos. Outra sequência reacional foi desenvolvida a partir de álcoois alílicos utilizando a reação conhecida como tandem isomerisação/aldolisação com diversos aldeídos obtendo lactonas substituídas em posição 3, 5 e 6 do ciclo lactônico. Objetivou-se também neste estudo, a partir do princípio da química combinatória, preparar uma pequena quimioteca de d-valerolactones. Para tanto se desenvolveu uma seqüência reacional a partir do suporte fluorado em função das vantagens deste método em relação à Síntese Orgânica em Fase Sólida (SOFS), esta rota sintética foi acompanhada em solução. No que se refere ao aspecto biológico, foram avaliados 35 compostos sintetizados sobre a atividade citotóxica. No entanto apenas um composto apresentou uma leve atividade (CI50 < 10μM) sobre as linhagens celulares testadas (A-375M e B16). Em relação à avaliação antiinflamatória in vitro observou-se atividade interessante sobre o composto 61 na inbição do TNFa no sangue total. A avaliação do potencial antinociceptivo dos 10 compostos testados (5, 129-137) demonstrou um perfil promissor, sendo que o composto 131 apresentou uma inibição mais expressiva (69,4%) em relação aos outros compostos. Os resultados químicos e biológicos promissores aqui demonstrados indicam a viabilidade em utilizar essa classe química estudada para encontrar substâncias mais ativas as quais podem representar uma nova entidade terapêutica. / This work describes the synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of various δ-valerolactone derivatives. We first prepared some kavalactone analogues in good yields using microwave-promoted palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions. Several modulations have been done using Heck, Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions. At the same time, we developed a synthetic pathway starting from allylic alcohols and involving a tandem isomerisation-aldolisation reaction with various aldehydes in order to introduce diversity at the C-3, C-5 and C-6 positions of the valerolactone. We focused on the combinatorial chemistry in order to obtain a library of δ-valerolactone derivatives. The Heck coupling was followed by an isomerisation-aldolisation reaction using a fluorated support. The purification steps were much easier using fluorated supports. However, so far this synthetic pathway is only valid in solution. We then tested 34 d-valerolactones analogues to determine their in vitro cytotoxic activity and discovered that one d-valerolactone was slightly active (CI50 < 10μM) on two cell lines (A-375M and B16). Moreover, the in vitro inhibitor effects on whole blood sample showed that δ-valerolactone derivatives might have an interesting antiinflammatory activity. Finally, the in vivo acetic acid test evaluating the analgesic activity of several compounds displayed a high inhibition for the heterocyclic 131 (69.4%).

Le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit est consacré à la synthèse et à l'évaluation pharmacologique de quelques δ-valérolactones. Une première séquence réactionnelle a permis d'accéder aux analogues synthétiques des kavalactones avec de bons rendements en développant notamment des réactions de couplage par activation aux micro-ondes. Diverses modulations ont ensuite été réalisées par des couplages de type Heck, Suzuki et Sonogashira. Parallèlement une deuxième séquence réactionnelle a été mise au point au départ d'alcools allyliques en utilisant une réaction tandem isomérisation-aldolisation avec divers aldéhydes pour entrer différents substituants en position 3, 5 et 6 du cycle lactonique. Notre intérêt s'est aussi porté sur la chimie combinatoire, pour préparer des petites chimiothèques de δ-valérolactones. Nous avons utilisé le couplage de Heck suivi d'une aldolisation/lactonisation à partir d'un support fluoré. Les avantages de ce support fluoré ont permis de simplifier les étapes de purification. La séquence réactionnelle choisie n'a cependant été validée qu'en solution. Concernant l'aspect biologique, l'évaluation de l’activité cytotoxique in vitro de 34 δ-valérolactones seul un composé présente une cytotoxicité modérée sur les lignées cancéreuses B16 et A375M (CI50 < 10μM). Les effets inhibiteurs in vitro sur le sang total permettent de souligner l'intérêt thérapeutique éventuel de cette famille de molécules dans le traitement de l’inflammation. Enfin le test à l'acide acétique in vivo pour évaluer l’activité analgésique de quelques composés a montré une forte inhibition pour l'hétérocycle 131 (69,4%). / A pesquisa e desenvolvimento de medicamentos é um processo complexo e longo que se inicia com a pesquisa básica de um novo composto bioativo em modelos experimentais in vitro e pré-clinicos. Neste trabalho descreve-se a síntese de d-valerolactonas e avaliação biológica. Uma primeira rota sintética permitiu obter análogos das kavalactones com bons rendimentos através de reações de aldolisação e acoplamentos do tipo Heck e Suzuki com o auxílio do forno de microondas. Paralelamente outra estratégia sintética foi realizada através de modulações no anel aromático ligado ao núcleo lactônico, com reações do tipo Heck, Suzuki e Sonogashira, com excelentes rendimentos. Outra sequência reacional foi desenvolvida a partir de álcoois alílicos utilizando a reação conhecida como tandem isomerisação/aldolisação com diversos aldeídos obtendo lactonas substituídas em posição 3, 5 e 6 do ciclo lactônico. Objetivou-se também neste estudo, a partir do princípio da química combinatória, preparar uma pequena quimioteca de d-valerolactones. Para tanto se desenvolveu uma seqüência reacional a partir do suporte fluorado em função das vantagens deste método em relação à Síntese Orgânica em Fase Sólida (SOFS), esta rota sintética foi acompanhada em solução. No que se refere ao aspecto biológico, foram avaliados 35 compostos sintetizados sobre a atividade citotóxica. No entanto apenas um composto apresentou uma leve atividade (CI50 < 10μM) sobre as linhagens celulares testadas (A-375M e B16). Em relação à avaliação antiinflamatória in vitro observou-se atividade interessante sobre o composto 61 na inbição do TNFa no sangue total. A avaliação do potencial antinociceptivo dos 10 compostos testados (5, 129-137) demonstrou um perfil promissor, sendo que o composto 131 apresentou uma inibição mais expressiva (69,4%) em relação aos outros compostos. Os resultados químicos e biológicos promissores aqui demonstrados indicam a viabilidade em utilizar essa classe química estudada para encontrar substâncias mais ativas as quais podem representar uma nova entidade terapêutica. / This work describes the synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of various δ-valerolactone derivatives. We first prepared some kavalactone analogues in good yields using microwave-promoted palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions. Several modulations have been done using Heck, Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions. At the same time, we developed a synthetic pathway starting from allylic alcohols and involving a tandem isomerisation-aldolisation reaction with various aldehydes in order to introduce diversity at the C-3, C-5 and C-6 positions of the valerolactone. We focused on the combinatorial chemistry in order to obtain a library of δ-valerolactone derivatives. The Heck coupling was followed by an isomerisation-aldolisation reaction using a fluorated support. The purification steps were much easier using fluorated supports. However, so far this synthetic pathway is only valid in solution. We then tested 34 d-valerolactones analogues to determine their in vitro cytotoxic activity and discovered that one d-valerolactone was slightly active (CI50 < 10μM) on two cell lines (A-375M and B16). Moreover, the in vitro inhibitor effects on whole blood sample showed that δ-valerolactone derivatives might have an interesting antiinflammatory activity. Finally, the in vivo acetic acid test evaluating the analgesic activity of several compounds displayed a high inhibition for the heterocyclic 131 (69.4%).

Le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit est consacré à la synthèse et à l'évaluation pharmacologique de quelques δ-valérolactones. Une première séquence réactionnelle a permis d'accéder aux analogues synthétiques des kavalactones avec de bons rendements en développant notamment des réactions de couplage par activation aux micro-ondes. Diverses modulations ont ensuite été réalisées par des couplages de type Heck, Suzuki et Sonogashira. Parallèlement une deuxième séquence réactionnelle a été mise au point au départ d'alcools allyliques en utilisant une réaction tandem isomérisation-aldolisation avec divers aldéhydes pour entrer différents substituants en position 3, 5 et 6 du cycle lactonique. Notre intérêt s'est aussi porté sur la chimie combinatoire, pour préparer des petites chimiothèques de δ-valérolactones. Nous avons utilisé le couplage de Heck suivi d'une aldolisation/lactonisation à partir d'un support fluoré. Les avantages de ce support fluoré ont permis de simplifier les étapes de purification. La séquence réactionnelle choisie n'a cependant été validée qu'en solution. Concernant l'aspect biologique, l'évaluation de l’activité cytotoxique in vitro de 34 δ-valérolactones seul un composé présente une cytotoxicité modérée sur les lignées cancéreuses B16 et A375M (CI50 < 10μM). Les effets inhibiteurs in vitro sur le sang total permettent de souligner l'intérêt thérapeutique éventuel de cette famille de molécules dans le traitement de l’inflammation. Enfin le test à l'acide acétique in vivo pour évaluer l’activité analgésique de quelques composés a montré une forte inhibition pour l'hétérocycle 131 (69,4%). / A pesquisa e desenvolvimento de medicamentos é um processo complexo e longo que se inicia com a pesquisa básica de um novo composto bioativo em modelos experimentais in vitro e pré-clinicos. Neste trabalho descreve-se a síntese de d-valerolactonas e avaliação biológica. Uma primeira rota sintética permitiu obter análogos das kavalactones com bons rendimentos através de reações de aldolisação e acoplamentos do tipo Heck e Suzuki com o auxílio do forno de microondas. Paralelamente outra estratégia sintética foi realizada através de modulações no anel aromático ligado ao núcleo lactônico, com reações do tipo Heck, Suzuki e Sonogashira, com excelentes rendimentos. Outra sequência reacional foi desenvolvida a partir de álcoois alílicos utilizando a reação conhecida como tandem isomerisação/aldolisação com diversos aldeídos obtendo lactonas substituídas em posição 3, 5 e 6 do ciclo lactônico. Objetivou-se também neste estudo, a partir do princípio da química combinatória, preparar uma pequena quimioteca de d-valerolactones. Para tanto se desenvolveu uma seqüência reacional a partir do suporte fluorado em função das vantagens deste método em relação à Síntese Orgânica em Fase Sólida (SOFS), esta rota sintética foi acompanhada em solução. No que se refere ao aspecto biológico, foram avaliados 35 compostos sintetizados sobre a atividade citotóxica. No entanto apenas um composto apresentou uma leve atividade (CI50 < 10μM) sobre as linhagens celulares testadas (A-375M e B16). Em relação à avaliação antiinflamatória in vitro observou-se atividade interessante sobre o composto 61 na inbição do TNFa no sangue total. A avaliação do potencial antinociceptivo dos 10 compostos testados (5, 129-137) demonstrou um perfil promissor, sendo que o composto 131 apresentou uma inibição mais expressiva (69,4%) em relação aos outros compostos. Os resultados químicos e biológicos promissores aqui demonstrados indicam a viabilidade em utilizar essa classe química estudada para encontrar substâncias mais ativas as quais podem representar uma nova entidade terapêutica. / This work describes the synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of various δ-valerolactone derivatives. We first prepared some kavalactone analogues in good yields using microwave-promoted palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions. Several modulations have been done using Heck, Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions. At the same time, we developed a synthetic pathway starting from allylic alcohols and involving a tandem isomerisation-aldolisation reaction with various aldehydes in order to introduce diversity at the C-3, C-5 and C-6 positions of the valerolactone. We focused on the combinatorial chemistry in order to obtain a library of δ-valerolactone derivatives. The Heck coupling was followed by an isomerisation-aldolisation reaction using a fluorated support. The purification steps were much easier using fluorated supports. However, so far this synthetic pathway is only valid in solution. We then tested 34 d-valerolactones analogues to determine their in vitro cytotoxic activity and discovered that one d-valerolactone was slightly active (CI50 < 10μM) on two cell lines (A-375M and B16). Moreover, the in vitro inhibitor effects on whole blood sample showed that δ-valerolactone derivatives might have an interesting antiinflammatory activity. Finally, the in vivo acetic acid test evaluating the analgesic activity of several compounds displayed a high inhibition for the heterocyclic 131 (69.4%).

[ES] Dado su tamaño subnanométrico, los clusters metálicos están regidos por el confinamiento cuántico, lo que les hace más "moleculares" y menos "metálicos". En consecuencia, manifiestan propiedades que difieren con respecto a las de partículas más grandes del mismo elemento, y que a menudo son ventajosas para la catálisis de reacciones específicas. Además, su menor tamaño los hace más económicos, con una mayor superficie expuesta. Todo ello hace que los clusters sean opciones muy interesantes en catálisis, y su estudio, síntesis y aplicación ha crecido continuamente desde su descubrimiento en los años 90. Esta tesis se ha centrado principalmente en el cobre, del que se presenta, en primer lugar, un estudio fundamental sobre la disociación de oxígeno por clusters de diferentes tamaños. Después, se explora computacionalmente la catálisis de las oxidaciones de CO y propeno, confirmando que los clusters de Cu5 (o inferior) son prometedores para reacciones de oxidación. Las dos reacciones utilizadas son buenos ejemplos de la aplicación potencial en industria, sea para reducir emisiones de CO o para producir epóxido de propeno, que es un intermedio importante en la producción de plásticos y adhesivos, entre otros. Además, también se estudió la influencia de dos soportes en los clusters de cobre y su capacidad de oxidación: N-grafeno como un sistema más inerte y ceria como uno que puede participar activamente en reacciones de oxidación. Finalmente, se incluyen otros dos estudios más específicos, sobre la capacidad de los clusters de Pt3 y Pd3 para catalizar reaciones de acoplamiento C-C como la reacción de Heck, importante para la síntesis de productos de la química fina, y sobre la reacción CO + NO en clusters de Pt, motivado por su uso potencial como catalizadores para la conversión de esas especies en los menos perjudiciales CO2 y N2 en motores de combustión interna. / [CA] Atès que són de grandària subnanomètrica, els clusters metàl·lics estan regits pel confinament quàntic, el qual els fa més "moleculars" i menys "metàl·lics". En conseqüència, manifesten propietats que són diferents a les de partícules més grans del mateix element, i que sovint són avantatjoses per a la catàlisi de reaccions específiques. A més a més, la seua menor grandària fa que siguen més econòmics, amb una major superfície exposada. Així, els clusters són una opció molt interesant en catàlisi, i el seu estudi, síntesi i aplicació ha cres-cut contínuament des del seu descobriment als anys 90. Aquesta tesi s'ha centrat principalment en el coure, del qual es presenta, en primer lloc, un estudi fonamental sobre la dissociació de l'oxígen per clusters de diferents grandàries. Després, s'explora computacionalment la catàlisi de les oxidacions de CO i de propè, confirmant que els clusters de Cu5 (o inferior) són prometedors per a reaccions d'oxidació. Les dues reaccions utilitzades són bons exemples de l'aplicació potencial en indústria, siga per reduir emissions de CO o per produir epòxid de propè, que és un intermedi important en la producció de plàstics i adhesius, entre altres. A més, també es va estudiar la influència de dos suports en els clusters de coure i la seua capacitat d'oxidació: N-grafè com a un sistema més inert i cèria com a un que pot participar activament en reaccions d'oxidació. Finalment, s'inclouen altres dos estudis més específics, sobre la capacitat dels clusters de Pt3 y Pd3 per catalitzar reaccions d'acoblament C-C com la reacció de Heck, important per a la síntesi de productes de la química fina, i sobre la reacció CO + NO als clusters de Pt, motivat pel seu ús potencial com a catalitzadors per a la conversió d'eixes espècies en els menys perjudicials CO2 i N2 als motors de combustió interna. / [EN] Due to their subnanometric size, metal clusters belong to the regime affected by quantum confinement, which makes them more "molecular" and less "metallic". As a result, they exhibit properties that differ with respect to those of larger particles of the same element, and which are often advantageous in the catalysis of specific reactions. Besides, their smaller size makes them more economic and with a higher surface exposed. All of this renders metal clusters very interesting options for catalysis, and their study, synthesis and application has steadily increased since their discovery in the 90s. In this work we have largely focused on copper, of which a fundamental study on the oxygen dissociation by clusters of different sizes is first presented. Then, the catalysis of the CO and propene oxidation reactions is theoretically explored, confirming that Cu5 (or smaller) clusters are promising systems for oxidation reactions. The two reactions used are good examples of the potential application in industry, either to reduce CO emissions or to produce propene epoxide, an important intermediate in the production of plastics and adhesives, among others. In addition, the influence of two supports in the copper clusters and their oxidation capability is explored: on N-graphene as a more inert system and on ceria as one that can actively participate in oxidation reactions. Finally, two other more specific studies are included, regarding the capability of Pt3 and Pd3 clusters to undergo C-C coupling reactions such as the Heck reaction, important for the synthesis of many products of fine chemistry, and regarding the CO + NO reaction on Pt clusters, motivated by their potential use as catalysts for the conversion of those species in less harmful CO2 and N2 in internal combustion engines. / En primer lugar me gustaría agradecer al Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad de España (MINECO) por la financiación de esta tesis mediante el programa Severo Ochoa (SVP-2013-068146), incluyendo los costes adicionales de mi estancia de investigación (EEBB-I-17-12057). / Fernández Villanueva, E. (2019). Theoretical Study of the Geometrical, Electronic and Catalytic properties of Metal Clusters and Nanoparticles [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/135277 / TESIS