Synthetic netropsin analogs of the thiophene and pyridine, induce the netropsin analogs binding DNA from A-T base pair change to G-C base pair. Moreover, dendritic electrostatic groups have bulky conformation, which induce the netropsin analogs binding DNA to major groove.

Electronic materials are of great interest for use in photovoltaics, sensors, light-emitting diodes, and molecular electronics. Hybrid Inorganic/Organic materials have been studied for device application due to their unique electronic properties. These properties result from the formation of bulk heterojunctions between inorganic (n-type) and organic (p-type) materials. However, due to incomplete pathways for charge transport and poor interfaces between materials, charge trapping and exciton recombination is often high. In an effort to alleviate these problems, we have developed an approach to fabricate bulk heterojunction materials via a seeded growth process. Electropolymerizable Schiff base complexes have been designed, synthesized, and utilized as precursors for conducting metallopolymers. The embedded metal centers are used as seed points for direct growth of size-controllable semiconductor nanoparticles within the polymer film leading to direct electronic communication between the two materials. The synthesis of CdS, CdSe, Ga₂S₃, CuInS₂, CuInSe₂, CuGaS₂, CuGaSe₂, CuGa[subscript x]In[subscript x]-₁S₂, and CuGa[subscript x]In[subscript x]-₁Se₂ has been seen through TEM and EDX. Devices have been fabricated and current studies have focused on the photovoltaic characterization of these materials which have a PCE of 0.11%. As a second but closely related area, polymers have also been studied as organic semiconductors for device applications. However they are hard to process from solution and their polymeric structure can vary. Both of these problems can be solved by using well-defined solution processable oligomers. Thiophene oligomers have been synthesized and characterized through Single Crystal X-Ray Crystallography, Four Point Probe Conductivity, and Powder Diffraction. These oligomers have a well-defined structure and are solution processable from a variety of solvents which can then be used as models to predict and study the properties of polythiophene. / text

É crescente o interesse, dentre os diversos tipos de dispositivos fotovoltaicos, nas células solares com corantes (dye-sensitized solar cell, DSCC). Isto é devido não só aos menores custos de produção (química molhada), mas também ao grande número de combinações orgânico/semicondutor que podem ser utilizadas, buscando as propriedades de interesse de cada dispositivo. Em uma DSSC a absorção de luz é realizada pelo material orgânico, que injeta o elétron no semicondutor para sua extração como corrente. A neutralidade da molécula é recuperada através de um eletrólito transportador de carga a partir do outro terminal. Este problema é de difícil investigação experimental, devido ao grande número de variáveis envolvidas, já que qualquer defeito ou mudança na deposição pode alterar o processo de transferência de carga. Da mesma forma, também o estudo teórico apresenta grande dificuldade, sendo necessária a adoção de modelos simplificados para o estudo, buscando um entendimento mais profundo dos processos que ocorrem durante a absorção de luz. Neste trabalho investigamos uma combinação de materiais de alta relevância, ácido retinóico sobre óxido de titânio na fase anatase, a mais importante para nanoestruturas. Realizamos uma investigação detalhada da aplicabilidade de diferentes metodologias ao problema, focalizando as características eletrônicas e óticas, e buscando evidências de transferência de carga. Para tal, analisamos modelos simples (materiais isolados, e outros sistemas diferentes de mesmas características), utilizando métodos vindos de diferentes postulações iniciais, como Hartree-Fock e Funcional da Densidade, e também partindo tanto de implementações ab initio (primeiros princípios) como de formulações semi-empíricas. Por fim, escolhida uma metodologia ideal, estudamos sistemas mais realistas de interfaces orgânico/óxido. Nossos resultados indicam a influência das dimensões nanoscópicas da matriz inorgânica nas propriedades de fotocolheita, assim como a grande importância da ligação covalente, presente na montagem quimissorvida molécula/superfície, que altera as propriedades óticas de ambos os componentes. / There is growing interest, among the many types of photovoltaic devices, in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The reasons for that are not only the lower costs of production (wet chemistry), but also the large number of organic/semiconductor combinations that can be made, depending on the properties that are interesting for each device. On a DSSC the light absorption occurs in the organic material, from which the electron is transferred to the semiconductor for current generation. The molecule regains its neutrality through an electrolyte that carries charge from the opposing terminal. The experimental investigation of this problem is very difficult, due to the large num- ber of variables involved, as any defect or change on the deposition can affect the charge transfer process. Similarly, the theoretical study is also difficult, making necessary the use of simplified models for the system to gain deeper understanding of the processes of light absorption. In this work we have studied a combination of large relevancy, retinoic acid over titanium oxide, at the anatase phase, the most important for nanostrucutres. We have thoroughly investigated the applicability of several methodologies, focusing at electronic and optical characteristics, and searching for evidences of charge transfer. For this we analyzed sim- ple models (isolated materials, and other systems that share the same characteristics), using methodologies from different starting theories, as Hartree-Fock and Density Functional The- ory, and also applying both ab initio and semi-empirical approaches. Once chosen the best methodology, we studied a more realistic system, true organic/oxide interfaces. Our results show the influence of the nanoscopic dimensions of the inorganic substrate on the properties of the photoharvest, and also the fundamental role played by the covalent bond that exists on the chemisorbed deposition of molecule/surface, that alters the optical properties of both components.

Dans cette thèse, on a étudié la formation de monocouches auto-assemblées de différentes molécules de chalcogénure et de films minces de semiconducteurs organiques. Leurs caractéristiques électroniques et structurelles ont été étudiées principalement par la spectroscopie de photoélectron à rayons X à base de rayonnement synchrotron, la spectroscopie d’adsorption de rayons X à proximité de seuil, la microscopie à force atomique et la diffraction d'électrons à faible énergie. En outre, les caractéristiques d'adsorption du sélénium et du soufre ont été étudiées comme complément à l'étude des adsorptions des molécules comportant des atomes de chalcogène. Le XPS à haute résolution a été utilisé pour enquêter sur les monocouches auto-assemblées de benzèneselénol et de sélénophène sur Cu (111). L'étude détaillée des pics caractéristiques des niveaux du coeur a démontré l'existence de différents sites d'absorption des molécules et aussi avec les mesures NEXAFS l'apparition du clivage de la liaison Se-C. Ces conclusions sont étayées par l'étude de l’adsorption de sélénium atomique montrant également différents sites d'absorption pour le sélénium atomique avec différents environnements chimiques basés sur une étude XPS haute résolution des spectres caractéristiques Se3d, Se3p et l'imagerie LEED. On a étudié les adsorptions de molécules de polythiophène (nT, n = 1-4, 6) ainsi que pour le α, ω-diquaterthiophène (DH4T) et le dihexylsexithiophène (DH6T) sur les films Au (111) et films de Au sur le mica. Les résultats indiquent que les pics XPS S2p ont des contributions de molécules intactes sur différents sites d'adsorption et des molécules cassées. Ces conclusions sont étayées par les calculs DFT existants. La dissociation spontanée apparaît dans une mesure variable dans différents cas, ce qui pourrait être lié à différentes morphologies de surface, à l'existence de défauts et à la réactivité différentes liés a ces défauts. Des films ultra-minces d'α-sexithiophène (6T) ont été déposés sur des surfaces planes de CaF2 (111) / Si (111) et sur des surfaces striées de CaF2 (110) / Si (001) par épitaxie par faisceau moléculaire. L'image AFM de 6T sur CaF2 (111) montre de grandes îles avec des terrasses plates sans préférence dans le plan, tandis que des îlots étroits et allongés suivant l'ondulation du substrat sont formés pour 6T sur CaF2 (110). Les spectres XPS et NEXAFS indiquent que les interactions entre 6T et les surfaces sont négligeables et que les molécules s'alignent avec leur long axe perpendiculaire aux surfaces pour les deux cas. / In this thesis, formation of self-assembled monolayers of different chalcogenide molecules and organic semiconductor thin films was investigated. Their electronic and structural characteristics have been investigated primarily by synchrotron based X-ray photoelectron, near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy and low energy electron diffraction. In addition, the adsorption characteristics of selenium and sulfur were studied as a complement to the study of adsorptions of chalcogen headgroup molecules. The high resolution XPS was employed to investigate the self assembled monolayers of benzeneselenol and selenophene on Cu(111). The detailed study of characteristic core level peaks demonstrated the existence of different absorption sites of the molecules and also along with NEXAFS measurements the occurrence of Se-C bond cleavage. These conclusions are supported by the study of atomic selenium adsorptions showing also different absorption sites for the atomic selenium with different chemical environments based on high resolution XPS study of characteristic Se3d, Se3p spectra and LEED imaging. The adsorptions of polythiophene molecules (nT, n=1-4, 6) as well as for α, ω-diquaterthiophene (DH4T) and dihexylsexithiophene (DH6T) on Au(111) and Au films grown on mica was studied. The results indicate that the XPS S2p peaks have contributions from intact molecules on different adsorption sites and broken molecules complemented. These conclusions are supported by existing DFT calculations. Spontaneous dissociation appears to a variable extent in different cases, which could be related to different surface morphologies, existence of defects and ensuing differences reactivity.α-Sexithiophene (6T) ultrathin films were grown on CaF2(111)/Si(111) planar surfaces and on CaF2(110)/Si(001) ridged surfaces by molecular beam epitaxy. The AFM image of 6T on CaF2(111) shows large islands with flat terraces without in-plane preference, while narrow and elongated islands following the substrate corrugation are formed for 6T on CaF2(110). XPS and NEXAFS spectra indicate that the interactions between 6T and surfaces are negligible, and the molecules align with their long axis perpendicular to the surfaces for both cases.

No description available.

This dissertation describes preparation and characterization of Ni₂P catalysts and their application in hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN). The work carried out includes synthesis of Ni₂P on different siliceous supports, SiO2 and MCM-41. It also includes characterization of these catalytic materials using X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray absorbance fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. In situ FTIR was employed to study the acidity of Ni₂P/SiO₂ and probe the catalytic sites involved in the HDN of pyridine. Transient and steady-state kinetics of a surface intermediate that is formed upon pyridine adsorption and reaction was studied to elucidate the mechanism of HDN over Ni₂P/SiO₂. Additionally, in situ FTIR and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was utilized to probe the bonding, mechanism and kinetics of thiophene HDS over a novel MCM-41-supported Ni₂P catalyst. The use of these techniques allowed for better understanding of the surface intermediates, mechanisms and the nature of the active sites involved in HDN and HDS. / Ph. D.

Yes / In this paper we investigate the optical and structural properties of a zwitterionic poly[3-(N-(4-sulfonato-1-butyl)-N,N-diethylammonium)hexyl-2,5-thiophene] (P3SBDEAHT) conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) and its interaction in water with surfactants, using absorption, photoluminescence (PL), electrical conductivity, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Different surfactants were studied to evaluate the effect of the head group and chain length on the self-assembly. PL data emphasize the importance of polymer–surfactant electrostatic interactions in the formation of complexes. Nevertheless, conductivity and MDS data have shown that nonspecific interactions also play an important role. These seem to be responsible for the spatial position of the surfactant tail in the complex and, eventually, for breaking-up P3SBDEAHT aggregates. SAXS measurements on P3SBDEAHT-zwitterionic cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) surfactant complexes showed a specific structural organization of the system. The CAPB surfactant promotes a structural transition from pure P3SBDEAHT 3-dimensional aggregates (radius of gyration ∼85 Å) to thick cylindrical aggregates (∼20 Å) where all CAPB molecules are associated with the polymer. For molar ratios (in terms of the polymer repeat unit) >1 the SAXS interference maximum of the complexes resembles that of pure CAPB thus suggesting ongoing phase segregation in the formation of a “pure” CAPB phase. / The Coimbra Chemistry Centre is supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portuguese Agency for Scientific Research, through the project PEst-OE/QUI/UI0313/2014. TC and BS thank FCT, which has supported this work through Postdoctoral Grants (SFRH/BPD/47181/2008 and SFRH/BPD/82396/2011, respectively). DA acknowledges CNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – Brasil, for financial support through the Grant “Bolsista do CNPq – Brasil”. The research leading to the SAXS data has received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) CALIPSO under grant agreement no. 312284.

Development of synthetic routes toward two general organometallic frameworks was undertaken. The first project involved synthetic attempts of substituted and unsubstituted ferroceno[c]thiophene while the second one was the synthesis of 1,2-dithienylmetallocenes. The long-term goal of this work is to lay the foundations for study of electronic, electrochromic, redox, and optical properties of thiophene-based materials integrated with organometallic systems such as ferrocene, ruthenocene and cymantrene. The synthetic pathway for the target molecule in the first project involved converting 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)ferrocene to 1,2-bis(thiouroniummethyl)ferrocene with thiourea under acidic conditions. Refluxing the salt in base followed by acidification resulted in 1,2-bis(mercaptomethyl)ferrocene, which is oxidized to the cyclic ferroceno[d]-1,2-dithiane. Ring contraction of cyclic dithiane gave the thioether, ferroceno[c]-2,5-dihydrothiophene. Periodate oxidation of the thioether gave ferroceno[c]-2,5-dihydrothiophene-S-oxide (1), a potential precursor for ferroceno[c]thiophene via Pummerer dehydration. Attempts to dehydrate 1 and to trap the resulting thiophene in situ indicated instability of the target compound. Synthesis of ferroceno[c]thiophene with electron-donating as well as electron-withdrawing substituents at the 2,5-positions of the thiophene ring was attempted. 1,2–Dithienylethenes and their derivatives have gained increased attention due to their exceptional photochromic property. They tend to be thermally irreversible but photochemically reversible, which is a vital for their potential use in optical memories, switches and other optoelectronic applications. Inspiration of the second project was that incorporation of 1,2-dithienyl systems into metallocenes would enhance the general properties of the molecule, including stability, fatigue resistance, solid-state reactivity and higher sensitivity. 1,2-Dithienylferrocene was successfully synthesized. The synthetic pathway for 1,2-dithienylferrocene involved the reaction of α-bromo-3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene (1) with ethyl 4-(2,5-dimethylthiophen-3-yl)-3-oxobutanoate (2) to give 2,3-diarylcyclopent-2-en-1-one (3). Compounds 1 and 2 were synthesized following literature methods. Compound 3 was then converted to its cyclopentadienide form by first reducing the ketone to alcohol using LAH, followed by dehydration and then deprotonation of the substituted cyclic diene using butyllithium to give 1,2-bis(2,5-dimethylthiophene)-2,4-cyclopentadien-1-yl)lithium (4). [Fe(fluorenyl)(Cp)] was then used as a transfer reagent and reacted with 4 to yield the target compound.

No description available.

É notório o potencial farmacológico de lignanas, metabólitos secundários extraídos de produtos naturais, na sua maioria com baixos rendimentos. Usando a natureza como fonte de inspiração, foram propostas rotas sintéticas de compostos análogos, obtendo-se o 2,5-bis(2-metoxifenil)tiofeno, um análogo químico da lignana grandisina. De acordo com o potencial leishmanicida preliminarmente identificado, associado à reduzida citotoxicidade do análogo, despertou-se o interesse para o desenvolvimento de nova terapia medicamentosa para as leishmanioses em substituição aos tratamentos rotineiros e tóxicos utilizados. Entretanto, não há na literatura informações sobre os processos que abrangem a farmacocinética - absorção, distribuição, metabolismo e excreção (ADME) do composto. Portanto, o presente estudo objetivou a avaliação pré-clínica da disposição cinética do 2,5-bis(2-metoxifenil)tiofeno. Inicialmente foi desenvolvido um método analítico por cromatografia liquida de ultra eficiência acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CLUE-EM/EM) para quantificação do analito extraído da matriz de plasma, através de precipitação de proteínas com acetonitrila acidificada. O método foi validado de acordo com guias oficiais da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária e da Food and Drug Adminstration, mostrando-se sensível, exato, preciso e linear na faixa de 4 a 1000 ng.mL-1. A partir da administração intravenosa do 2,5-bis(2-metoxifenil)tiofeno em ratos foi possível obter curvas de decaimento plasmático versus tempo, observando-se que os dados adequaram-se ao modelo bicompartimental. O perfil farmacocinético do 2,5-bis(2-metoxifenil)tiofeno indicou rápida distribuição (t1/2? de 10,66 ± 2,37 min) e eliminação (t1/2? de 71,68 ± 13,84 min), não provocando acúmulo plasmático. / It is notorious the pharmacological potential of lignans, secondary metabolites extracted from natural products, mostly with low yields. Applying nature as a source of inspiration, synthetic routes of analogous compounds have been proposed getting 2,5-bis(2-methoxyphenyl)thiophene, a chemical analogue of lignan grandisine. According to the leishmanicide potential preliminarily identified, associated with the reduced cytotoxicity of the analogue, interest was aroused for the development of new drug therapy for leishmaniasis, replacing the typical and toxic treatments used. However, there is no information about the pharmacokinetics processes - absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of the compound in the literature. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the kinetic disposition of 2,5-bis (2-methoxyphenyl) thiophene. An analytical method was developed by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for quantification of the analyte extracted from the plasma matrix through precipitation of proteins with acidified acetonitrile. The method was validated in according to Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária and Food and Drug Adminstration guidelines, showing to be sensitive, accurate, precise and linear over the concentration range of 4 to 1000 ng.mL-1. From the intravenous administration of 2,5-bis(2-methoxyphenyl)thiophene in rats it was possible to obtain the mean plasma concentration versus time profile, and the concentration data was best fitted to a two-compartment model. The pharmacokinetic profile of 2,5-bis (2-methoxyphenyl) thiophene indicated rapid distribution (t1 / 2? of 10.66 ± 2.37 min) and elimination (t1 / 2? of 71.68 ± 13.84 min), without plasma accumulation.