acase@tulane.edu / In Chapter 1 an overview of the field of water reduction catalysis is given, with an introduction to the concept of photo-catalytic water splitting. A background of the current research on molecular catalysts is also described. An introduction to the project is made detailing the approach to studying the molybdenum sulfide catalysts that were synthesized, characterized, and analyzed for this work. Chapter 2 describes in detail the synthesis and characterization of all the molybdenum sulfide complexes that were made. Initially looking at [Mo3S13]2- and later synthesizing derivatives of the type [Mo3S7(S2CNR2)3]+, [Mo3S4(S2CNR2)3]+, and [Mo3S4(S2CNR2)4]0 were successful. These complexes were characterized using 1H NMR, MALDI-TOF-MS, electronic absorption, and elemental analysis. A new ligand (S2CNiBu2) was also prepared for the synthesis of [Mo3S7(S2CNiBu2)3]+ complex. Chapter 3 lists all the crystal structures that were obtained for the ligands and metal complexes in this work. Metal complexes were purified using various crystallization techniques and identified and characterized. Starting from [Mo3S7(S2CNR2)3]+ complex type, the series included R = Et, Me, iBu, and 3,5-tBu(C6H3). A unique double cluster crystal structure was obtained after photolysis of [Mo3S7(S2CNiBu2)3]+ in the photosystem. The last set of four structures was found for the complex [Mo3S4(S2CNEt2)4]. Chapter 4 describes all the electro-chemical experiments and characterizations for all the metal complexes that were studied. Using cyclic voltammetry provided a starting point for understanding the behavior of these catalysts in catalytic experiments. Spectro-electrochemistry observes changes to the complexes during reductive processes and was used to test stability of the catalysts following reduction. Lastly, bulk electrolysis was used to test the electro-catalytic capability of the [Mo3S7(S2CNR2)3]+ catalysts. It was found that electrolysis at the second reduction potential yielded the highest faradaic yield for hydrogen. Chapter 5 introduces and describes the various types of photo-systems used in the field of photo-catalysis. Initial photo-catalytic experiments showed moderate activity of the [Mo3S13]2- and improvement was observed after preparing complexes of the type [Mo3S7(S2CNR2)3]+. Combining photolysis and MALDI-TOF-MS analysis revealed a transformation from the [Mo3S7(S2CNR2)3]+ cluster to [Mo3S4(S2CNR2)3]+ cationic complexes. After synthesizing and testing [Mo3S4(S2CNR2)3]+ and [Mo3S4(S2CNR2)4]0 species, they were not as efficient at generating hydrogen. / 1 / Patricia R. Fontenot

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2005. / Supervisor: Brian L. Pagenkopf. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

The PhD thesis concerns the synthesis of novel zeolite materials, investigation of their properties and their possible use in catalytic application. The work was focused on the two- dimensional zeolites. The thesis was worked out at the Department of Synthesis and Catalysis at J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, AS CR. Germanosilicate UTL (Si/Ge molar ratio 4.0-6.5) was found to undergo unique structural changes in the neutral or acid environment leading to transformation of its three-dimensional framework into two-dimensional layered material denoted IPC-1P. The UTL degradation, so called top-down synthesis, was enabled due to a presence of double-four-units (D4Rs), which can be seen as supporting units/pillars between the rigid layers. The preferential location of Ge in D4Rs makes the units an ideal target for their selective degradation. The interlayer space in lamellar IPC-1P was modified by swelling with long-organic chain surfactant (material IPC-1SW). To keep the interlayer space permanently expanded (up to 3.3 nm) the silica amorphous pillars were subsequently introduced (material IPC-1PI). The integrity of the layers and their preserved UTL character was confirmed in all members of IPC-1 family by HRTEM and electron diffraction measuring. The layers of IPC-1P were condensed back...

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Chemistry, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Mar. 27, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 214-219). Also issued in print.

The first part of this thesis presents a novel approach for synthesising enantioenriched cyclic allylsilanes via asymmetric ring-closing metathesis (ARCM). The second part of this thesis focuses on the reactivity of allylsilanes in electrophilic trifluoromethylation under transition metal and photoredox catalysis. <strong>Chapter 1</strong> provides a general introduction to existing methods for preparing compounds containing Si-stereogenic centres. The motivation for using ARCM to form Si-stereogenic centres is discussed. To set the stage for this work, the development of olefin metathesis as a tool in organic synthesis is briefly summarised. <strong>Chapter 2</strong> describes the synthesis of various prochiral silicon-containing trienes and their reactivity in Ru-, Mo- and W-catalysed ring-closing metathesis. . Following extensive screening of chiral catalysts, few catalysts were identified that enabled selective ARCM to access Si-stereogenic products in up to 98% ee. A systematic investigation of the relationship between the structure of the starting material (i.e., hydrocarbon chain length, steric and electronic properties of the silicon substituents) and the resulting efficacy in ARCM was undertaken, the results from these experiments are discussed. Importantly, this study represents the first example in which ARCM has been successfully used to desymmetrise prochiral substrates to form a new chiral Si centre (Scheme 1). <strong>Chapter 3</strong> provides a general introduction to the field of trifluoromethylation, with a special focus on recent applications of transition metal catalysts in Csp²–CF₃ and Csp³–CF₃ bond formation. A myriad of effective nucleophilic, electrophilic and radical trifluromethylating reagents have been developed during the past several years; the properties of these reagents and their compatibility with various modes of catalysis are summarised to provide a context for the second part of this thesis research. <strong>Chapter 4</strong> presents two novel methods for effecting trifluoromethylation of allylsilanes . First, it was discovered that the combination of an electrophilic trifluoromethlyating reagent and a copper catalyst effectively mediated trifluoromethylation of allylsilanes. The silicon substituent was crucial for improving the nucleophilicity of the substrate and dictating the regioselectivity of the Csp³–CF₃ bond-forming step. With this method, alkyl or aryl substitution at the &beta;-position of the allylsilane was critical for reactivity. Second, in a complementary study, it was found that copper could be replaced by a ruthenium photocatalyst and visible light. This latter method allowed for trifluoromethylation of substrates that were ineffective with copper catalysis. Mechanistic studies of both reaction systems were undertaken, and plausible reaction pathways for both reactions are proposed. <strong>Chapter 5</strong> gives full experimental procedures and characterisation data for all compounds.

This thesis describes the development of new methodologies promoted by bifunctional Brønsted basic H-bonding catalysis and Lewis basic organocatalysts. Chapter 2 describes the synthesis of novel chiral guanidines and their application as Brønsted and Lewis base catalysts in a variety of processes. Chapter 3 screens an array of Brønsted basic organocatalysts for the synthesis of trans-dihydrobenzofurans. A tertiary amine-thiourea bifunctional catalyst is used for an intramolecular Michael addition using keto-enones. The desired dihydrozofurans were obtained in excellent yield and with excellent diastereo- and good enantiocontrol. Chapter 4 describes the use of an isothiourea catalyst, HyperBTM, for the formal [2+2] cycloaddition between homohydrides and perfluorinated ketones to furnish β-lactones. The products were obtained in excellent yield and with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity. A large scope of 36 examples is reported. The derivatizion of the obtained β-lactones via ring-opening with a range of nucleophiles gave access to an array of β-hydroxycarbonyl compounds. Oxetanes could be accessed by a two step protocol, consisting of β-lactone reduction to give a diol, followed by cyclization. Chapter 5 describes a mechanic investigation on the isothiourea-catalysed formal [2+2] cycloaddition. A variable time normalisation graphical analysis method was used to determine the partial orders for anhydride, ketone and catalyst. The catalyst resting state was determined to be free catalysts by use of a fluorine-labelled catalysts.

Asymmetric phase-transfer catalysis is a powerful technique that enables a wide range of transformations under mild conditions, often using inexpensive and environmentally benign reagents. By extending the applications of phase-transfer catalysis we have developed a highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of functionalized indolines bearing two contiguous stereocentres, one of which is quaternary and all carbon, in a single synthetic step. The reaction proceeds with complete diastereoselectivity and with high levels of enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). Despite the development of phase-transfer catalysis as a primary synthetic tool in organic synthesis, the mechanistic understanding of these reactions still remains a challenge, due mainly to the difficulty of studying the complex multi-phase systems. Therefore, a further aim of this project was to understand the reaction mechanism of our phase-transfer catalysed transformation. Investigations into the mechanism of our phase-transfer catalysed reaction have been carried out by studying the reaction kinetics. These have shown that the reaction follows a sigmoidal curve with an induction period present. A detailed kinetic investigation was carried out which demonstrated that an autocatalytic mechanism is operational.

In this work, a new methodology for the synthesis of a number of silylated bicyclic dienes has been reported. These bicyclic dienes allowed access to a variety of enones and phenols in 2 further steps. The stabilities and reactivities of different dialkylisopropoxy silanes have been evaluated,revealing relative instability of the dimethylisopropoxy silyl group towards chromatography. When using the analogous diethylisopropoxy silyl group instead, the products showed greater stability towards chromatography, however a higher temperature was necessary to oxidise the more sterically hindered silyl group to the desired hydroxyl moiety. A powerful cascade cyclisation for the synthesis of the CDE-core of rubriflordilactone A was then demonstrated and was successfully used for the synthesis of two systems, 284 and 333. The phenolic oxygen has been successfully installed by oxidation of a dialkylisopropoxy silane. The synthesis of these ring systems provides a solid foundation for the completion of the total synthesis of rubriflordilactone A. Finally the synthesis of suitable diynes 405 for the synthesis of the acyclic precursor of the cyclisation has been achieved. The stabilities of theses silanes towards a range of reaction have been demonstrated.