Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study comprises the synthesis and characterisation of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of group 10 metals with the main focus on such complexes with the nucleophilic N-atom in a position further than the α-position from the carbene carbon atom. These compounds were synthesised by the initial alkylation of quinoline- and acridine derivatives followed by the oxidative addition of the resulting salts to the complexes M(PPh3)4 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt). To complete the study an investigation of the catalytic activity and stability of such compounds in C,C-coupling catalysis was conducted. The carbene ligands used differed with respect to the position of the N-atom relative to the carbene carbon atom as well as with respect to substituents. The oxidative addition of the quinolinium- and acridiniumchloride salts to Ni(PPh3)4 was initially problematic. The desired product formed only in small amounts and could not be isolated easily. However, by replacing toluene with more polar THF as solvent, the nickel complexes could be synthesised in high yield without any indication of decomposition. Oxidative addition to Pt(PPh3)4 also yielded the desired product, although a number of by-products were formed as well. The molecular structure of trans-chloro(1,3-dimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline-2-ylidene)-bis(triphenylphosphine) platinum(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate could nevertheless be determined by X-ray crystallography. The new one-N, six membered, heterocyclic carbene complexes were all unambiguously characterised by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. The carbene character of the complexes was corroborated by a large downfield chemical shift (δ 203 – 230) of the carbene carbon atoms in their 13C NMR spectra. The analyses furthermore indicated that with the exception of cis-chloro(1-methyl-3-phenyl-1,4-dihydroquinoline-4- ylidene)bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) hexafluorophosphate, all the palladium, nickel and platinum complexes exhibit a trans arrangement of the PPh3 ligands. Both the cis- and the trans isomers of the complexes, chloro(1,3-dimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline-2-ylidene)- bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) tetrafluoroborate and chloro-(1,3-dimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline- 2-ylidene)bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) trifluoromethanesulphonate are, however, present in solution. The molecular structure of both isomers were determined by Xray crystallography. Crystallographic studies revealed that the new family of cationic complexes exist in a slightly distorted square planar environment with the carbene ligand orientated almost perpendicular to this plane. The metal-carbene bond lengths are insensitive to variations in the substituents on the carbene ligands and are therefore not a suitable parameter to distinguish between the strengths of these bonds. The N-heterocyclic carbene ligands with the N-atom removed from the carbene carbon atom by three bonds, exhibit a greater trans influence in the palladium complexes than those with the N-atom in the α-position. This is an indication of the better σ-donor ability of the former. A significant difference in the Ni-Cl bond lengths could, however, not be detected. The catalytic activity of the new synthesised palladium and nickel complexes in the Mizoroki- Heck and Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions, were investigated. The palladium complexes tested show potential as precatalysts for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction, although relatively high temperatures were needed to effect coupling, while coupling of aryl chlorides did not occur at all. The trans-chloro(1,2-dimethyl-1,4-dihydroquinoline-4-ylidene)bis(triphenylphosphine)- palladium(II) trifluoromethanesulphonate complex also displayed high activity in the C,Ccoupling of bromofluorene with arylboronic acids in the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. It even yielded high conversions in instances where sterically hindered aryl halides were used. The trans-chloro(1,2-dimethyl-1,4-dihydroquinoline-4-ylidene)bis(triphenylphosphine)- nickel(II) trifluoromethanesulphonate complex catalyses the coupling of sterically hindered arylbromides as well as arylchlorides to arylboronic acids. By further optimising the reaction conditions and increasing the streric bulk of the carbene ligands, even better results in both the Mizoroki-Heck and the Suzuki-Miyaura reactions are expected. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie behels die sintese en karakterisering van N-heterosikliese karbeenkomplekse van groep 10 metale. Daar is veral gefokus op N-heterosikliese karbeenligande waarin die nukleofiele N-atoom verder as die α-posisie vanaf van die karbeenkoolstofatoom verwyder is. Die betrokke komplekse is gesintetiseer deur die alkilering van kinolien- en akridienderivate, gevolg deur die oksidatiewe addisie van die resulterende soute aan die komplekse M(PPh3)4 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt). Om die studie af te rond is die katalitiese aktiwiteit van dié komplekse in C,C-koppelingsreaksies ondersoek. Karbeenligande wat slegs een nukleofiele stikstofatoom besit en verskil ten opsigte van die posisie van dié atoom relatief tot die karbeenkoolstofatoom asook substituente aan die ligand, is gebruik. Die oksidatiewe addisie van die kinoliniumchloried- en akridiniumchloriedsoute aan Ni(PPh3)4 het aanvanklik probleme opgelewer, sodat slegs ’n klein hoeveelheid van die verlangde produk, wat moeilik isoleerbaar was, gevorm het. Deur egter ’n meer polêre oplosmiddel, THF, in plaas van tolueen te gebruik, kon die nikkelkomplekse met goeie opbrengs en sonder enige aanduiding van ontbinding, berei word. Oksidatiewe addisie aan Pt(PPh3)4 het die verlangde produk gelewer, alhoewel ’n aantal neweprodukte ook gevorm het. Ten spyte hiervan is daarin geslaag om die molekulêre struktuur van trans-chloro(1,3- dimetiel-1,2-dihidrokinolien-2-ilideen)bis(trifenielfosfien)platinum(II) trifluorometaansulfonaat kristallografies te bepaal. Die nuwe gesintetiseerde een-N, seslid, heterosikliese karbeenkomplekse is deur KMRspektroskopie, massaspektrometrie en X-straalkristallografie eenduidig gekarakteriseer. Die karbeenkarakter van die komplekse is bevestig deur die ver veldafwaartse chemiese verskuiwing (δ 203 - 230) van die karbeenkoolstofatoom in die 13C-KMR-spektra. Die analises toon ook dat, met die uitsondering van cis-chloro(1-metiel-3-feniel-1,4- dihidrokinolien-4-ilideen)bis(trifenielfosfien)palladium(II) heksafluorofosfaat, al die palladium-, nikkel- en platinumkomplekse ’n trans-rangskikking van die PPh3-ligande besit. Die cis- sowel as die trans-isomere van die palladiumkomplekse chloro(1,3-dimetiel-1,2- dihidrokinolien-2-ilideen)bis(trifenielfosfien)palladium(II) tetrafluoroboraat en chloro(1,3- dimetiel-1,2-dihidrokinolien-2-ilideen)bis(trifenielfosfien)palladium(II) trifluorometaansulfonaat, is in oplossing teenwoordig en die molekulêre struktuur van albei isomere is kristallografies bepaal. Dit is vasgestel dat al die kationiese komplekse in ’n effens verwronge vierkantvlakomgewing, met die karbeenligand byna loodreg op dié vlak, voorkom. Die metaal-karbeenbindingslengtes is onsensitief teenoor ’n variasie in die substituente gebind aan die karbeenligande en dit is nie ’n handige parameter om tussen die sterktes van dié bindings te differensieer nie. Die N-heterosikliese karbeenligande waarvan die N-atoom in ’n posisie drie bindings van die karbeenkoolstofatoom af voorkom, toon ’n effens sterker trans-invloed as die ligande met ’n α-stikstofatoom in die palladiumkomplekse. Dit is ’n aanduiding dat eersgenoemde ligande beter σ-donor eienskappe besit. Die nikkelkomplekse verskil egter nie betekenisvol ten opsigte van hul Ni-Cl bindingslengtes nie. Die katalitiese aktiwiteit en stabiliteit van die nuwe reekse palladium- en nikkelkomplekse is in Mizoroki-Heck en Suzuki-Miyaura-koppelingsreaksies ondersoek. Ofskoon relatief hoë temperature nodig is om koppeling te bewerkstellig en die komplekse nie koppeling van ’n arielchloried met butielakrilaat kataliseer nie, toon die palladiumkomplekse tóg potensiaal as prekatalisatore in die Mizoroki-Heck-reaksie. Die kompleks, trans-chloro(1,2-dimetiel-1,4- dihidrokinolien-4-ilideen)bis(trifenielfosfien)paladium(II) trifluorometaansulfonaat, toon ook uitstekende katalitiese aktiwiteit in die C,C-koppeling van bromofluoreen met arielboorsure in die Suzuki-Miyaura-koppelingsreaksie. Hierdie kompleks kataliseer selfs die koppeling van steries gehinderde arielhaliede met arielboorsure. Die kompleks trans-chloro(1,2-dimetiel- 1,4-dihidrokinolien-4-ilideen)bis(trifenielfosfien)nikkel(II) trifluorometaansulfonaat, bemiddel koppeling van arielbromied-, sowel as steries gehinderde arielchloriedsubstrate aan arielboorsure. Selfs beter resultate in die Mizoroki-Heck- sowel as die Suzuki-Miyaurakoppelingsreaksies word verwag deur verdere optimalisering van die reaksiekondisies en die inbouing van groter steriese hindering in die ligande.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Benzoxazoles are an important class of π-electron-excessive, benzene-fused heterocyclic compounds found in natural products and display a wide range of pharmacological applications. It is therefore a widely used starting scaffold for drug and agrochemical discovery programs. Other applications include: chiral auxiliaries in asymmetric reactions, chiral receptors for the resolution of racemic mixtures, fluorescent whitening dyes, various photochromic materials and as ligands for a wide range of catalytic reactions. Due to our interests in resorcinarenes, we came across 4-hydroxybenzoxazoles, a structural motif that has not been explored as potential asymmetric ligands. In this thesis it was attempted to investigate the synthesis, functionalisation and coordination chemistry of these compound class and finally look at a method of synthesising chiral 4-hydroxybenzoxazoles from amino acids. A small library of achiral 4-hydroxybenzoxazoles were synthesised in good yields. These compounds were then reacted with various transition metals, of which only the Pd-salts proved to return any usable compounds. The first structural evidence of the bonding of 4- hydroxybenzoxazoles was recorded from single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the coordination compounds that formed. Different coordination modes were recorded, depending on the ligand and the Pd-salt used. The PdCl2 compounds were also tested for catalytic activity with a Heck reaction, showing good conversions for the reaction between iodobenzene and styrene to form stilbene. Further examination pointed to the ligands playing an insignificant role in the reaction and the products possibly due to only the PdCl2’s reactivity. During this period it was also attempted to functionalise the phenol group with P(III) groups and repeat the coordination and catalytic studies. Efforts to synthesise these compounds were not successful, with oxidation of the P(III) to P(V) groups or degradation of these compounds. Efforts to synthesise these via phosphorous protection, utilising BH3 or the in situ trapping of the compounds with transition metals, were also not successful. During the trapping experiments the phosphinite and Pd-salt formed a re-arranged product that is a known and useful catalyst on its own. Finally a small library of chiral benzoxazoles and 4-hydroxybenzoxazoles were synthesised, starting from amino acids and utilising a Mitsunobu reaction to perform the ring closing. Antimicrobial tests with these compounds did not return any appreciable results. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Bensoksasool is 'n belangrike klas van π-elektron-ryk, benseen-saamgesmelte heterosikliese verbindings wat in natuurlike produkte voorkom en 'n wye verskeidenheid van farmakologiese funksies vertoon. Dit is dus 'n baie algemene basis struktuur vir dwelm- en landbouchemiese ontdekkings programme. Ander gebruike sluit in: chirale ligande in asimmetriese reaksies, chirale reseptore vir die resolusie van rasemiese mengsels, fluoresserende verwittings kleurstowwe, verskeie fotochromiese materiaal en as ligande vir 'n wye verskeidenheid van katalitiese reaksies. As gevolg van ons belangstelling in resorsinarene, het ons op 'n strukturele motief afgekom wat nog nie ondersoek is as potensiële asimmetriese ligande nie, die 4- hidroksiebensoksasole. In hierdie tesis is gepoog om die sintese, funksionalisering en koördinasie chemie van hierdie klas verbindings te ondersoek en uiteindelik 'n metode te ontwikkel om die sintese van chirale 4-hidroksiebensoksasole vanaf aminosure te bewerkstellig. 'n Klein biblioteek van achirale 4-hidroksiebensoksasole was gesintetiseer in goeie opbrengste. Hierdie verbindings was toe behandel met verskeie oorgangsmetale, waarvan slegs die Pdsoute enige bruikbare verbindings gevorm het. Die eerste strukturele bewyse van die binding van die 4-hidroksiebensoksasole is aangeteken met behulp van enkelkristal X-straaldiffraksie ontleding van die koördinasieverbindings wat gevorm is. Verskillende koördinasie mode is aangeteken, afhangende van die ligand en die Pd-sout wat gebruik was. Die PdCl2 verbindings is ook vir katalitiese aktiwiteit met 'n Heck reaksie getoets. Die reaksie het baie goeie omskakeling gewys vir die reaksie tussen iodobenseen en stireen na stilbeen. Verdere ondersoeke het getoon dat die ligande nie ‘n beduidende rol in die reaksie speel nie en die produkte moontlik slegs as gevolg van die PdCl2 se reaktiwiteit is. Gedurende hierdie tydperk was daar ook probeer om die fenol groep met P(III) groepe te funksionaliseer. Met die uitgangstowwe sou die koördinering en katalitiese studies herhaal word. Pogings om hierdie verbindings te sintetiseer was nie suksesvol nie, met oksidasie van die P(III) na P(V) groepe of afbreking van hierdie verbindings. Pogings om dit te sintetiseer via fosfor beskermingstegnieke, deur gebruik te maak van BH3 of die in situ vasvang van die verbindings met oorgangsmetale, was ook nie suksesvol nie. Gedurende die vasvang eksperimente het die fosfien en PdCl2 ‘n herrangskikkings-produk gevorm wat op sy eie ‘n bekende en nuttige katalisator is. Ten slotte was 'n klein biblioteek van chirale bensoksasole en 4-hidroksiebensoksasole gesintetiseer, vanaf aminosure. Om die ringsluiting te bewerkstellig was ‘n Mitsunobu reaksie gebruik. Antimikrobiese toetse met hierdie verbindings het nie enige noemenswaardige resultate opgelewer nie.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Cancer is the leading cause of death on the planet, killing an estimated 8.2 million people in the year of 2012.The disease is associated with two families of genes, namely oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. The hallmarks of cancer pathogenesis include gene amplification, point mutations or chromosomal rearrangements within these genes. Kinases are responsible for the reversible phosphorylation of proteins, which plays a significant and extensive role in cellular signal transduction. Aberrant kinase activity provokes overexpression, mutations and chromosomal translocation and results in the onset of onco- and tumorogenesis, ultimately leading to cancer. Inactivation of this class of enzyme is thus critical as it would result in the suppression of these unwanted activities. For this, researchers have developed kinase inhibitors, specifically targeting these proteins and thus inhibiting signal transduction pathways and tumour growth. This has resulted in great successes, particularly in the case of the commercial inhibitor, imatinib. However, resistance to approved therapeutic agents through mutations has resulted in the search for more potent and selective inhibitors to overcome these obstacles. This project involved the synthesis of bioactive heterocycles linked to 1,2,3-triazoles using either a C-C or C-N bond forming strategy. The synthetic methodology followed included the use of Sonogashira coupling reactions between3-bromoquinoline, 7-chloro-4-iodoquinoline, 4-bromoisoquinolineand5-bromoisoquinolineand trimethylsilylacetylene (TMSA), followed by deprotection of the TMS group to yield heterocycles bearing terminal alkynes. The synthesis of both benzyl azide and 2-(azidomethyl)pyridine as azide fragments, allowed for subsequent coupling of the synthesized azide and alkyne fragments through copper-mediated click chemistry, affording a library of 1,4-substituted 1,2,3-triazole based reversible kinase inhibitors. Synthesis of a second library of o-, m- and p-substituted nitro benzyl azides, allowed for both copper- and ruthenium-mediated click reactions, between the alkynes and nitro benzyl azides synthesized, to yield 1,4- and 1,5-substituted 1,2,3-triazoles, respectively. Finally, reduction of the incorporated o-, m- and p- substituted nitro group, and acylation of the resultant amine with acryloyl chloride, resulted in the incorporation of the important Michael acceptor moiety required for irreversible inhibition. This afforded a library of both reversible and potential irreversible triazole-based kinase inhibitors through efficient copper- and ruthenium-mediated click chemistry. Biological screening and activity assays against the wildtype, and two mutated forms of the EGFR kinase, were undertaken with these synthesized compounds.A number of synthesized inhibitors showed good selectivity for the mutated forms of the EGFR kinase only.The most potent inhibitor N-{2-{[4-(isoquinolin-4-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]methyl}phenyl}acrylamide,displayed efficacy in the low μM range - comparable to that of the FDA approved drug, gefitinib. The synthetic methodology derived in this project could be applied to the use of biological space probes with further investigatory research. Furthermore, from the biological screening results obtained, and the selectivity profile shown by these inhibitors, the synthesis of a second generation library of compounds is an additional research possibility. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kanker is die hoof oorsaak van sterftes ter wêreld, wat verantwoordelik is vir die dood van ongeveer 8.2 miljoen mense in die jaar 2012. Die siekte word geassosieer met twee geenfamilies, naamlik onkogene en gewasonderdrukkingsgene. Die kenmerke van kanker pathiogene behels geenversterking, puntmutasies of chromosomale herrangskikking binne in die gene. Kinase is verantwoordelik vir die omkeerbare fosforilering van proteine wat 'n uiters belangrike rol in sellulere sein transduksie speel. Abnormale kinase aktiwiteit lei tot ooruitdrukking, mutasies en chromosomale translokasie wat tot die ontwikkeling van onko- en gewasgroei en wat eindelik tot kanker lei. Deaktivering van die klas van ensieme is dus krities want dit sal die ongewenste abnormale aktiwiteite onderdruk. As gevolg van die bogenoemde, het navorsers kinase inhibeerders ontwikkel wat die spesifieke protein teiken en hiermee die sein transduksie roete asook gewas groei inhibeer. Hiermee het die sukses van inhibeerders veral die kommersiele inhibeerder, imatinib, grootliks toegeneem. Oor die afgelope jare het die belangstelling in die ontwikkeling van meer selektiewe en kragtige inhibeerders toegeneem as gevolg van die weerstand wat goedgekeurde terapeutiese middels opbou. In hierdie projek is daar gebruik gemaak van 'n C-C of C-N bindingsvorming strategie om bioaktiewe heterosikliese molekules te sintetiseer wat gekoppel is aan 1,2,3-triasool funksionele groepe. Die sintetiese metode maak gebruik van Sonogashira reaksies vir die 3-bromo-kwinolien, 7-chloro-4-iodokwinolien, 4-bromoisokwinolien en 5-bromoisokwinolien met trimetielsilielasetileen (TMSA), gevolg met die ontskerming van die TMS-groep om die terminale alkyn op die heterosiklusse te ontbloot. Die asied fragmente, bensiel asied en 2-(asidometiel)piridien, was toe gesintetiseer om met die gevormde heterosiklus alkyne 'n koper ondersteunende kliek chemie te ondergaan. 'n Reeks van 1,4-digesubstitueerde 1,2,3-triasool gebaseerde omkeerbare kinase inhibitore is toe gevorm. 'n Tweede reeks met o-, m-, en p- gesubtitueerde nitro bensiel asiede was gesintetiseer om 1,4- en 1,5- digesubtitueerde 1,2,3-triasole te sintetiseer met behulp van koper- en ruthenium ondersteunende kliek chemie. Laastens was die o-, m-, en p- nitro groepe gereduseer om 'n primêre amien te vorm. Die gevormende amien het 'n asileringsreaksie met akriloïel chloried ondergaan om die kern, die Michael akseptor, te inkorporeer. Die Michael akseptor word benodig om 'n onomkeerbare inhibitoriese aktiwiteit te kan uitvoer. Die projek het dus met behulp van kliek chemie, twee 1,2,3-triasool reekse gelewer wat omkeerbare en onomkeerbare inhibitoriese aktiwiteit kan uitvoer. Die verbindings gesintetiseerd in hierdie projek het keuringstoetse ondergaan teen die wilde tipe en teen twee gemuteerde forme van die EGFR kinase ensiem. Van hierdie verbindings het goeie selektiwiteit vertoon teenoor die gemuteerde EGFR kinase ensiem. Die mees aktiewe inhibeerder, N-{2-{[4-isokwinolin-4-iel)-1H-1,2,3-triasool-1-iel]feniel}akrielamied, het aktiwiteit in die lae μM reeks vertoon. Dié inhibisie waarde is vergelykbaar met die FDA goedgekeurde medikasie, gefitinib. In hierdie projek is sintetiese metodes ontwikkel wat toegepas kan word op meer intensiewe biologiese ondersoeke en asook meer navorsing. Die resultate vekry van die biologiese aktiwiteit, asook die verbindings se selektiwiteit, gee die moontlikheid vir die ontwikkeling en sintese van 'n tweede generasie verbindings.

published_or_final_version / Chemistry / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / Chemistry / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

No description available.

The synthesis of p-lactams has been of foremost importance since the discovery of penicillin by Sir Alexander Fleming, in 1928, and its susequent structure elucidation in 1945. Ethyl N-2-bromo-alkylcarbamates show considerable potential as precursors to p- lactams. In the past, p-lactams have been prepared by many methods, none of which have involved 2-3 bond formation. The proposed ring closure using ethyl N-2-bromoalkylcarbamate involves 2-3 bond formation, making this method of synthesis novel. This work describes two attempted methods of cyclisation. The first using a Grignard reagent, and the second, using abstraction of an acidic proton a to a phosphonate group. These methods of intramolecular cyclisation were based on analogous intermolecular additions, which are also described. The second method was also used to determine the general potential of ethyl N-bromo- alkylcarbamtes as precursors to other heterocyclic systems. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001. / NRF & NRF/DEA & T.

The research on phosphorus-chalcogen compounds enjoys a long tradition in the field of inorganic chemistry, which has led to applications such as strike-anywhere matches, precursors for metal chalcogenide thin films and versatile reagents in organic synthesis. Whereas a wide range of phosphorus-sulfur and -selenium systems is known, the literature lacks information about compounds incorporating phosphorus-tellurium bonds. This thesis describes fundamental studies that develop the basic understanding of the synthesis of phosphorus-tellurium systems and the structural characteristics of these species. The focus will be on cyclic structural motifs as these offer novel bonding modes and often an interesting reactivity. In addition, the novel compounds are compared with the properties of the sulfur and selenium analogues. Three different approaches were developed to stabilise and study compounds incorporating phosphorus-tellurium bonds: a) Stabilisation of binary organophosphorus-tellurium heterocycles by bulky substituents, b) the utilisation of P₂N₂ rings based on the dianions [{EP(NtBu)(μ-NtBu)}₂]²⁻ (E = S, Se, Te) and c) the peri-substitution of phosphorus and tellurium atoms on an acenaphthene backbone. The use of sterically demanding substituents led to the isolation of the first series of structurally characterised organophosphorus(III)-tellurium heterocycles of the type (RP)[sub]nTe[sub]m including three- to six-membered ring systems. The mild oxidation of [{EP(NtBu)(μ-NtBu)}₂]²⁻ (E = S, Se, Te) with iodine yielded macrocyclic (S, Se) or oligomeric systems (Te). Furthermore, a collection of novel P₂N₂-supported phosphorus-chalcogen heterocycles incorporating main group elements was synthesised employing [{EP(NtBu)(μ-NtBu)}₂]²⁻ (E = S, Se, Te) in metathetical reactions with main group element halides. Extension of this approach to transition metal halides generated some unusual metallocycles, as well as macrocycles and ladders incorporating coinage metals. The first peri-substituted phosphorus-tellurium species were studied regarding their interatomic and intermolecular forces. Systems of the general formula RTe–Acenap–P(iPr)₂ were shown to exhibit extensive through-space spin-spin coupling. In addition, the influence of oxidation and complexation on these interactions was investigated and the formation of peri-substituted phosphorus-tellurium cations exhibiting P–Te bonds was observed.

Experimental mole fraction solubilities of benzil, thianthrene, trans-stilbene, thioxanthen-9-one, diphenyl sulfone and dibenzothiophene sulfone are determined in pure noncomplexing and complexing solvents. Predicted solubility values are calculated for benzil, thianthrene, trans-stilbene and thioxanthen-9-one using expressions derived from Mobile Order theory. Large deviations between experimental and predicted solubilities in alcohol solvents exist, therefore optimized solute - solvent association constants are determined. Previously measured thianthrene solubilities in five binary alkane + cyclohexane solvent mixtures are compared with values predicted from Mobile Order theory using the measured solubility in each of the pure solvents as input parameters. The experimental mole fraction solubility of benzil in eight binary alcohol + 1-octanol solvent mixtures are also measured and compared with predicted values.

The research in this thesis describes an asymmetric pericyclic cascade approach to the synthesis of a range of enantioenriched oxindoles using enantiopure oxazolidine derived nitrones and disubstituted ketenes. Chapter 1 aims to place this work in the context of the literature, describing other commonly employed or state-of-the-art asymmetric approaches to oxindoles and related compounds. Examples of where these approaches have been used successfully in the total synthesis of related indole alkaloids are also presented. The conception of this project within the group is also described alongside initial attempts to develop the first enantioselective variant of the same reaction using nitrone chiral auxiliaries. Chapter 2 details the optimisation of this asymmetric oxindole forming reaction by structural variation of the nitrone component, culminating in the preparation of an N-TIPBS nitrone based on an oxazolidine framework, which proved to be optimal for this process. Also detailed are attempts to gain insight towards the mechanism of this transformation and to understand the mode of chirality transfer. Chapter 3 details the use of the N-TIPBS nitrone scaffold as a transmitter of chiral information in the synthesis of 3-alkyl-3-aryloxindoles and spirocyclic oxindoles. Chapter 4 delineates the mechanism of this transformation as a pericyclic cascade process. The key stereo-determining features are discussed including the conformational preferences of such chiral oxazolidine derived nitrones and the influence of the N-protecting group on the stereochemical outcome. Synthetic endeavours to provide evidence as to the validity of this computational mechanistic rationale are also presented. Chapter 5 describes regioselectivity studies, and tolerance of both the racemic and asymmetric reactions to varying substitution on the nitrone N-aryl ring. Initial studies were undertaken using achiral nitrones before the interplay between regio- and stereoselectivity was explored, initially with enantiopure N-Boc Garner's aldehyde derived nitrones, and further with N-TIPBS nitrones. Chapter 6 initially describes attempts to transform this chiral auxiliary methodology into a catalytic asymmetric protocol, by investigating in situ ketene formation via various strategies including activation of carboxylic acids. Also described are investigations into related nitrone-ketenimine cycloadditions, and related [3+2] nitrone cycloadditions. Chapter 7 describes the application of this methodology toward the synthesis of compounds with biological relevance. The concise asymmetric synthesis of a Roche anti-cancer agent is outlined, as is the extension of this methodology to the synthesis of indole alkaloid-like species. Finally, the attempted application of this methodology toward the asymmetric synthesis of (+)-gliocladin C is outlined.