Silylamide ligands have been used throughout the Periodic Table since the 1960s. They have delivered landmark complexes by providing the first three co-ordinate f-element complexes, the first trigonal planar f-element complexes and the first near-linear f-element complexes. This area is reviewed in Chapter 2.Herein, this work presents the first uses of several novel bis-silylamide ligands developed at Manchester which take the form {N(SiR3)2} where R = Me, iPr or tBu to afford four novel ligands: N ʹ, {N(SiMe3)(SiiPr3)}; N**, {N(SitBuMe2)2}; N* {N(SitBuMe2)(SiiPr3)}; and N , {N(SiiPr3)2}. Group 1 and 2 complexes of all of these ligands are presented along with the previously reported N*ʹ [N*ʹ = {N(SitBuMe2)(SiMe3)}]; which show variable bonding motifs based on the steric bulk. The N** and N ligands have formed the bulk of the work presented and were used to stabilise the first trigonal planar actinide complex [U(N**)3], as well as the first near-linear Ln(II) (Ln = lanthanide) complexes [Ln(N )2] (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb, Tm). Additionally the trigonal planar Ln(II) complexes [K(2.2.2-cryptand)][Ln(N**)3] (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb, Tm) have also been synthesised to compare the physicochemical properties of trigonal planar and near-linear geometries on the same elements with similar ligands.

Neste trabalho são descritas a preparação e caracterização dos compostos de adição, resultantes das reações de diferentes sais hidratados do tipo Ln (FS)3 (onde Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu e Y; e FS = trifluorometanossulfonato) com o óxido de tioxano (TSO). A estequiometria dos compostos formados foi investigada através de análise elementar para os diferentes íons, carbono e hidrogênio. Os resultados obtidos determinaram a presença de 7,5 moles do ligante para um mol do sal de partida. Portanto, a fórmula geral para todos produtos é Ln(FS)3.7,5TSO. A estrutura dos compostos foi investigada por espectroscopia de absorção nas regiões do infravermelho e do visível e de emissão no visível. Através do espectro de infravermelho verificamos que o ligante está coordenado ao metal central através do grupo sulfóxido. Outras informações relevantes são concernentes ao ânion; em todos os espectros é verificado um desdobramento nas frequências de estiramento vSO3, bem como pequenos deslocamentos para maiores frequências dos estiramentos C-O-C. O espectro de absorção na região do visível foi obtido apenas para o composto Nd(FS)3.7,5TSO no estado sólido e nas temperaturas ambiente e do nitrogênio líquido. A característica principal desses espectros é a presença das transições hipersensitivas. Nossa análise resulta na atribuição de uma simetria não cúbica para o composto. Além disso, esses espectros permitem o cálculo de outros parâmetros relevantes, tais como β, δ e b1/2. Num experimento paralelo, o espectro de Nd(FS)3.7,5TSO foi obtido em solução de nitrometano. Os resultados nos permitiram calcular a força do oscilador. O espectro de emissão foi obtido exclusivamente para o derivado de európio. O espectro foi registrado nas temperaturas ambiente e do nitrogênio líquido do composto no estado sólido. As transições mais relevantes e presentes nesse espectro foram 5D0→ 7F1 e 5D0→ 7F2. Com base nas tabelas de Forsberg e na estequiometria do composto, sugerimos que o grupo pontual mais provável é D3d. É possível também racionalizar os resultados como indicativos de uma geometria do composto como um octaedro biencapuzado. Estas condições foram estendidas para todos os compostos, uma vez que toda a série é isomorfa, como foi indicado pelos diagramas de raios-X (método do pó). Além disso, outras propriedades, tais como pontos de fusão e condutância eletrolítica foram medidas e são discutidas. / This work describes the preparation and characterization of addition compounds prepared by reacting hydrated salts of Ln(FS)3 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and Y; and FS = trifluoromethanesulfonate) with thioxane oxide (TSO). Metal, in carbon and hydrogen analysis on the adducts obtained revealed that the molecular formula for the all series is Ln(FS)3.7,5TSO. The structure of these compounds were investigated by emission and absorption spectroscopy in the infrared and the visible regions. The infrared spectra show that the TSO ligand is bonded to the central ion through the sulphoxide group. Other relevant informations on the spectra are concerned to the anion. It was verified a splitting in all the vSO3 stretching frequencies and a small higher frequency shift of the vC-O-C stretching. The visible spectrum of Nd(FS)3.7.5TSO was recorded in the solid state at room and at liquid nitrogen temperatures. The main feature contained in this spectrum is the hypersensitive transitions. It is possible to conclude from the spectrum that the compound exhibits a non-cubic symmetry. Furthermore, the spectrum supplies the data for the calculation of the β, δ and b1/2 parameters. In a second experiment, the Nd(FS)3.7,5TSO spectrum was recorded in nitromethane solution; from this, we have calculated the P oscillator strength. The emission spectrum of the Eu(FS)3.7.5TSO compound was recorded in the solid state at room and at liquid nitrogen temperatures. The relevant transitions observed were 5D0→ 7F1 and 5D0→ 7F2. With basis on the Forsberg tables and the compound stoichiometry, it is possible to obtain the data supporting the suggestion that the compound point group is D3d. Futhermore, we suggest a bicapped octahedral geometry for this compound. Considering that all the compounds synthesized are isomorphous, as revealed by the powder X-ray diagrams, we can attribute this same geometry to the all series of adducts. Other relevant properties of the Ln(FS)3.7.5TSO compounds such as melting points and conductance were measured and they are discussed.

The common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus), a member of the family Pseudocheiridae, is an arboreal folivorous marsupial that feeds predominantly on Eucalyptus foliage. Contrary to the expectation that small body size would inhibit utilisation of a diet containing such high levels of lignified fibre because of relatively low gut volume to body mass ratios and relatively high mass-specific metabolic rates and nutrient requirements (Hume 1999), the ringtail possum is able to survive solely on a diet of Eucalyptus foliage. The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a terrestrial herbivore and is a member of the family Leporidae that feeds predominantly on grasses. The rabbit was proposed as a digesta flow model for the ringtail possum since both are caecotrophic (periodically re-ingest caecal contents) and both are proposed to exhibit a colonic separation mechanism (CSM) where fluids and small, easily digested particles are preferentially returned to the caecum. The rabbit is of value for the modelling process since it is more accessible for experimental manipulation than the ringtail possum. This study investigated a proposal to use digesta passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the rabbit as a model of digesta passage for the ringtail possum on the basis that both are caecotrophic caecum fermenters. A number of potential problems were identified with this proposal and investigation of these problems formed the basis for the research described in this thesis. Two main areas were identified as being potentially problematic: 1) fundamental flaws with the particulate markers used in digesta rate of passage studies; and 2) differences in animal behaviour and natural diet between the two subject species which suggested different digestive strategies and hence different patterns of digesta flow through the GIT. The proposed digesta passage markers were lanthanide metals (Dy, Tm, Eu and Yb) attached to either fibrous particles (1200 - 600�m) or formalin-fixed rumen bacteria (20 � 0.2�m). These markers were shown to not be of the assumed size classes and the extent of lanthanide metal binding differed between the four metals used. An effect due to method of dosing was also observed. The findings of marker inconsistencies caused major limitation to model development and further research is necessary to clarify these markers. The proposal to use digesta flow in the rabbit GIT as a model for digesta flow in the ringtail possum was shown to be idealistic due to the differences in anatomy and behaviour observed between the two herbivores. Laboratory observations, time series analysis and compartmental modelling confirmed the differences between the animals. This study showed: 1) the GIT of the rabbit was more complex both anatomically and functionally than that of the ringtail possum; 2) behaviour affecting digesta passage of the rabbit and ringtail were different and; 3) compartmental models confirmed the anatomical and behavioural findings. Digesta passage in the rabbit could not be modelled mathematically using data on digesta passage due to complexities of the system. In contrast, a basic model was constructed for digesta passage in the ringtail possum. On the basis of these findings, the research hypothesis "that digesta passage in rabbits is similar to that in ringtail possums" was rejected.

L'incorporation d'éléments f au sein d'architectures polymétalliques et organisées est d'un intérêt fondamental en chimie supramoléculaire et permet la mise au point de composés combinant une taille nanométrique avec les propriétés optiques ou magnétiques des ions métalliques Ln(III). Cependant, à cause des difficultés liées au contrôle de l'environnement de coordination de ces ions, les assemblages de complexes polynucléaires à base de lanthanides ont été beaucoup moins étudiés que les autres systèmes et la construction de tels assemblages reste encore un véritable défi. Afin de mieux comprendre les facteurs régissant l'assemblage des complexes polymétalliques, nous avons conçu deux types différents de ligands organiques, favorisant, dans un cas, la formation de complexes infinis (ou polymères de coordination), et dans l'autre, l'assemblage d'architecture polymétalliques discrètes. Ainsi, nous montrons que l'utilisation de ligands dérivés de l'unité picolinate, flexibles et multidentes permet la formation de polymères de coordination présentant des propriétés de luminescence très intéressantes. La géométrie du ligand a une grande influence sur l'architecture finale du réseau. En particulier, l'incorporation de quatre unités picolinates au sein d'un ligand tétrapode résulte en la formation contrôlée de réseaux à une dimension. Inversement, pour favoriser l'assemblage contrôlé de complexes polymétalliques discrets des ligands dissymétriques et de faible denticité ont été utilisés. Les études de complexation d'un ligand tridente dérivé de l'unité 8 hydroxyquinoléine et d'un ligand tétradente possédant un cycle oxazoline sont présentées.

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La Spectrométrie de Masse à source Plasma à Couplage Inductif s'impose, de par ses multiples avantages, dont sa sensibilité et ses temps d'analyse réduits, comme la technique de spectrométrie de masse la plus répandue en analyse inorganique pour déterminer la concentration d'un isotope donné ou mesurer des rapports isotopiques. Le problème des interférences spectroscopiques, inhérent à cette technique, trouve une solution dans l'utilisation de dispositifs de collision-réaction. Une résolution in situ des interférences est en effet rendue possible par l'injection, dans la cellule de collision-réaction, d'un gaz judicieusement choisi. Les étapes de séparation chimiques, habituellement réalisées en amont de la mesure, et très pénalisantes dès lors que les échantillons manipulés sont radioactifs, peuvent ainsi être supprimées. La compréhension de la chimie des interactions « ions-molécules » en phase gazeuse est cependant primordiale pour optimiser l'efficacité de tels dispositifs. Pour cela, une connaissance précise des conditions expérimentales dans la zone de réaction s'avère cruciale, afin de pouvoir interpréter les réactivités observées.<br /><br />Deux ICP-MS de conception différente, l'ICP-MS Quadripolaire X7 (Thermo-Fisher Scientific) et l'ICP-MS Multi-Collection Isoprobe (GV Instruments), sont utilisés dans cette étude. Les conditions expérimentales, existant dans la cellule de collision-réaction de chacun de ces deux instruments, sont déterminées en fonction des paramètres instrumentaux. Cette étude préliminaire est ensuite mise à profit dans le cadre de la résolution de deux interférences, caractéristiques au domaine du nucléaire. Une approche théorique par calculs de chimie quantique permet d'interpréter la formation des oxydes de zirconium, responsable de la suppression de l'ion interférent 90Zr+, suite à l'utilisation d'O2 dans la cellule de collision-réaction pour permettre la mesure du radionucélide 90Sr. Le cas de la réactivité de cinq cations lanthanides (Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy) avec plusieurs gaz (O2, N2O, CO2, NH3) est par ailleurs étudié expérimentalement. L'efficacité de l'ammoniaque pour résoudre les interférences isobariques Eu/Gd est mise en évidence. Une périodicité de la réactivité sur la série des lanthanides, due à la configuration électronique de l'état fondamental des cations Ln+, est proposée pour expliquer les différences de comportements observées.

Magnetic resonance imaging has developed into a powerful diagnostic technique characterized by a very high spatial resolution and an inherently relatively low sensitivity. In order to improve the contrast of MRI images, contrast agents are commonly injected into the patients before an examination. These substances are paramagnetic, superparamagnetic, or ferromagnetic compounds that shorten the relaxations times of the water hydrogen atoms. At present, most of the contrast enhanced clinical exams are performed with gadolinium complexes. They are particularly useful as their ability to change the relaxation rate (or relaxivity) can be very high. Several factors have a strong influence on the relaxivity of MRI contrast agents but the water exchange time τm and the rotational correlation time τr are particularly important for obtaining an increased relaxivity. These parameters can be adjusted by suitable chemical modifications of the Gd(III) complexes. For instance, decreasing the tumbling rate by linking a Gd(III) complex to a macromolecule leads to an increased relaxivity. This goal can be achieved through a covalent or a noncovalent linkage with synthetic polymers, particles or biomacromolecules. However, the covalent bonding has a detrimental effect on the clearance of the metal complexes thus exposing the patient to the toxicity of released Gd(III) ions and metabolites. This problem could be circumvented by using covalent links that are cleaved by endogenous biomolecules or after administration of exogenous compounds following the exam. In this context, our approach was to bind Gd(III) chelates to macromolecules through disulfide links as the latter are known to be reduced in vivo by thiols present in the body. Towards this aim, we have developed two bifunctional chelator agents bearing a methanethiosulfonate group (MTS) which reacts specifically with thiols, thus spontaneously establishing a disulfide bond between the Gd(III) chelate and the thiolated macromolecule. The first ligand that we have prepared (MTS-ADO3A) is a monoamide derivative of DOTA with an ethyl-MTS substituent. This compound is relatively easily synthesized but amide arms such as the one it features are known to have a detrimental effect on relaxivity through the lengthening of water exchange times. The conjugate obtained by binding Gd(III) chelates of this ligand to albumin or to polythiolated silica nanoparticles has been studied by nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD),17O NMR and luminescence analyses. These measurements confirm that the method is suitable to increase the relaxivity (20 mM-1s 1, 20 MHz, 25°C) but that this relaxivity increase (of 300%) is limited by a slow water exchange (660 ns). To overcome this limitation, a second ligand called MTS-CyDOTA has been synthesized. This ligand is a DOTA ligand grafted with a cyclohexyl ring featuring a MTS function. The synthesis is more demanding but faster water exchange times are expected because of a more sterically crowded coordination sphere. Moreover, this second ligand has a more rigid structure that could limit the independent rotation of the chelate from the macromolecule. As expected, the water exchange time of the Gd(III) chelate of this ligand (120 ns) is clearly lower than the one determined for Gd MTS-ADO3A. After binding to albumin or to silica nanoparticles a notable relaxivity increase was expected. Unfortunately, if the obtained relaxivity is higher (30 mM-1s 1, 20 MHz, 25°C), its not as high as it could have been expected in view of the size of the conjugate and of the water exchange time of the free chelate. Results obtained in this work suggest that fixation on silica nanoparticles or on albumin drastically decreases the water exchange rate which remains the limiting parameter. This effect has already been reported for Gd(III) chelates linked to albumin by non-covalent bonds and has been assigned to stable layers of water molecules on the macromolecule surface. Thanks to the high loading of the silica nanoparticles (10000 Gd(III) per particle), we have reached very high molecular relaxivities (>200000 mM-1s-1). Stability tests carried out on the disulfide links formed suggest that the small amount of free thiols in the circulation is not sufficient to cause a significant degradation of the disulfide bond in the conjugate within a reasonable length of time. An injection of glutathione would be necessary to achieve a complete degradation. To avoid the problem of water exchange lenghtening, we propose to increase the distance between Gd(III) chelates and macromolecules without loss of rigidity by developing double anchor chelates with substituents grafted on the side of the ring. Considerable synthetic efforts have devoted to the synthesis of such a system and are discussed in chapter VI. At present, this work is still in progress in the laboratory and recent results suggest that it should be possible to evaluate this double arms system in a near future. On the fringe of this synthesis, we present a relaxometric study on the interaction between HSA and a hydrophobic Gd(III) chelate obtained during the preparation of our double anchor chelate. Finally, a chapter of this work is devoted to the study of two compounds, phenEDTA and phenDTPA, which are ditopic chelates featuring a dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline unit that spontaneously self-assemble in the presence of a transition metal ion. The tris-complex generated by this process rotates more slowly in solution and thus presents an increased relaxivity (+130%). As part of this work, we have determined by potentiometric titration the acidity constants of phenEDTA and its stability constant with Gd(III). Moreover, the protonation scheme of this ligand has been studied by NMR titration. The particular behavior of Gd phenDTPA and Fe(Gd phenDTPA)3 in the presence of Zn(II) has also been studied by relaxometry, luminescence and EXAFS.

Dans le cadre du programme GenIV, les propriétés physico-chimiques d'intérêts des combustibles envisagés, telles que la durabilité chimique, doivent être évaluées. Ainsi, une étude préliminaire a été entreprise sur les composés modèles MIV1-xLnIIIxO2 (M=Ce,Th) preparés à partir de précurseurs oxalate. La structure fluorine caractéristique des oxydes CeO2 et ThO2 demeure stable jusqu'à x ≈ 0,4, la substitution d'ions MIV par LnIII étant accompagnée par la formation de lacunes en oxygène. Pour des valeurs de x plus importantes, une surstructure cubique est formée suite à l'ordonnancement des lacunes en oxygène. Par la suite, les tests de dissolution réalisés en milieu acide ont montré que la vitesse de dissolution normalisée dépend très fortement de la fraction en élément lanthanide incorporé. A l'opposé, la nature des éléments MIV et LnIII constitutifs du solide ne semble que peu modifier la vitesse de dissolution normalisée. Par ailleurs, les effets de paramètres plus " conventionnels " tels que la température ou la concentration en acide ont également été évalués, et ont permis de conclure à une dissolution contrôlée par des réactions de surface. Parallèlement à cette étude, l'évolution microstructurale de composés pulvérulents et frittés a montré d'importantes modifications de la surface réactive durant la dissolution. A partir des observations par MEBE, les joints de grains et les défauts cristallins sont apparus comme des zones préférentielles de dissolution. Par ailleurs, la formation de phases gélatineuses à la surface des solides, agissant comme une barrière de diffusion et ralentissant ainsi la dissolution du matériau a été démontrée.

<p>The study introduces and puts forward Sector Policing as a model to expand community Policing and to broaden the scope of crime prevention. It also demonstrates how Sector Policing can be utilised to decentralise policing and deepen community participation.</p>

The reactions between aqueous radiolysis products and oxide surfaces are important in nuclear technology in many ways. In solid-liquid systems, they affect (and at the same time are dependent on) both the solution chemistry and the stability of materials under the influence of ionizing radiation. The stability of surface oxides is a factor that determines the longevity of the materials where such oxides are formed. Additionally, the aqueous radiolysis products are responsible for corrosion and erosion of the materials.   In this study, the reactions between radiolysis products of water – mainly H2O2 and HO radicals – with metal, lanthanide and actinide oxides are investigated. For this, experimental and computational chemistry methods are employed. For the experimental study of these systems it was necessary to implement new methodologies especially for the study of the reactive species – the HO radicals. Similarly, the computational study also required the development of models and benchmarking of methods. The experiments combined with the computational chemistry studies produced valuable kinetic, energetic and mechanistic data.   It is demonstrated here that the HO radicals are a primary product of the decomposition of H2O2. For all the materials, the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 consists first of molecular adsorption onto the surfaces of the oxides. This step is followed by the cleavage of the O-O bond in H2O2 to form HO radicals. The HO radicals are able to react further with the hydroxylated surfaces of the oxides to form water and a surface bound HO• center. The dynamics of formation of HO• vary widely for the different materials studied. These differences are also observed in the activation energies and kinetics for decomposition of H2O2. It is found further that the removal of HO• from the system where H2O2 undergoes decomposition, by means of a scavenger, leads to the spontaneous formation of H2.   The combined theoretical-experimental methodology led to mechanistic understanding of the reactivity of the oxide materials towards H2O2 and HO radicals. This reactivity can be expressed in terms of fundamental properties of the cations present in the oxides. Correlations were found between several properties of the metal cations present in the oxides and adsorption energies of H2O, adsorption energies of HO radicals and energy barriers for H2O2 decomposition. This knowledge can aid in improving materials and processes important for nuclear technological systems, catalysis, and energy storage, and also help to better understand geochemical processes. / <p>QC 20130322</p>