Die molekulare Elektronik setzt sich zum Ziel, passive und aktive Bausteine in integrierten Schaltkreisen auf molekularer Ebene zu realisieren. Dabei ist entscheidend, dass sich der elektrische Leitwert der molekularen Bauelemente hinreichend regulieren lässt. Um zu belegen, dass dies möglich ist, wird in dieser Dissertation die gezielte Leitwertkontrolle einzelner über Nanoelektroden kontaktierter Moleküle nachgewiesen. Die erzielten Ergebnisse ergänzen dabei nahtlos aktuellste Studien. Zum einen werden kontaktierte molekulare Schalter durch Bestrahlung mit Licht einer bestimmten Wellenlänge in-situ von einem nicht-leitenden in einen leitenden Zustand geschaltet, wobei der Einfluss unterschiedlicher Seitengruppen für eine zusätzliche Modifikation des Leitwerts sorgt. Ausschlaggebend ist hierbei die elektronische Anbindung des Moleküls an die Elektroden. Zum anderen werden Molekül-Metall-Komplexe durch die Einbindung eines Übergangsmetallions von einem isolierenden in einen leitenden Zustand versetzt. In diesem Fall lässt sich der leitende Zustand durch die Wahl des Ions innerhalb einer Größenordnung variieren, was eine völlig neue Möglichkeit der Leitwertkontrolle in molekularen Bausteinen darstellt. Das Ion bestimmt dabei sowohl die mechanische Stabilität als auch die elektronische Struktur des Moleküls. Für die Kontaktierung einzelner Moleküle kommt die Technik des mechanisch kontrollierten Bruchkontakts zum Einsatz. So lassen sich feine Goldnanoelektroden herstellen, an die Moleküle anbinden. Um eine präzise Analyse durchzuführen, werden über zwei unabhängige Messstrategien Informationen über das elektrische Transportverhalten sowie über die elektronische Struktur der Moleküle erworben. In dieser Arbeit sind echte Neuentwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der molekularen Elektronik gelungen, die einen wesentlichen Beitrag für die Umsetzung integrierter molekularer Schaltkreise leisten.

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Η σύνθεση και ο χαρακτηρισμός πλειάδων των μετάλλων μετάπτωσης σε ενδιάμεσες οξειδωτικές βαθμίδες αποτελεί σήμερα έναν από τους κύριους ερευνητικούς στόχους πολλών επιστημονικών ομάδων παγκοσμίως εξαιτίας των εφαρμογών που βρίσκουν σε διάφορα επιστημονικά πεδία, όπως στη βιοανόργανη χημεία, στην επιστήμη των υλικών, στη μοριακή φυσική και στη θεωρητική χημεία. Οι πλειάδες αυτές περιέχουν πολλές φορές έναν ασυνήθιστα μεγάλο αριθμό ασυζεύκτων ηλεκτρονίων στη θεμελιώδη κατάσταση και παρουσιάζουν εξαιρετικό ενδιαφέρον από μαγνητικής απόψεως. Αυτό συμβαίνει γιατί μια υψηλή τιμή spin στη θεμελιώδη κατάσταση είναι αναγκαία (άλλα όχι ικανή) συνθήκη ώστε αυτού του είδους οι σύμπλοκες ενώσεις να εμφανίζουν το φαινόμενο του μονομοριακού μαγνητισμού (single-molecule magnetism). Στην παρούσα Εργασία μελετήθηκε το σύστημα αντίδρασης μαγγάνιο/α-βενζοΐνη οξίμη (α-benzoin oxime, bzoxH2) κάτω από βασικές συνθήκες, το οποίο οδήγησε στην απομόνωση και το δομικό (μέσω κρυσταλλογραφίας ακτίνων-Χ σε μονοκρυστάλλους) και μαγνητοχημικό χαρακτηρισμό των μοριακών πλειάδων [Mn8O4(bzox)8(MeOH)4] (1), [Mn9O2(bzox)11(bzoxH)(MeOH)4(H2O)2] (2) και [Mn9O2(bzox)11(bzoxH)(H2O)6] (3). Τα σύμπλοκα 1-3 αποτελούν τις πρώτες δομικά χαρακτηρισμένες πλειάδες τρισθενών μεταλλοϊόντων με υποκαταστάτη την α-βενζοΐνη οξίμη. Το σύμπλοκο 1 αποτελείται από οκτώ ιόντα MnIII, με το δομικό του πυρήνα να παρουσιάζει μία πρωτότυπη τοπολογική διευθέτηση τεσσάρων τριγωνικών Mn3 υπομονάδων, ανά δύο κάθετων μεταξύ τους, η οποία οδηγεί σε μια ενδιάμεση τιμή spin στη θεμελιώδη κατάσταση, SΤ = 2. Τα ισοδομικά σύμπλοκα 2 και 3 αποτελούνται από εννέα ιόντα MnIII, με το δομικό τους πυρήνα να παρουσιάζει μία επίσης πρωτότυπη τοπολογική διευθέτηση εναλλασσσόμενων τριγωνικών και γραμμικών Mn3 υπομονάδων, η οποία οδηγεί σε μια ενδιάμεση τιμή spin στη θεμελιώδη κατάσταση, SΤ = 3. / The synthesis and characterization of polynuclear metal complexes (clusters) containing paramagnetic 3d-metal ions in intermediate oxidation states have gained intense interest due to the applications of these compounds in several fields of science, such as bioinorganic chemistry, materials science, molecular physics and theoretical chemistry. Such high nuclearity transition metal clusters are one of the growing research subjects in Molecular Magnetism, given the fact that they often possess a fairly large ground-state spin value, which is one of the necessary requirements for a molecule to be able to exhibit the phenomenon of single-molecule magnetism. In the present work, we studied the reaction scheme manganese/α-benzoin oxime (bzoxH2) under basic conditions, which has led to the isolation, and structural (through single-crystal X-ray crystallography) and magnetochemical characterization of the molecular complexes [Mn8O4(bzox)8(MeOH)4] (1), [Mn9O2(bzox)11(bzoxH)(MeOH)4(H2O)2] (2) and [Mn9O2(bzox)11(bzoxH)(H2O)6] (3). Complexes 1-3 are the first structurally characterized trivalent metal clusters with the ligand α-benzoin oxime. Compound 1 consists of eight MnIII atoms and its irregular metal core presents an unprecedented topology based on four triangular Mn3 units, which are vertical to each other, thus leading to an ST = 2 ground state. The isostructural compounds 2 and 3 comprise nine MnIII atoms arranged in a unusual topology based on linear and triangular Mn3 units, thus leading to an ST = 3 ground state.

The catalytic activity of metal complex exhibiting Lewis acid character (dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, butylstannoic acid and di-n-butyl-oxostannane) was investigated. These catalytic complexes have been tested in the alcoholysis of soybean and castor oils, aiming to obtain a mixture of fatty acid alkyl esters, called biodiesel. In the transesterification experiments of vegetable oils, the reactions were performed using three types of reactors. The first one consisted in a glass reactor connected to a reflux condenser (RVCR). The second device consisted of a stainless steel reactor (RP), hermetically sealed, fitted with a pressure gauge and a temperature controller. The third one was adapted to be used on a microwave system. On the last two reactor systems, the alcoholysis of triglycerides was also developed at vigorous conditions, at temperatures ranging from 80 °C and 150 °C. Comparing all reactions, the results show that the most reactive catalysts using the RVCR on the methanolysis of soybean oil are DBTDA and DBTDL with comparable performances. However, in the same reaction conditions, very low yields were observed using castor oil, and no generalizations could be pointed out. When RP were employed, better yields were obtained. When the temperature raise from 80 to 150 ºC, all catalytic systems display similar performances, indicating that temperature and solubility have significant influences on these type of catalytic systems. Very low reaction yield were observed when the microwave reactor was employed. This observation must be due to the very low rate of stirring performed on this type of reactor. In a second part of this work, it was evaluated the performance of catalysts based on tin oxide (SnO2), sulfated or not, in transesterification or esterification reactions of soybean oil and its fatty acids derivatives, respectively, in the presence of methanol. The low activity verified on these systems must be related to their structural characteristics. / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Neste trabalho foi investigada a atividade catalítica de quatro complexos metálicos exibindo caráter ácido de Lewis: dibutildiacetato de estanho, dibutildilaurato de estanho, óxido de dibutil estanho e ácido butilestanóico. Esses complexos catalíticos foram testados na alcoólise do óleo de soja e de mamona, visando a obtenção de uma mistura de ésteres alquílicos de ácidos graxos, denominada biodiesel. Nos experimentos de transesterificação dos óleos vegetais, as reações foram realizadas em três tipos de reatores. O primeiro equipamento foi composto de um reator de vidro acoplado a um condensador de refluxo (RVCR). O segundo equipamento foi composto de um reator de aço inox (RP), hermeticamente fechado, equipado com um manômetro e um controlador de temperatura. O terceiro reator empregado era adaptado para ser utilizado em um sistema de microondas. Nos dois últimos sistemas de reatores, a alcoólise dos triglicerídeos foi desenvolvida em condições mais enérgicas de reação, em temperaturas que variaram entre 80 °C e 150 °C. Comparando-se todas as reações, os resultados obtidos indicam que o emprego do RVCR na metanólise do óleo de soja, os catalisadores mais ativos são o DBTDA e o DBTDL com desempenhos comparáveis. Por outro lado, empregando-se o óleo de mamona, nessa condição reacional, os rendimentos foram muito baixos, não permitindo obter generalizações. Quando do uso do RP, rendimentos superiores aos observados com o RVCR são obtidos e à medida que a temperatura aumenta de 80 a 150 ºC as reatividades dos sistemas catalíticos tornam se bastante semelhantes, indicando que fatores como temperatura e solubilidade têm influência significativa nesse tipo de sistemas catalíticos. Com o emprego do reator microondas, os rendimentos reacionais foram inferiores, provavelmente devido à baixa velocidade de agitação que tal reator pode realizar. Numa segunda parte do trabalho, foi realizado um estudo do desempenho de catalisadores a base de óxido de estanho (SnO2), sulfatado ou não, em reações de transesterificação ou esterificação de óleo de soja e seus ácidos graxos, respectivamente, na presença de metanol. A baixa atividade dos catalisadores foi relacionada às características texturais dos mesmos.

CAPES / Os corpos hídricos têm suas características afetadas pela poluição difusa, por meio do carreamento de poluentes pelo escoamento superficial nos eventos de chuvas ou também por despejos pontuais. Esta pesquisa foi realizada nas cavas do Parque das Águas em Pinhais/PR e teve por objetivo avaliar a qualidade das águas e sedimentos dos corpos hídricos e a sua correlação com a poluição difusa. Foram analisadas algumas variáveis físico-químicas, bacteriológicas e de compostos orgânicos HPAs e n-Alcanos em 6 pontos, que podem indicar possíveis alterações na qualidade desses corpos hídricos. Estas cavas deverão futuramente ser destinadas para uso de recreação de contato secundário, como pesca e esportes náuticos pela LEI No 189/87 - Pinhais, indicando que as águas dessas cavas devem atender a resolução CONAMA 357/05, que estabelece limites para parâmetros físico- químicos, biológicos e de espécies metálicas que possam causar danos à saúde e ao ambiente. Para embasar a discussão dos resultados para HPAs e espécies metálicas em sedimento, utilizou-se a resolução CONAMA 344/04. Os limites indicados pelas resoluções do CONAMA 357/05 e 344/04, são valores de segurança. Com base nos resultados obtidos, identificou-se a influência das chuvas nas concentrações das variáveis analisadas. Através da comparação dos resultados com a Resolução CONAMA 357/05 para água doce de classe 2, pôde ser constatado que os parâmetros salinidade, OD, turbidez, amônia, nitrito, nitrato estão de acordo com os limites impostos pela resolução, a DBO a para maioria dos pontos analisados apresentou-se dentro dos limites, porém em um dos pontos excedeu o limite. Para Coliformes termotolerantes, a maior parte dos pontos se apresentou dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela resolução. A variável Sulfeto não atende a CONAMA 357/05. Dos sete metais analisados em água cádmio e ferro apresentam-se acima do limite para o CONAMA 357/05. Os metais cobre, zinco, cádmio, níquel e chumbo em sedimentos estão dentro do limite da resolução CONAMA 344/04, mas em alguns pontos amostrados os HPAs indicaram contaminação por elementos de origem petrogênica quando confrontados com os limites indicados nesta mesma resolução. Para evitar que os limites sejam excedidos, visto que alguns dos pontos amostrados estão muito próximos, ou extrapolando os limites indicados, faz-se necessário evitar a entrada de poluente nas cavas do parque em questão, devido ao grande risco de perder a qualidade destes corpos hídricos e prejudicar a sua função para a sociedade. A pesquisa permitiu identificar que o incremento da carga poluente é potencializado pelo escoamento superficial das chuvas, inferindo desta forma, a necessidade do controle da poluição difusa para a área do parque. Uma das possíveis soluções seria a implantação de sistemas de wetlands construídos, que podem funcionar como barreiras para a entrada de poluentes, principalmente nas cavas mais próximas às estruturas viárias pavimentadas. / The water bodies have the characteristics affected by diffuse pollution through the drift of pollutants in the runoff from rain events or also by occasional evictions. This research was conducted in pools of the Water Park in Pinhais/PR and aimed to assess the quality of waters and sediments of water bodies and their correlation with diffuse pollution. The analyses from some physico-chemical, bacteriological and organic compounds PAHs and n-alkanes in 6 points, indicated possible changes in the quality of these water bodies. These pools will be designed for future use of secondary contact recreation such as fishing and water sports in the LAW 189/87 - Pinhais-PR, indicating that the water pools must answer these CONAMA Resolution 357/05, which sets limits for physical- chemical, biological and metal species that may cause damage to health and the environment. To support the discussion of the results for PAHs in sediment and metal species, is used the CONAMA Resolution 344/04. The limits given by CONAMA resolutions 357/05 and 344/04, are safety values. Based on these results, we identified the influence of rainfall in the concentrations of all variables. By comparing the results with CONAMA Resolution 357/05 for freshwater class 2, it might be noted that the parameters salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate comply with the limits imposed by resolution, for the DBO Most points analyzed was within the limits, but in one of the exceeded limit. For Fecal coliform, most points are presented within the limits established by resolution. The variable sulfide does not meet CONAMA 357/05. Of the seven metals analyzed in water cadmium and iron are found above the ceiling for CONAMA 357/05. The metals copper, zinc, cadmium, nickel and lead in sediments are within the limit of CONAMA Resolution 344/04, but in some sampling sites indicated PAH contamination source elements petrogenic when confronted with the limits specified in this same resolution. To avoid the exceeding the limits, since some of the points are very close, or extrapolating the limits, it is necessary prevent the entry of polluting the pools of the park in question, due to the high risk of losing the quality of these bodies water and impair its function for society. The research identified that the increase in pollution load is powered by the runoff of rainfall, implying thus the need for control of diffuse pollution to the park area. One of the possible solutions would be the deployment of constructed wetlands, which can act as barriers to the entry of pollutants, mainly pools nearest paved road structures.

CAPES / Os corpos hídricos têm suas características afetadas pela poluição difusa, por meio do carreamento de poluentes pelo escoamento superficial nos eventos de chuvas ou também por despejos pontuais. Esta pesquisa foi realizada nas cavas do Parque das Águas em Pinhais/PR e teve por objetivo avaliar a qualidade das águas e sedimentos dos corpos hídricos e a sua correlação com a poluição difusa. Foram analisadas algumas variáveis físico-químicas, bacteriológicas e de compostos orgânicos HPAs e n-Alcanos em 6 pontos, que podem indicar possíveis alterações na qualidade desses corpos hídricos. Estas cavas deverão futuramente ser destinadas para uso de recreação de contato secundário, como pesca e esportes náuticos pela LEI No 189/87 - Pinhais, indicando que as águas dessas cavas devem atender a resolução CONAMA 357/05, que estabelece limites para parâmetros físico- químicos, biológicos e de espécies metálicas que possam causar danos à saúde e ao ambiente. Para embasar a discussão dos resultados para HPAs e espécies metálicas em sedimento, utilizou-se a resolução CONAMA 344/04. Os limites indicados pelas resoluções do CONAMA 357/05 e 344/04, são valores de segurança. Com base nos resultados obtidos, identificou-se a influência das chuvas nas concentrações das variáveis analisadas. Através da comparação dos resultados com a Resolução CONAMA 357/05 para água doce de classe 2, pôde ser constatado que os parâmetros salinidade, OD, turbidez, amônia, nitrito, nitrato estão de acordo com os limites impostos pela resolução, a DBO a para maioria dos pontos analisados apresentou-se dentro dos limites, porém em um dos pontos excedeu o limite. Para Coliformes termotolerantes, a maior parte dos pontos se apresentou dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela resolução. A variável Sulfeto não atende a CONAMA 357/05. Dos sete metais analisados em água cádmio e ferro apresentam-se acima do limite para o CONAMA 357/05. Os metais cobre, zinco, cádmio, níquel e chumbo em sedimentos estão dentro do limite da resolução CONAMA 344/04, mas em alguns pontos amostrados os HPAs indicaram contaminação por elementos de origem petrogênica quando confrontados com os limites indicados nesta mesma resolução. Para evitar que os limites sejam excedidos, visto que alguns dos pontos amostrados estão muito próximos, ou extrapolando os limites indicados, faz-se necessário evitar a entrada de poluente nas cavas do parque em questão, devido ao grande risco de perder a qualidade destes corpos hídricos e prejudicar a sua função para a sociedade. A pesquisa permitiu identificar que o incremento da carga poluente é potencializado pelo escoamento superficial das chuvas, inferindo desta forma, a necessidade do controle da poluição difusa para a área do parque. Uma das possíveis soluções seria a implantação de sistemas de wetlands construídos, que podem funcionar como barreiras para a entrada de poluentes, principalmente nas cavas mais próximas às estruturas viárias pavimentadas. / The water bodies have the characteristics affected by diffuse pollution through the drift of pollutants in the runoff from rain events or also by occasional evictions. This research was conducted in pools of the Water Park in Pinhais/PR and aimed to assess the quality of waters and sediments of water bodies and their correlation with diffuse pollution. The analyses from some physico-chemical, bacteriological and organic compounds PAHs and n-alkanes in 6 points, indicated possible changes in the quality of these water bodies. These pools will be designed for future use of secondary contact recreation such as fishing and water sports in the LAW 189/87 - Pinhais-PR, indicating that the water pools must answer these CONAMA Resolution 357/05, which sets limits for physical- chemical, biological and metal species that may cause damage to health and the environment. To support the discussion of the results for PAHs in sediment and metal species, is used the CONAMA Resolution 344/04. The limits given by CONAMA resolutions 357/05 and 344/04, are safety values. Based on these results, we identified the influence of rainfall in the concentrations of all variables. By comparing the results with CONAMA Resolution 357/05 for freshwater class 2, it might be noted that the parameters salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate comply with the limits imposed by resolution, for the DBO Most points analyzed was within the limits, but in one of the exceeded limit. For Fecal coliform, most points are presented within the limits established by resolution. The variable sulfide does not meet CONAMA 357/05. Of the seven metals analyzed in water cadmium and iron are found above the ceiling for CONAMA 357/05. The metals copper, zinc, cadmium, nickel and lead in sediments are within the limit of CONAMA Resolution 344/04, but in some sampling sites indicated PAH contamination source elements petrogenic when confronted with the limits specified in this same resolution. To avoid the exceeding the limits, since some of the points are very close, or extrapolating the limits, it is necessary prevent the entry of polluting the pools of the park in question, due to the high risk of losing the quality of these bodies water and impair its function for society. The research identified that the increase in pollution load is powered by the runoff of rainfall, implying thus the need for control of diffuse pollution to the park area. One of the possible solutions would be the deployment of constructed wetlands, which can act as barriers to the entry of pollutants, mainly pools nearest paved road structures.

Introduction The chemistry of transitional metal complexes bearing σ-bonded H−X (X = H, Si, C) species/fragments, the so called σ-complexes, are key intermediates in catalytic processes such as hydrogenation, hydrosilylation, alkane functionalization etc. Particularly, the σ-H2 complexes form the best-known group of σ-complexes in which H2 is bound to the metal center in η2-fashion. Several well characterized examples of η2-silane and η2-borane complexes have also been reported. Moreover, in recent years, the carbon analogues of these complexes in which alkanes are coordinated through η2-C-H bonds to the metal center have been attracting the attention of organometallic chemists. An approach towards direct functionalization of σ-bonds in simple alkanes is the heterolytic activation of the C−H bond using highly electrophilic complexes. After all, for fine catalyst design and the selective functionalization of H−H, silanes or simple alkanes, it is necessary to understand the bonding nature of these σ-complexes in depth. Objectives The objectives of this work are as follows a) An attempt to stabilize and gain insights into the bonding nature and reactivity behavior of various sigma ligands on ruthenium center [Ru(η2-HX)(Tpms)(PPh3)2][OTf], (X = H, SiR (R = Me3 or Me2Ph) and CH3). b) Synthesis, characterization and reactivity studies of electrophilic ruthenium(II) complexes bearing (C6F5)2PCH2CH2P(C6F5)2 (dfppe) ligand towards heterolysis of H2. c) An approach towards preparation of insoluble molecular clusters from [Ru(P(OH)3)(dppe)2][OTf]2 complex and Zn, Cd and Cu acetates to realize σ-bond activation under heterogeneous conditions. Significant results In our attempts to gain insights into the bonding nature and reactivity behavior of σ-H2, silane and methane complexes, we followed two strategies to generate these complexes in solution. First, we synthesized and well characterized two new Ru(II)-complexes [RuH(Tpms)(PPh3)2] and [Ru(OTf)(Tpms)(PPh3)2], (OTf = trifluoromethane sulfonate) where Ru-H and Ru-OTf are the key reactive centers, followed by their subsequent reactions with electrophilic reagents such as HOTf, Me3SiOTf and CH3OTf and with H2, PhMe2SiH and CH4 at low temperature, respectively. These reactions finally resulted in the characterization of σ-H2 and σ-silane complexes, however, no σ-methane complex was observed even at low temperature (Scheme 1). Scheme 1 In order to realize highly eletrophilic metal complexes, a chelating fluorinated phosphine ligand 1,2-bis-(pentafluorophenylphosphino)ethane, (C6F5)2PCH2CH2P(C6F5)2 (dfppe) was employed and the synthesis and structural characterization of a series of new, Ru(II) hydride complexes [RuH(P(OMe)3)(bpy)(dfppe)][OTf], cis-[RuH2(dfppe)(PPh3)2] and [RuH(CO)Cl(PPh3)(dfppe)] were accomplished. Protonation reaction of the hydride complexes [RuH(P(OMe)3)(bpy)(dfppe)][OTf] (Scheme 2) and [RuH(CO)Cl(PPh3)(dfppe)] (Scheme 3) with HOTf at low temperature gave free H2 and five-coordinate species [Ru(P(OMe)3)(bpy)(dfppe)][OTf]2 and [Ru(CO)Cl(PPh3)(dfppe)][OTf], respectively. Surprisingly, in all these reactions, dihydrogen complexes are formed which were unobservable in which the H2 ligand was found to be highly labile. Reaction of is-[Ru(bpy)(dfppe)(OH2)(P(OMe)3)][OTf]2 with H2 however, resulted in the heterolytic activation of the H–H bond and concomitant protonation of H2O to give the corresponding hydride complex cis-[Ru(H)(bpy)(dfppe)(P(OMe)3)][OTf] and H3O+ (Scheme 2) . Scheme 2 Scheme 3 In an attempt to prepare insoluble molecular clusters in order to realize σ-bond activation under heterogeneous conditions, we studied the reactivity of highly electrophilic [Ru(P(OH)3)(dppe)2]2+ (dppe = (C6H5)2PCH2CH2P(C6H5)2) complex with various metal acetates. Usage of Zn(OAc)2.2H2O afforded a novel [Ru2(dppe)4P2(OH)2O4Zn2(OAc)(DMP)(OTf)][OTf]2 (Ru-Zn ) soluble bimetallic complex (Scheme 4) which was characterized in detail by NMR and single crystal X-ray crystallography. To achieve the expected insoluble molecular cluster further studies are required to tune the electronics and the sterics around the phosphorous acid moiety. Scheme 4

The present thesis deals with different aspects of the chemistry of oxovanadium(IV) complexes, their interaction with DNA and protein and photo-induced DNA and protein cleavage activity and photocytotoxicity. Chapter I presents a general introduction on various modes of interactions of organic compounds and transition metal complexes capable of targeting DNA leading to DNA strand scission, emphasizing particularly the photo-induced DNA cleavage activities for their potential application in PDT. The mechanistic pathways associated with the DNA cleavage are discussed. A comparison has been made on the advantages of photoactive metal complexes over organic conjugates. Objective of the present investigation is also dealt in this Chapter. Chapter II of the thesis deals with the synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and photo-induced DNA cleavage activity of ternary oxovanadium(IV) complexes of N-salicylidene-S-methyldithiocarbazate (salmdtc) and phenanthroline bases to explore the photo-induced DNA cleavage activity in UV-A light of 365 nm. Chapter III presents the synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and photo-induced DNA cleavage activity of ternary oxovanadium(IV) complexes containing N-salicylidene-L-methionate (salmet) and N-salicylidene-L-tryptophanate (saltrp) Schiff bases and phenanthroline bases. The objective of this work is to investigate the photo-induced DNA cleavage activity in near-IR light and to see the effect of pendant thiomethyl and indole moieties in the DNA cleavage reactions. Chapter IV deals with the synthesis, characterization, DNA binding, red-light induced DNA cleavage activity and photocytotoxicity of ternary oxovanadium(IV) complexes having N-salicylidene-L-arginine (sal-argH) and N-salicylidene-L-lysine (sal-lysH) Schiff bases and phenanthroline bases. The important results include the visible light-induced DNA cleavage activity and photocytotoxicity of the complexes in human cervical HeLa cancer cells. Chapter V describes the synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and photo-induced DNA and protein cleavage activity and photocytotoxicity of oxovanadium(IV) complexes containing bis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine and phenanthroline bases. The significant results include DNA cleavage activity in near-IR light and photocytotoxicity of the dppz complex in non-small cell lung carcinoma/human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells in visible light. Further, we have studied the protein cleavage activity of the complexes in UV-A light of 365 nm by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme. Finally, Chapter VI presents the binary oxovanadium(IV) complexes of phenanthroline bases. We have studied their synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and photo-induced DNA and protein cleavage activity and photocytotoxicity. Photocytotoxicity of dppz complex has been studied in human cervical HeLa cancer cells in visible light. Photo-induced protein cleavage activity of the complexes has been studied in UV-A light of 365 nm by using BSA and lysozyme. The references have been compiled at the end of each chapter and indicated as superscript numbers in the text. The complexes presented in this thesis are represented by bold-faced numbers. Crystallographic data of the complexes, characterized structurally by single crystal X-ray crystallography, are given in CIF format in the enclosed CD (Appendix-I). Due acknowledgements have been made wherever the work described is based on the findings of other investigators. Any omission that might have happened due to oversight or mistake is regretted.

Nucleophilic additions are an important class of reactions in the preparation of several organic compounds. Metals facilitate nucleophilic additions in many cases. The present work Mechanistic Investigation of Metal Promoted Nucleophilic additions is an attempt to understand the mechanism of nucleophilic additions to imines and carbonyl compounds mediated by the transition metal complexes. Understanding the mechanism of metal promoted nucleophilic additions can facilitate the design and synthesis of more efficient catalysts. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction to nucleophilic addition. A few named reactions that involve nucleophilic addition are described. An overview of the metal promoted nucleophilic addition reactions and their mechanisms are presented. A short note on the importance of understanding the mechanism of metal promoted nucleophilic addition is included. This section ends with the scope of the present work. Chapter 2 “Mechanistic Investigation of Titanium Mediated Reactions of Imines” deals with two reactions. The first reaction is the formation of reduced amines on reduction of imines. Amines and diamines are synthesized often from imines. A convenient route to such nitrogen containing compounds is through reduction of imines and through reductive coupling of imines respectively. Since both reactions occur in a parallel fashion, during the synthesis of diamines, amines are obtained as side products and vice versa. This problem is acute in the case of titanium based reducing agents. These reducing agents are called low valent titanium reagents because low valent titanium species are generated in situ either from titanium(IV) or titanium(III) reagents. There is no clear understanding of the nature of the low valent titanium involved in the reaction. To rectify this, a mechanistic understanding of this reaction is essential. An attempt was made to probe the mechanism of formation of amines using low valent titanium formed by using two different reducing agents namely phenylsilane and zinc. With the help of isotopic labelling studies, it was found that the mechanism of formation of an amine with phenylsilane involves a direct hydrogen transfer from phenylsilane to an imine. This was verified using deuterium labelled phenylsilane. With zinc, it follows a traditional titanacycle pathway which was verified by quenching with the deuterium oxide. A second reaction that has been probed is the alkylation of imines by Grignard reagents using chiral titanium complexes. Alkylation of imines is one of the suitable routes to prepare chiral amines. Alkylation of imines employing a Grignard reagent with Ti(OiPr)4 can proceed through two different pathways depending on the amount of the Grignard reagent used. Alkylation reaction with one equivalent of Grignard reagent can proceed through a Ti(IV) species and the alkylation reaction with two equivalents of the Grignard reagent can proceed through a Ti(II) species. The reaction proceeding through Ti(IV) is less wasteful as it only requires one equivalent of the Grignard reagent. The two pathways differ from each other in the nature of the transition state where the C-C bond is formed. To verify the favourable pathway, chiral titanium complexes were prepared and alkylation carried out. The alkylation results suggest that one equivalent of Grignard is sufficient to give good yields of the alkylated product and the reaction may proceed through a Ti(IV) promoted path. It was reported in the literature that at least three equivalents of Grignard reagent are required to get good yields of the alkylated product with zirconium complexes. This work suggests a greener alternate to alkylation of imines. Chapter 3 “Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation Reaction of Ketones in Water” deals with the synthesis of chiral ruthenium half-sandwich complexes employing a proline diamine ligand which has phenyl, ethyl, benzyl, or hydrogen as a substituent. These complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction. In addition, all these complexes were obtained as single diastereoisomers. These complexes were used as catalysts for the reduction of a variety of ketones to chiral alcohols in water using sodium formate as a hydride source. Stoichiometric reaction between sodium formate and the catalysts showed the formation of hydride complexes as the active species. Based on the electronic effects observed, the key step is found to be a nucleophilic attack of hydride on the carbonyl carbon of ketones. In the transfer hydrogenation reaction with DCOONa, more of 1-phenylethanol- 1-2H1 was observed with all the ruthenium catalysts suggesting that the hydrogen from sodium formate is transformed into a metal hydride which is subsequently transferred to the ketones to form chiral alcohols. The catalysts were optimized with acetophenone as a model substrate. Only in the case of a catalyst which has a phenyl substituent, silver nitrate was found to enhance the formation of aqua complex which in turn resulted in good yields of the chiral alcohols. Among all the complexes studied, the catalyst bearing a phenyl group induces greatest enantioselectivity. It can also be recycled. Chapter 4 “On the Formation of a Ruthenium-PPh2H Complex Using 1- Phenylethane-1,2-diol” deals with the mechanism of formation of PPh2H from PPh2Cl. This unique transformation involves a ruthenium-cymene dimer, PPh2Cl and 1-phenylethane-1,2- diol. In the attempted synthesis of a ruthenium bisphosphinite complex, using the ruthenium-cymene dimer, chlorodiphenylphosphine and 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol, the formation of [Ru(η6-cymene)Cl2PPh2H] was observed in good yield. Formation of the expected ruthenium bisphosphinite complex was not observed. The reaction was carried out in the absence of 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol resulted in the formation of [Ru(η6- cymene)Cl2PPh2Cl] suggests that the diol acts as a reducing agent. To verify the source of hydrogen in the 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol, deuterated diols were prepared. The reactions with the deuterated diols revealed several interesting aspects of the formation of the Ru-PPh2H complex. Chapter 5 “Mechanistic Studies on the Diazo Transfer Reaction” deals with the synthesis of labelled azides and the labelled azidating reagent to probe the mechanism of the diazo transfer reaction. Azides are important precursors used for a variety of chemical transformations including the celebrated Cu(I) catalyzed click reaction. Azides are also used as protecting groups for amines as they can be conveniently reduced to amines. Azidation of amines usually yield azides, with retention of stereochemistry. There is a possibility that the azide formation can occur through the SNi mechanism with retention of configuration where nitrogen in the starting material will not be retained after forming an azide. The reaction was carried out with 13C and 15N labelled L-valine and L-isoleucine to probe this possibility. The resultant labelled azide has 15N retained in its position. This excluded the SNi pathway. To show where the nucleophilic amine group is attacking the azide, labelled imidazole-1¬sulfonyl azide was synthesized from NaN215N. Reactions were carried out with L-valine (labelled and unlabelled) in the presence of a metal catalyst and with unlabelled L-valine in the absence of catalyst. These results confirm the postulated pathways described in the literature.