This dissertation describes the investigation of the utility of metal–bis(oxazoline) complexes in catalytic asymmetric reactions. The development of Cu(II)-catalyzed regio- and enantioselective additions of silylketenthioacetals into diketones is discussed in the first chapter. \(Cu(OTf)_2(t-BuBox)\) complexes were found to be an effective catalyst with a broad substrate scope, providing tertiary alcohols in high yields, regioselectivities, and enantioselectivities. A model that accounts for the absolute stereochemistry of the product based on A1,3–interaction was proposed. Relative reactivities among diketones were also investigated. The second chapter reports the investigation of Diels–Alder reactions of N-allenoyloxazolidinones. The reaction between 3-buta-2,3-dienoyloxazolidin-2-one and cyclopentadiene was catalyzed by \(Cu(SbF_6)_2(H_2O)_2(t-BuBox)\) complexes, providing the cyclic product in high yield and enantioselectivity. The endo isomer was obtained as a major product with high selectivity. Relative reactivity between N-allenoyl oxazolidinones and unsaturated N-acyloxazolidinones was also studied. / Chemistry and Chemical Biology

A series of lanthanide complexes, {[CpCo(P=O(OR)2)3]2Ln(H2O)x}+Cl- (Ln = Nd, Eu, Tb, Yb; R = Et, Ph), (Kläui)2Ln, were prepared. The related complex {[CpCo(P=O(OPh)2)3]2Yb}+ [CoCl3(THF)]- was crystallographically characterized and the cation in this case was confirmed to be 6-coordinate and solvent free. To determine the Kläui complexes potential as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging agents, ligand exchange rates between the d0- and d60-isotopomers of the Kläui lanthanide complexes were determined in acetonitrile by electrospray mass spectrometry. The ligand exchange rate was found to increase by almost 4-orders of magnitude from the smallest (Yb) to largest ion (Nd) in acetonitrile. Additionally, the ligand exchange rate increased rapidly for the Tb complex with increasing water concentration. Changing the phosphite substituent had no significant impact on the rate of ligand exchange for R = Ph relative to R = Et. Modification to the phosphite substituents to decrease ligand exchange was unsuccessful indicating that these ligands were not suitable as MR imaging agents. Oxazoline based ligands are known to complex lanthanide ions, however, most of these complexes undergo rapid ligand exchange when not in water solution. Several novel oxazoline based ligands with increased chelation to stop ligand exchange were designed. During the course of their synthesis it was discovered that these ligands were too unstable to be used in vivo and this ligand set was abandoned for a more stable alternative. A series of ligands based on a calix[4]arene scaffold were developed. Through modifications to the upper rim of the calix[4]arene scaffold a mono, di, and tri substituted catechol calix[4]arene were designed. After the mono-catechol tri-sulfonated calix[4]arene was found to decompose in solution the catechol substituent was determined to be too reactive for use as a contrast agent. An upper rim tetra substituted iminodiacetic acid calix[4]arene was synthesized. Upon addition of the lanthanide a coordination polymer was likely forming. Using a dye displacement assay it was found that this ligand was not able to out-compete the dye for metal chelation and would not be suitable for MR use. Using established Suzuki chemistry, DO3A functionality was incorporated onto a tri-sulfonated calix[4]arene scaffold. Using a dye displacement assay it was found that the stability constant KML of this complex was similar to DO3A at pH 8.35. At pH 3.99 it was found that no displacement occurred, most likely due to intramolecular hydrogen bonding. / Graduate / 0488 / kjallen@uvic.ca

No / Application of the Lewis acid BF3·Et2O to the selective synthesis of 5-acetamido-2,6-anhydro-3,5-dideoxy-d-glycero-d-galacto-non-2-enonic acid (Neu5Ac2en) and the related oxazoline, methyl 7,8,9-tri-O-acetyl-2,3,4,5-tetradeoxy-2,3-didehydro-2,3-trideoxy-4',5'-dihydro-2'-methyloxazolo[5,4-d]- d-glycero-d-talo-non-2-enonate is described.

Ce sujet s'inscrit dans le domaine de la vectorisation de médicaments et de la nanomédecine, un domaine en pleine expansion. Les nanovecteurs destinés à la santé doivent être stables, non-toxiques et furtifs vis-à-vis du système immunitaire pour pouvoir circuler librement dans le sang. C'est pourquoi il est nécessaire d'élaborer des polymères pouvant former des nanoparticules possédant un caractère furtif. Le poly(acide lactique) (PLA) est un polyester hydrophobe et biodégradable couramment utilisé pour former des nanoparticules (NPs) capables d'encapsuler des composés apolaires. Le poly(2-méthyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx) est un polymère hydrophile, biocompatible et non toxique. Il peut être synthétisé par polymérisation cationique par ouverture de cycle (CROP), ce qui permet la préparation de polymères avec un bon contrôle de la masse molaire et une faible polymolécularité. Différentes architectures de copolymères PMeOx-co-PLA (di-,triblocs ou greffés) ont été développées en couplant la CROP et la chimie « clic ». Des NPs sont obtenues par nanoprécipitation de ces copolymères et caractérisées par un large éventail de techniques expérimentales dont, notamment, la diffusion dynamique de la lumière, la cryo-microscopie électronique à transmission, et la diffusion de neutrons aux petits angles. Ces techniques complémentaires ont permis de mettre en évidence l'obtention de NPs possédant des structures internes variées, telles que des polymersomes, des nanoparticules cœur-couronne ou multicouches. L'évaluation de la furtivité a été menée par l'étude de l'adsorption d'une protéine modèle, l'albumine de sérum bovin (BSA), sur la surface des nanoparticules. Enfin l'encapsulation de l'α-tocophérol et de quantum dots a démontré les nombreuses possibilités d'application de ces nouvelles NPs / This subject falls within the fields of drug delivery and nanomedecine, a topic of growing interest over the last years. Nanosystems dedicated to health must be stable, non-toxic and stealthy in the immune system in order to move freely in the blood. For this purpose, the design of elaborate polymers that can form stealthy nanoparticles is required. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a hydrophobic and biodegradable polyester usually used to form nanoparticles able to encapsulate apolar compounds. Poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx) is a hydrophilic, biocompatible and non toxic polymer. PMeOx can be synthesized via cationic ring opening polymerization (CROP), which allows the design of polymers with a good control of the molecular weights and a low dispersity. Thus, in this context, we have developed several strategies to design different architectures of amphiphilic PMeOx-co-PLA copolymers such as di-, triblock or graft copolymers. Such strategies relied on the combined use of CROP and « click »chemistry ». Nanoparticles were obtained by nanoprecipitation, and characterized by a wide range of experimental techniques including dynamic light scattering, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and small angle neutron scattering. These complementary approaches evidenced that nanoparticles could be obtained with a large variety of internal structure, such as polymersomes, core-shell or multilayer nanoparticles. The evaluation of the stealthiness was performed by considering the adsorption behavior of a model protein, bovin serum albumine (BSA), on the surface of the nanoparticles. The encapsulation of α-tocopherol and quantum dots demonstrated the numerous applicative possibilities offered by these new NPs

This dissertation focuses on the synthesis and characterization of functional poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) containing homo- and block copolymers that are potential materials for membrane-based water purification and gas separation, drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging and tissue engineering applications. The polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (EtOx) was investigated with regard to the effects of initiator structures and reaction parameters such as polymerization time and temperature on molecular weight control and molecular weight distribution, endgroup functionality, living characteristics, and mechanism and kinetics. The structure of initiators was shown to significantly affect the molecular weight control and molecular weight distribution of PEtOx oligomers. Methyl triflate initiated polymerizations were found to result in oligomers with low polydispersity (PDI) values around 1.10-1.15 and symmetrical chromatograms were obtained via size exclusion chromatography (SEC) studies with the use of refractive index, light scattering and viscosity detectors. However, EtOx polymerizations initiated by halide containing initiators such as benzyl chloride, dibromo- and diiodo-p-xylene, and vinylsilylpropyl iodides yielded PEtOx oligomers with higher PDI values ~ 1.30-1.40. Higher molecular weight distributions can be attributed to the presence of covalent species during polymerization and slower initiation rate as evidenced by kinetic studies when compared to PEtOx prepared from methyl triflate initiators. In all cases, termination reactions with aliphatic cyclic amines were quantitative. Mono- and diamine functional PEtOx oligomers with controlled molecular weight and excellent end-group functionality may be used as prepolymers for incorporation into multiblock and graft copolymer and crosslinked structures for a variety of applications such as membranes and hydrogels for tissue engineering matrices. Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) containing block copolymers were prepared using the macroinitiator method. First, amphiphilic triblock copolymers with hydrophobic poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PSF) central block and hydrophilic PEtOx side blocks were synthesized via polymerization of EtOx sequences from tosylate functional telechelic PSF macroinitiators. PSFs are well-known engineering thermoplastics with excellent resistance to hydrolysis and oxidation, as well as displaying good mechanical properties, thermal stability and toughness. Phenol functional PSFs were prepared via step-growth polymerization of dichlorodiphenylsulfone and bisphenol-A (slight excess) monomers. Phenolic chain ends were then converted to aliphatic hydroxyethyl endgroups by reaction with ethylene carbonate. Upon treatment with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, tosylate functional PSF macroinitiators were prepared. PEtOx-b-PSF-b-PEtOx triblock copolymers (pendent acyl groups of PEtOx side blocks) were partially hydrolyzed in an acidic medium to introduce random charged poly(ethylene imine) units to prepare ionomer structures that may show good salt rejection, water flux and antibacterial properties for membrane-based water purification applications. Phosphonic acid modified poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEO-b-PEtOx) diblock copolymers were prepared via cationic ring opening polymerization of EtOx monomers from tosylate functional PEO macroinitiators and subsequent functionalization reactions on the polyoxazoline block. Post-modification reactions included controlled partial pendent acyl group hydrolysis under an acidic medium to form the random block copolymers of PEtOx and poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), Michael addition of diethylvinyl phosphonate groups to PEI units and hydrolysis of the ethyl groups on the phosphonates to yield pendent phosphonic acid groups on the polyoxazoline block. After each step of functionalization reactions, structures and compositions were confirmed utilizing 1H NMR and the degree of phosphorylation was found to be > 95%. Both PEO and PEtOx are biocompatible polymers and the anionic quality of the phosphonic acid has the potential to be pH controllable and provide an environment where cationic drugs and contrast agents can be attached. Thus, these polymers have potential as drug carriers and contrast enhancement agents for magnetic resonance imaging applications. / Ph. D.

Ce travail de thèse décrit la synthèse de copolymères diblocs amphiphiles par polymérisation radicalaire contrôlée par transfert d'iode en mode inverse (RITP). Dans un premier temps, des homopolymères à base de monomères activés (styrène, acrylate de méthyle, méthacrylate de méthyle), non activés (acétate de vinyle) et fonctionnels (chlorométhylstyrène, acrylate de tert-butyle), ont été synthétisés par RITP. Des aspects tels que le contrôle des masses molaires ainsi que la fonctionnalité en iode du bout de chaîne ont été examinés. Afin de démontrer la compatibilité de la RITP avec d'autres techniques de polymérisation contrôlée/vivante (non radicalaires), le copolymère amphiphile non-ionique poly(styrène)-b-poly(2-méthyl-2-oxazoline) (PS-b-P(MOx)) a été élaboré par la voie toute iode en procédé « one-pot » en combinant de manière consécutive la RITP du styrène avec la polymérisation cationique par ouverture de cycle (CROP) de la 2-méthyl-2-oxazoline. Par ailleurs, des copolymères cationiques poly(styrène)-b-poly(chlorométhylstyrène) quaternisé avec la triéthylamine (PS-b-PCMS+) et anioniques poly(styrène)-b-poly(acide acrylique) (PS-b-PAA-) ont été synthétisés par RITP du styrène suivie de l'ITP du bloc hydrophile. Tous ces copolymères amphiphiles ont été obtenus à partir de polystyrène iodé (PS-I) de faibles masses molaires, allant de 1000 à 3000 g.mol-1, jouant le rôle de macro-amorceurs (CROP) ou de macro-agents de transfert (ITP). L'étude de l'auto-organisation en phase aqueuse de ces copolymères amphiphiles a révélé la formation de micelles pour des concentrations supérieures à la concentration d'agrégation critique (CAC) dont la valeur a été déterminée par diffusion dynamique de la lumière (DDL) et spectroscopie de fluorescence. Enfin, des résultats très prometteurs ont été obtenus dans l'utilisation d'un copolymère cationique amphiphile PS-b-PCMS+ comme agents structurants de matériaux siliciques mésoporeux nanostructurés élaborés par procédé sol-gel en milieu basique. La synthèse de ces copolymères amphiphiles ainsi que leur caractérisation physico-chimique ont mis en exergue que la RITP permet de couvrir la synthèse de différentes catégories de copolymères amphiphiles, tout en étant une technique simple à mettre en œuvre, peu couteuse et robuste. / This manuscript describes the synthesis of amphiphilic diblock copolymers by reverse iodine transfer polymerization (RITP). Firstly, homopolymers derived from activated (styrene, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate), non-activated (vinyl acetate) and functional monomers (chloromethylstyrene, tert-butyl acrylate) synthesized by RITP, were studied. Aspects including molecular weight control as well as iodine chain-end functionality were investigated. In order to highlight the compatibility of RITP with other living/controlled (non-radical) polymerization techniques, a poly(styrene)-b-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PS-b-P(MOx)) non-ionic copolymer was conceived through an ‘all-iodine', ‘one-pot' process by combining successively RITP of styrene with cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline. Besides, poly(styrene)-b-poly(chloromethylstyrene) quaternized with triethylamine (PS-b-PCMS+) cationic copolymers and poly(styrene)-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA-) anionic copolymers were elaborated by RITP of styrene, followed by ITP of the hydrophilic moiety. All these amphiphilic copolymers were obtained from iodine-bearing chain-end poly(styrene) (PS-I) of low molecular weights, in the range of values of 1000 to 3000 g.mol-1, playing the role of macro-initiators (CROP) or macro-transfer agents (ITP). Studies of the self-assembly of these amphiphilic copolymers in aqueous phases revealed the formation of micelles for concentrations superior to the critical aggregation concentration (CAC). The latter value was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, highly-promising results were obtained in the use of PS-b-PCMS+ cationic copolymers as structuring agents meant for the elaboration of nanostructured, mesoporous silica-based materials through the sol-gel process in basic medium. Both the synthesis of the amphiphilic copolymers and their physico-chemical characterizations have evidenced that RITP fosters the synthesis of different categories of amphiphilic copolymers, while being a simple, cheap and robust technique.

La réaction de cyclisation de type Wacker, de composés polyols et aminopolyols insaturés constitue un outil puissant et efficace pour la synthèse d’hétérocycles oxygénés ou azotés.Dans ce travail de thèse, nous proposons l’étude d’une réaction catalysée par un complexe de palladium(II) de type domino-cyclisation, mettant en jeu une réaction de couplage. Cette séquence catalytique revient à une fonctionnalisation d’un hétérocycle par une chaîne latérale, tout en créant deux centres stéréogènes en une seule étape. L’influence de la nature des réactifs mis en jeu, ainsi que des conditions expérimentales sur l’activité et la diastéréosélectivité de la réaction sont discutées. Les applications vers la synthèse de produits naturels (anisomycine) ou d’analogues (varitriol) sont présentées.La réaction d’oxycarbonylation catalysée par un complexes de palladium(II) est une transformation intéressante de polyols insaturés en lactones bicycliques, présentant un motif de type tétrahydrofurane avec une excellente stéréosélectivité-cis. Le premier exemple de réaction d’oxycarbonylation catalysée par des complexes de palladium chiraux dans les liquides ioniques est décrit. Une étude approfondie de la nature des ligands démontre que les bis(oxazolines) chirales constituent les meilleurs ligands du palladium pour la cyclisation du pent-4-ène-1,3-diol racémique 69a. Le dédoublement cinétique du composé 69a sous atmosphère de monoxyde de carbone, en présence d’un complexe chiral de palladium(II) et de p-benzoquinone employant l’acide acétique ou le liquide ionique [bmim]NTf2 comme solvant, a permis d’isoler le 2,6-dioxabicyclo-[3.3.0]octane-3-ones avec jusqu’à 57% d’excès énantiomérique pour l’énantiomèrede configuration (R,R)-70a, et jusqu’à 80% d’excès énantiomérique pour l’énantiomèrede configuration (S,S)-70a. / Intramolecular Wacker-type cyclization of unsaturated polyols and aminopolyols represents a powerful method in the synthesis of oxygen- or nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The thesis offers an insight into the systematic study of domino intramolecular palladium(II)-catalyzed cyclization and coupling reaction allowing the implementation of side chains into heterocyclic skeletons along with the formation of two stereocenters in a single step. Different types of coupling partners and reaction conditions were examined, the influence of substrate substituents on diastereoselectivity is discussed. The applications in the synthesis of naturally occuring compounds or their analogs are outlined (anisomycin, varitriol). Palladium(II)-catalyzed oxycarbonylation represents an interesting transformation of unsaturated polyols into bicyclic lactones with tetrahydrofuran structural motif with excellent cis-stereoselectivity. The first example of the use of ionic liquids as reaction media in the asymmetric Pd(II)-catalyzed oxycarbonylation is described. Based on a ligand screening, the chiral bis(oxazoline)-type ligands were successfully used in the Pd(II)-promoted bicyclisationof racemic pent-4-ene-1,3-diol (±)-69a. The kinetic resolution of (±)-69a in the presenceof chiral catalyst and p-benzoquinone under carbon monoxide atmosphere using acetic acid and/or ionic liquid as solvent afforded enantioenriched 2,6-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3-ones(R,R)-70a (57% ee) and (S,S)-70a (80% ee), respectively.

Atualmente, a irradiação por micro-ondas tem se mostrado uma boa fonte de energia para a realização de sínteses orgânicas, devido a uma série de vantagens que essa nova tecnologia apresenta. Entretanto, ainda existem poucos estudos sobre polimerizações assistidas por micro-ondas. Neste trabalho foram realizadas a síntese da 2-fenil-2-oxazolina e a sua polimerização, em solução e em massa, assistidas por micro-ondas e pelo método convencional (térmico). As reações irradiadas por micro-ondas foram feitas empregando-se vaso aberto ou fechado, e nas polimerizações foram usados como iniciadores o iodeto de metila e o eterado de trifluoreto de boro. Os heterocíclicos e os polímeros produzidos foram caracterizados por espectroscopia na região do infravermelho e ressonância magnética nuclear de núcleo de hidrogênio. Para as reações assistidas por micro-ondas os rendimentos foram bons e compatíveis com os obtidos pelo método convencional. Para a reação de síntese da 2-fenil-2-oxazolina o rendimento ficou na faixa de 70% e de suas polimerizações em torno de 80%, sendo as reações irradiadas por micro-ondas realizadas em um tempo reacional muito inferior ao do método térmico. A técnica de irradiação de micro-ondas para as reações estudadas se mostrou eficiente para os parâmetros utilizados na síntese do monômero e na sua polimerização em massa. / Currently, microwave irradiation has been recommended as a good source of energy for the realization of organic synthesis, due to a number of advantages that this new technology presents. However, there are few studies on polymerization assisted by microwave. In this work were the synthesis of 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline and their polymerization in solution and in mass, assisted by microwave and conventional method (thermal). The reactions by microwave irradiation were made employing an open or closed vessel, and polymerization initiators were used as the methyl iodide and the ethereal boron trifluoride. The heterocyclic polymers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance of the hydrogen nucleus. For the reactions assisted microwave yields were good and consistent with those obtained by conventional method. For the reaction of synthesis of 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline income was in the range of 70% and its polymerization was around 80%, and the reactions by microwave irradiation performed in a reaction time much lower than the thermal method . The technique of microwave irradiation for the reactions studied was efficient for the parameters used in the synthesis of the monomer and its polymerization in bulk.

Ce travail décrit d'abord l’élaboration de nanogels hydrophiles stimulables, sensibles à un changement de pH et à un environnement où les propriétés d’oxydo-réduction peuvent varier. Ils ont été synthétisés en milieu dilué, d’une part, et en émulsion inverse, d’autre part; dans les deux cas à partir d’un copolymère statistique composé d’unités 2-éthyl-2-oxazoline et éthylène imine. Ces nanogels n’ont pas montré d’interactions spécifiques avec des protéines telles que la BSA et se sont avérés non-toxiques in vitro. Une plateforme à base d’un copolymère POx statistique porteur de fonctions aldéhydes a par ailleurs permis d’accéder à une librairie de POx, incluant des structures greffées et réticulées. Enfin, l’autoassemblage en solution d’un copolymère à blocs de type poly(2-methyl-oxazoline)-bpoly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx-b-PiPrOx), a été étudié en détail. Des micelles ont été observées à des temps courts au-dessus du point trouble du PiPrOx. Pour des temps plus longs, la formation de fibres et de micelles réticulées physiquement ont été mise en évidence, comportement expliqué par la cristallisation des chainesde PiPrOx stabilisées par les blocs PMeOx hydrophiles. / This PhD work is based on the design of poly(2-oxazoline) (POx)hydrogels and nanogels, by chemical or physical cross-linking, aimed to be used for biomedical applications. Nanogels were first prepared in dilute media and in inverse emulsion based on a statistical copolymer made of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline and ethyleneimine units. These stimuli-responsive nanogels were swelling in acidic media and were cleaved in reductive environment. They proved to be non-cytotoxic and act as protein repellent. Second, a reactive platform based on a statistical POx polymerbearing aldehyde functionalities was engineered, enabling the synthesis of graft and cross-linked POx. Last, a block copolymer made of 2-methyl- and 2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline units, proved to self-assemble into micelles when heated above its LCST,for a short period of time (< 1h30). When annealed for a longer time (> 1h30),crystallization-driven self-assembly led to the formation of different morphologies(fiber rods and cross-linked micelles).

<p>The synthesis of 2-aza-norborane derivatives is presented. The use of these compounds in preparation of Ir catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenations is described. The evaluation and optimization of the catalysts as well as the mechanistic aspects of the catalytic process are discussed.</p><p>The use of non-activated iminodieniphiles in stereoselective aza-Diels-Alder reaction has expanded the scope of the reaction and provided a convenient root for preparation of 2-aza-norboranes, analogues of which were developed into novel bicyclic 2-aza-norbornyl-oxazoline ligands for Ir-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenations. Using ths Ir complexes acetophenone was hydrogenated in 79% ee.</p><p>2-Aza-norbornyl-oxazolines were also developed into novel N,P-ligands. Resulting phosphine-oxazolines were evaluated in Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of structurally diverse imines and olefins.</p><p>Optimization of ligands was performed through: 1) Alteration of the stereoconfiguration at the 5’-position as well as variation of the size and geometry of the substituents at this position; 2) Screening through various phosphine substituents of the ligand. Both directions of optimization reflect on the influence of the ligands’ sterik bulk on stereoselectivity of catalytic process. High performance catalysts were developed for both transformations allowing asymmetric hydrogenation of imines with 92% ee and asymmetric hydrogenation of olefins with 99% ee.</p><p>Possible mechanisms for these transformations were suggested based on computational studies. Selectivity model for rationalization of results of Ir-catalyzed olefin hydrogenation also was designed.</p>