Rozprawy doktorskie na temat „NHC Ligand”

This thesis describes the preparation of a various NHC ligands with five and six-membered rings, different fused aromatic cores and the subsequent synthetic development of their complexation of with Ag, Ru and Pd. The investigation and preparation of these compunds was with the intention of exploring their chemical and physical properties. The synthesis of the NHC ligands proved to be difficult, but analysis and characterisation of the side products from the reactions helped to establish successful synthetic methodologies. In both the five and six-membered research conducted a common attribute was established of a pyrid-2-yl substituent at the 1 position or both the 1 and 3 positions, thus providing new NHC ligands to investigate. The organic syntheis of the research focused on two NHC ligand functionalites, five and six membered rings. The six memerbered rings focused on 1H-perimidine as the core unit and the design of both bidentate and tridentate NHC ligands to mimic the structural binding relationship of 2,2’- bipyridine (bpy) and 2,2’:6’2”-terpyridine (tpy) with various metal salts. The synthesis of the bpy analogues was achieved in good overall yields with minimal synthetic challenges. However, the tpy analogue was unable to be realised due to time constraints and problems associated with its synthesis. The five membered NHC ligands synthesised were to investigate the physical effects of systematically increasing the size of its aromatic core. The main focus of the research was on the phenanthrene imidazole NHC ligands. This was investigated due to the minimal research that has been conducted on this core unit and NHC-complexes. Synthesis of the two-bidentate NHC ligands with an imidazole head group and fused phenanthrene backbone were completed, but this was with a picolyl substituent at the 1 position rather than the pyrid-2-yl substituent. This failure to isolate this product was attributed to steric influences. Pyrene-fused-imidazole NHC ligands were also investigated and pyrene offers a NHC core that hasn’t been investigated previously. However, synthesis and isolation of the NHC ligands proved to be difficult and was associated with the poor solubility of the NHC ligands. The organometallic NHC synthesis was studied extensively with the main focus on establishing appropriate conditions to give a NHC complex. The main metal investigated was ruthenium as subsequent NHC complexes were expected to have potentially interesting properties such as luminescence. The synthesis of a perimidine and phenanthrene NHC ruthenium complexes have not been isolated before, thus giving new NHC complexes. Many different synthetic routes were attempted to synthesise a perimidine NHC ruthenium complex. However, this proved difficult due to associated higher reactivity of the carbene carbon of perimidine with a new side product as a result of this research. The phenanthrene NHC complex synthesis suffered due to time constraints but potential methodology for their synthesis is stated.

Ce travail de thèse est consacré à l’étude de la réactivité du spirosilane de Martin, une molécule présentant des propriétés intéressantes notamment en présence de bases de Lewis, qui a trouvé des applications diverses comme la détection d’ions fluorures. En ce qui nous concerne, nous avons choisi d’étudier l’interaction de ce dérivé du silicium avec des bases de Lewis neutres fortes tels que les Carbènes N-Hétérocycliques (NHC) qui ont été beaucoup utilisés pour stabiliser les espèces de basse valence des éléments du bloc p. Alors que les NHC sont connus pour former avec les chlorosilanes des adduits pentacoordinés stables, aucun exemple avec des silanes non halogénés n’avaient été décrits avant notre étude. Nous avons montré qu’en fonction de l’encombrement stérique des NHC étudiés, ils forment avec le spirosilane de Martin des adduits de Lewis normaux et anormaux stables. Les propriétés « Paires de Lewis Frustrées » (FLP) du spirosilane avec des NHC encombrés ont été examinées ainsi que l’accès à des nouveaux ligands NHC anioniques portant un motif siliconate
This thesis work is focused on the reactivity of Martin’s Spirosilane, a molecule that displays some interesting properties in particular with different Lewis base, founding some interesting application such us fluoride sensor. In our study, we have chosen N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) because they are well known for stabilising low-valence states of p-block elements or for disclosing new reactivities. Besides, NHC are known to form relatively stable adducts with tetravalent halosilanes and also to stabilise silicon(0) species through potassium graphite reductions, but, to the best of our knowledge, no pentacoordinated NHC-adducts with a non-halogenated silane partner has been synthesised to date.The first part of my PhD was focused on the update of Martin’s spirosilane synthesis due to some problem of reproducibility with the known procedure. Once obtained the product, it was begun the investigation of the interaction with different NHC carbene that afforded the corresponding adducts that were fully characterised. The different adducts were then studied as potential Frustrated Lewis Pair and as precursors of anionic-type ligands for the metal's coordination

Platinum(II) complexes [(NHC)Pt(L)] with various β-diketonate based auxiliary ligands (L: 3-meacac = 3-methylacetylacetonato, dpm = dipivaloylmethanato, dbm = dibenzoylmethanato, mesacac = dimesitoylmethanato, duratron = bis(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzoyl)methanato) and a C^C* cyclometalated N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (NHC: dpbic = 1,3-iphenylbenzo[d]imidazol-2-ylidene, dpnac = 1,3-diphenylnaphtho[2,3-d]imidazol-2-ylidene or bnbic = 1-phenyl-3-benzylbenzo[d]imidazol-2-ylidene) were found to show different aggregation and photophysical properties depending on the auxiliary ligand. Eight complexes were prepared from a silver(I)–NHC intermediate by transmetalation, cyclometalation and subsequent treatment with potassium-tert-butanolate and β-diketone. They were fully characterized by standard techniques including ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR. Five complexes were additionally characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY). Solid-state structures of five complexes could be obtained and show the tendency of the square-planar compounds to form pairs with different Pt–Pt distances depending on the bulkiness of the substituents at the auxiliary ligand. The result of the photophysical measurements in amorphous PMMA films reveals quantum yields of up to 85% with an emission maximum in the blue region and comparatively short decay lifetimes (3.6 µs). Density functional theory (DFT/TD-DFT) calculations were performed to elucidate the emission process and revealed a predominant ³ILCT/³MLCT character. Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) comprising one of the complexes achieved 12.6% EQE, 11.9 lm W⁻¹ luminous efficacy and 25.2 cd A⁻¹ current efficiency with a blue emission maximum at 300 cd m⁻². The influence of an additional hole-transporter in the emissive layer was investigated and found to improve the device lifetime by a factor of seven.

Lo scopo del seguente lavoro di tesi è la sintesi e lo studio di nuovi leganti chirali N-eterociclici ad anello espanso derivanti dal diacido canforico. Lo sviluppo di nuovi leganti chirali nasce dalla possibilità di utilizzo in catalisi enantioselettiva. Questa tipologia di leganti sono facilmente sintetizzati dal diacido canforico utilizzando diverse vie di sintesi. La via di sintesi utilizzata permette di ottenere facilmente una funzionalizzazione asimmetrica. Il legante è stato studiato nella sintesi di un nuovo complesso chirale di Pd(II) utilizzando diverse condizioni di reazione. Inoltre, sono state studiate numerose vie di sintesi per nuovi leganti utilizzando i precursori dei leganti e due diversi epossidi. The aim of my training period has been the synthesis of new chiral N-heterocyclic carbene precursors starting from camphoric acid. The development of new chiral ligands starts from their possible use in new catalytic systems for enantioselective transformations. These kinds of ligands are easily synthetized from camphoric acid following different strategies. The synthetic pathway used makes simple the asymmetric functionalization. The ligand was employed in the synthesis of a new complex of Pd(II) in different conditions. In addition, numerous synthetic pathways have been investigated for new ligands using their precursors and two different epoxides.

Les complexes de métaux de transitions hétérobimétalliques “Early-Late“ (ELHB) offrent des perspectives uniques pour les réactions d’activation de petites molécules grâce à la bifonctionnalité des atomes métalliques mis en jeu. Une des stratégies identifiées afin de diriger et de stabiliser ces assemblages hétérobimétalliques “Early-Late” est de tirer parti de ligands pontants bifonctionnels se caractérisant par la présence de deux fonctions coordinnantes distinctes : une fonction dite “dure”, capable de former des liaisons fortes avec des métaux précoces électrophiles ; et une fonction dite “molle”, exhibant une forte affinité pour les métaux tardifs riches en électrons. Dans la plupart des exemples de ligands bifonctionnels reportés dans la littérature à ce jour, le site donneur pour les métaux tardifs est de type phosphine. Les Carbènes N-Hétérocycliques (NHCs) sont devenus un substitut aux ligands phosphines grâce à leur synthèse relativement aisée ainsi qu’à leur propension à former des complexes métalliques stables et robustes comparés aux phosphines. De plus, une gamme étendue de NHCs fonctionnalisés peut être obtenue par l’introduction d’une grande diversité de groupements fonctionnels sur le squelette du NHC. De manière surprenante, très peu de complexes ELHB supportés par des ligands NHC bifonctionnels ont été reportés dans la littérature jusqu’à présent. Par conséquent, l’objectif de ce travail de thèse est de reporter la synthèse de complexes ELHB à base de Tantale-Rhodium comportant des ligands NHC bifonctionnels. Une méthode efficace, extensive, simple et polyvalente d’un ligand NHC asymétrique présentant un bras hydroxyde a été développée. La structure exacte de ce ligand libre a été examinée : les analyses ont relevées que ce ligand adopte une forme neutre carbène-hydroxyde contenant une liaison hydrogène atypique Ccarbène-HO. Cette plateforme moléculaire a été utilisée avec succès pour la synthèse presque inouïe de complexes Ta-NHC, ainsi qu’une série de complexes Rh-NHC monométalliques. Le potentiel de ces dérivés pour la préparation d’assemblages hétérobimétalliques Ta/Rh a été exploré, soit par i) la réaction de protonolyse entre le groupement hydroxyle libre contenu dans le complexe monométallique de rhodium et le groupement alkyle des précurseurs de tantale, ou par ii) l’incorporation de Rh dans le complexe Ta-NHC via une transmétallation du carbène depuis le tantale vers le rhodium. Des résultats mitigés ont été obtenus dans le cas des dérivés de tantale- alkylidènes, probablement dus à la forte réactivité de cette entité chimique. Cependant, des édifices ELHB bien définis, à base de Ta/Rh et supportés par un NHC ont été obtenus dans le cas des dérivés de Tantale-imido ou siloxy-alkyle. Cela valorise l’utilité de ce motif alcoxy-carbène à promouvoir l’assemblage de ces deux métaux via la coordination préférentielle du ligand “mou” carbénique sur le Rh tandis que le groupement coordinant hydroxyle “dur” est sélectif vis-à-vis du tantale. Les informations obtenues à partir de la réactivité en solution avec des silanols moléculaires ont été utilisées pour développer des exemples rares de complexes ELHB tantale-rhodium supportés sur silice. Finalement, en tant que perspective exploratoire d’une réaction potentielle d’intérêt, une étude computationnelle de l’activation de diazote et sa conversion en ammoniac a été réalisée en utilisant le complexe bimétallique homogène. Les premières étapes du cycle catalytique impliquent le transfert d’hydrures depuis le rhodium vers la liaison η2-N2─tantale, ses étapes sont énergétiquement favorables c’est-à-dire que les états de transition ainsi que les minima locaux d’énergie sont en deçà de 30 kcal∙mol-1. Ces travaux ouvrent des perspectives intéressantes pour l’activation de petites molécules par des espèces ELHB. De futurs travaux se concentreront sur la mise en œuvre de l’activation de N2 au laboratoire en utilisant des complexes supportés sur silice
Early-Late heterobimetallic (ELHB) transition metal complexes offer unique perspectives in small molecules activation reactions due to the bifunctionality of the metal atoms involved. One identified strategy in order to direct and stabilize ELHB assemblies is to take profit of bifunctional bridging ligands featuring two distinct coordination motifs: one hard, able to form strong bonds with electrophilic early metal centers and one soft nucleophilic site featuring a strong affinity for electron rich late metal centers. In most examples of bifunctional ligands reported to date in the literature, the late-metal donor is a phosphine-derived moiety. N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have evolved as a substitute to phosphine ligands due to their relatively easy synthesis and ability to form stable and strong metal complexes when compared to phosphines. Moreover, a versatile range of functionalized NHCs could be synthesized by incorporating wide variety of functional groups in the NHC backbone. Surprisingly, very few ELHB complexes supported by bifunctional NHC ligands have been reported to date. Hence, the aim of this PhD work is to report the synthesis of tantalum-rhodium ELHB complexes utilizing the bifunctional NHC ligands. The efficient, scalable, simple and versatile synthesis of a new unsymmetrical hydroxyl-tethered NHC has been developed. The exact structure of the free ligand platform has been investigated in detail: the analyses reveal that this ligand adopts a neutral hydroxyl-carbene form that features an unusual OH-carbene hydrogen-bonding interaction. This ligand platform was successfully used to yield rare examples of Ta-NHC complexes, as well as a series of Rh-NHC monometallic species. The potential of these derivatives for the preparation of Ta/Rh heterobimetallic assemblies was then explored through either i) the protonolysis reaction between the free hydroxyl pendant group in the monometallic Rh complex and the alkyl moiety from tantalum precursors or ii) the incorporation of Rh into Ta-NHC complexes through carbene transmetallation from Ta to Rh. Mitigated results were obtained in the case of tantalum alkylidene derivatives, likely due to the high reactivity of this chemical motif. However, well-defined NHC-based Ta/Rh heterobimetallic entities were obtained in the case of Ta-imido or Ta-siloxy alkyl derivatives. This showcases the utility of this bifunctional alcoxy-carbene motif to promote the assembly of the two metals, due to the preferred coordination of the “soft” carbene ligand moiety to Rh while the “hard” alkoxy ligand group is selective to Ta. The insight obtained from the reactivity in solution with molecular silanols was utilized to develop rare examples of silica-supported tantalum-rhodium ELHB complexes. Finally, as a prospective exploration of a potential reaction of interest; computational study for nitrogen activation to NH3 was carried out using the homogeneous bimetallic complex. The first few steps of the catalytic cycle involve the transfer of hydride from the rhodium center to the tantalum bound ƞ2-N2 and are energetically favorable i.e., the transition states and the local minima energies are below 30 kcal.mol-1. This work opens attractive perspectives for small molecules activation by ELHB species, and future work will focus on the implementation of the N2 activation in laboratory using the silica-supported complexes

Une méthode simple et efficace a été développée pour la préparation de ligands bifonctionnels associant les motifs phosphine ou phosphite d'une part, et carbène Nhétérocyclique(NHC) ou imidazolium d'autre part. Dans un premier temps, une série de ligands diphénylphosphine-carbène chiraux portant un centre stéréogène en a de la phosphinea été développée à partir b-hydroxyesters. Une famille de ligands a ainsi été développée afin d'évaluer l'influence de l'encombrement stérique de différents groupements alkyles en a de la phosphine et de la nature des groupements aromatiques portés sur l'imidazole sur leur activité catalytique. L’étude s’est ensuite étendue à la synthèse de ligands de type dialkylphosphine carbène et phosphite-carbène. Ces différents ligands ont été complexés avec des métaux tels que l’iridium ou le rhodium de manière à en étudier l’activité en hydrogénation asymétrique
A straightforward method for the preparation of new bidentate ligands containing aphosphine or a phosphite and a carbene function was developed. Different phosphorus-imidazolium compounds were prepared according to this method. First, diphenylphosphine-NHC ligands featuring a stereogenic center a to the phosphine were synthesized from b-hydroxyesters. This strategy was then extended to the preparation of phosphite-imidazoliumand dialkylphosphine-imidazolium compounds. Complexation of these phosphorus-NHCligands with different metals like Ir or Rh was performed in order to study there catalytic properties in asymmetric hydrogenation

With the blend of addressing issues of sustainable energy with the environmental worries regarding emission of greenhouse gases, there is a motivation to target the efficient chemical reduction of CO2. Re(I) integrated photosensitizers and catalysts, synthesized from commercially available ligands, are introduced with the selective CO2 reduction of formic acid, making for a unique class of Re(I) catalysts typically selective for CO as a reduction product. Furthermore, synthesized Zn(II) phosphino aminopyridine complexes are structurally and computationally characterized as well as observed to function as unprecedented electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to formic acid and CO. Lastly, with the importance and popularity of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as a class of ligands in the field of organometallic catalysis, six-membered perimidine based carbenes are further explored. Synthesis of a chelating pyridyl-perimidine NHC in addition to potential transition metal catalysts are also attempted.

Cette thèse de doctorat met en évidence l'utilisation de catalyseurs de fer qui présentent de nombreux avantages par rapport aux autres métaux de transition. En effet, le fer est moins coûteux, respectueux de l’environnement et présente des activités catalytiques intéressantes. Du fait de ces caractéristiques, la catalyse au fer a connu un réel essor ces 15 dernières années. Cette thèse présente la réaction de type carbonyl-ène intermoléculaire catalysée par des sels de fer(II) et de fer(III), utiles pour leur rôle d’acides de Lewis, en employant plusieurs alcènes avec le 3,3,3-trifluoropyruvate d'éthyle. Les sels de FeII, notamment FeCl2, Fe(OAc)2, Fe(NTf)2, Fe(ClO4)2·6H2O, Fe(BF4)2·6H2O et Fe(OTf)2, ont été utilisés pour catalyser cette transformation. Un système efficace utilisant le Fe(BF4)2 anhydre a été développé pour catalyser la réaction carbonyl-ène intermoléculaire de multiples alcènes avec le 3,3,3-trifluoropyruvate d’éthyle, et aussi la réaction carbonyl-ène intramoléculaire du (S)-citronellal. Des rendements entre 36-87% en produits-ène, soit des alcools homoallyliques et de produits de cyclisation du citronellal ont été obtenus par l’utilisation de différents alcènes disubstitués. Les carbènes N-hétérocycliques (NHC) sont reconnus comme des ligands prometteurs en catalyse avec des métaux de transition. Trois sels de xanthinium dérivés de la caféine ont été utilisés comme précurseurs NHC pour développer des complexes fer-ligand NHC pour les réactions carbonyl-ène intra- et intermoléculaires. Les conditions optimales ont été étudiées, notamment le choix du sel de fer, du solvant, de la charge catalytique et du contreanion. Fe(OTf)2 est apparu comme le meilleur catalyseur lorsque complexé au ligand NHC dérivé du sel de xanthinium caféine méthylé. Avec [NHC-Fe]2+(SbF6)22− comme catalyseur, des rendements de 22% à 99% en alcools homoallyliques ont été obtenus pour la réaction carbonyl-ène en employant divers énophiles et le trifluoropyruvate d’éthyle. De plus, NHC-FeIIICl2[SbF6] s’est avéré être un catalyseur efficace et sélectif pour la transformation du citronellal en produit désiré, l’isopulégol. L’aspect recyclable du sel de xanthinium dérivé de la caféine lié au Fe(OTf)2 a été évalué dans la réaction de Diels-Alder en employant des solvants verts, comme le diméthyl carbonate. Le catalyseur a pu être recyclé cinq fois et des rendements identiques ont été obtenus. Différents substrats ont été testés dont des composés dicarbonylés bidendates, cétones, aldéhydes et esters. Les ligands NHC alkoxylés ont été développés comme famille émergente de ligands dans les réactions d’addition conjuguées énantiosélectives. Enfin, de nouveaux ligands NHC-diol ont été synthétisés et testés dans la réaction carbonyl-ène. Ces derniers sont prometteurs en catalyse asymétrique et notamment en catalyse utilisant des métaux de transition.
Iron has many advantages compared to other transition metals in homogeneous catalysis, such as relatively cheap price, eco-friendly, good catalytic activities. Hence, these features boosted the development of iron catalysis since 15 years ago. In this thesis, various iron salts including FeII and FeIII were examined as Lewis acid catalysts in the intermolecular carbonyl-ene reaction of various alkenes and ethyl 3,3,3-trifluoropyruvate. FeII salts, such as FeCl2, Fe(OAc)2, Fe(NTf)2, Fe(ClO4)·6H2O, Fe(BF4)2·6H2O, Fe(OTf)2, were found to be effective in catalyzing the reaction. An anhydrous Fe(BF4)2 catalytic system was developed for both of an intermolecular carbonyl-ene reaction of various alkenes and ethyl 3,3,3-trifluoropyruvate and an intramolecular carbonyl-ene reaction of (S)-citronellal. The ene-products, i.e. homoallylic alcohols, were afforded in 36-87% yields giving a scope of various with 1,1-disubstituted alkenes and the cyclization of citronellal. N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are recognized as promising ligands in transition metals catalysis. Three caffeine-derived xanthinium salts were used as NHC precursors to transition metals iron for developing an NHC-iron catalyst in the intermolecular carbonyl-ene reaction and the intramolecular carbonyl-ene reaction of citronellal. Optimized conditions were developed from the screening of iron salts, solvents, catalyst loading and counter anions. Fe(OTf)2 was found to efficiently catalyze the reaction while complexed with NHC ligand derived from methylated caffeine xanthinium salt. Caffeine-derived-[NHC-Fe]2+(SbF6)22− catalyzed carbonyl-ene reaction of various enophiles with ethyl trifluoropyruvate afforded 22-99% yields in homoallylic alcohols. NHC-FeCl2[SbF6] was efficiently and selectively used as a catalyst to convert citronellal into the desired isopulegol. Caffeine-derived xanthinium salt was designed with Fe(OTf)2 as a recyclable catalyst for Diels-Alder reaction in dimethyl carbonate used as a green solvent. Several other green solvents were examined to further study the application of green solvents in organic synthesis. The catalyst, derived from a caffeine-derived xanthinium salt and Fe(OTf)2, was recycled up to five times, while maintaining the same level of yields for the Diels-Alder reaction and recyclability. A relative large scope of substrates including bidentate dicarbonyl compounds, ketones, aldehydes, and esters were tested. Alkoxyl-NHC ligands were developed as a rising family of ligands in enantioselective conjugate addition. A series of new NHC-diol ligands were designed and tested in the carbonyl-ene reaction. These newly developed ligands are promising systems in asymmetric catalysis and transition metal catalysis.

La thématique de recherche développée au cours de ce doctorat concerne l'élaboration de nouveaux ligands à caractère donneur extrême en vue d'applications en catalyse. La première partie de ces travaux consiste à la synthèse de ligands phosphorés pauvres en électrons, plus particulièrement des imidazoliophosphines qui représentent des phosphines cationiques où la charge positive portée par un noyau imidazolium est conjuguée avec l'atome de phosphore. De ce fait, deux stratégies de synthèse ont été mises en place : (a) modifier les substituants de la partie phosphorée ou (b) introduire une deuxième charge cationique. Ces deux méthodes ont conduit à la préparation de trois types de ligands pauvres : les amidiniophosphonites, les di-amidiniophosphines et les hydroxy-phosphines cationiques. La limite de la coordination de ces nouveaux ligands pauvres en électrons a aussi été mise en évidence en série rhodium (I). A l'opposé, la seconde partie présente la synthèse de ligands riches en électrons de type ylures de phosphonium et plus précisément, des bis-ylures de diphosphonium. La préparation à partir des motifs 1,2- ou 1,3-diphénylphosphinobenzène et la coordination de ces espèces ont été étudiées. De nouveaux ylures de phosphoniums chiraux ont été également envisagés à partir de leurs précurseurs phosphoniums. La troisième partie s'intéresse à la synthèse de ligands hybrides riches-pauvres par leurs extrémités " électroniquement " opposées et présentant les caractéristiques des deux premières catégories de ligands développés. Des ligands bidentes à extrémités mixtes du type NHC - amidiniophosphine ont ainsi été préparés dans l'optique d'applications catalytiques mais aussi photo-physiques (transfert de charge). Ces nouveaux ligands à caractère donneur extrême, pauvres en électrons pour les amidiniophosphines, et riches en électrons pour les ylures de phosphonium, ouvrent ainsi de nouvelles perspectives en catalyse
The project developed during this PhD thesis aims at the elaboration of novel ligands with extreme donor character for applications in catalysis. The first part of this work, reports on the synthesis of electron-poor phosphorus ligands especially imidazoliophosphines. The positive charge of the imidazolium moiety of these ligands is conjugated with the phosphorus atom. Thereby, two synthesis methods were developed; while the first consists on the modification of the substituents at the phosphorus atom, the second aims to introduce an additional cationic charge. Both methods have yielded three types of electron-poor ligands, namely the amidiniophosphonites, the di-amidiniophosphines and the cationic hydroxyphosphines. The limits of the coordination of these ligands have been evidenced by the preparation of a series of rhodium (I) complexes. By marked contrast, the second part of this project, concerns the synthesis of electron-rich phosphonium ylide ligands, more particularly the diphosphonium bis-ylides. These ligands were elaborated from the 1,2- or 1,3-diphenylphosphinobenzene bridge, prior to complexation. Preparation of chiral phosphonium ylides were also considered. Finally, the third part of this work focuses on the elaboration of hybrid "rich-poor" ligands having a carbene (NHC) and an amidiniophosphine coordinating extremities. These hybrid bidente ligands were developed for catalytic but also for photo-physic (charge transfer) applications. These new ligands with extreme donating character, electron-poor for the amidiniophosphines, and electron-rich for phosphonium ylides, open interesting perspectives in catalysis

La plupart des composés organiques ont un atome de carbone tétravalent, où tous les électrons de valence sont utilisés pour former des liaisons covalentes. En parallèle, la chimie des composés divalents ayant un carbone(II) s’est développée après l’isolement de carbènes stables par Bertrand en 1985. Auparavant, en 1961, Ramirez a rapporté l’isolement de l’hexaphénylcarbodiphosphorane, que l’on peut considérer comme un composé présentant un carbone(0) avec ses deux doublets libres, lui permettant de coordiner jusqu’à deux acides de Lewis. A partir de 2006, les propriétés électroniques de ces ligands ont été étudiées au travers d’études théoriques par Frenking ; ce qui a permis à Bertrand et Fürstner d’isoler et d’ajouter des nouveaux membres à cette famille. Cette classe de ligand est aujourd’hui connue sous le nom de “carbônes”, avec comme formule générale CL2 (L = PR3 ou carbène).Cette famille n’a jamais été utilisée dans le domaine de la catalyse. C’est pourquoi nous avons, décidé d’etudier les propriétés électroniques de ce ces composés au travers de la catalyse à l’or, afin de les comparer aux NHC, phosphines, et phosphites. Récemment, nous avons utilisé ces composés pour générer des complexes donneur accepteur avec du GaCl3, et de corréler leurs différentes caractéristiques géometriques à leurs propriétés électroniques en utilisant les règles de Gutmann sur des adduits acide/base de Lewis. De plus, nous avons isolé des “dimères” ioniques dont la formation peut être expliquée par les propriétés intrinsèques des ligands. Nous avons ainsi démontré par ces deux approches que les “carbônes” sont de meilleurs donneurs que les NHC
Most organic compounds which are stable in the condensed phase contain tetravalent carbon atoms, where all four valence electrons are being engaged in chemical bonds. On the other hand, the chemistry of divalent carbon(II) was only recognized after the isolation of a stable persistent carbene by Bertrand and co-workers in 1985. Such products display one s-type lone pair orbital and are thus good ligands. Earlier on, concern was also paid to a new family of compounds, first reported in 1961 by Ramirez and co-workers. They can be considered as divalent carbon(0) derivatives with two lone pairs at the central carbon, with a possibility of double coordination of two Lewis acids to this carbon. This feature was proposed by Kaska in 1973, and verified later by the isolation of di-metalated adducts. From 2006, these compounds were the centre of extensive theoretical investigations by Frenking, which led to the isolation of new members of this family by Fürstner and Bertrand. This family is now referred to as “carbones”, of general formula CL2 (L =PR3 or carbene).“Carbones” are still virtually unused in catalysis. Thus, we have decided to study these derivatives, especially in the field of gold catalysis, and to compare them with well-known ligands such as NHCs, phosphines and phosphites. Recently, we were able to synthesize their corresponding GaCl3 complexes and to rationalize their electronic properties through Gutmann’s rules for Lewis acid/Lewis base adducts. In addition, we obtained some ionic “dimers” and we explained their formation on the basis of ligand’s electronic properties. We have shown through these two approaches that carbones are far better donors than NHCs

Les carbènes N-hétérocycliques (NHC) sont connus pour être de bons ligands des métaux de transition (TM). Dans ce manuscrit, le premier chapitre est consacré une présentation non exhaustive des différentes approches qui ont été utilisées dans la littérature pour le design de NHCs chiraux efficaces en catalyse enantiosélective. Au début du deuxième chapitre, le nouveau concept est présenté. Celui-ci repose sur la formation d’un axe de chiralité qui est créé lors de la coordination du ligand NHC à un métal de transition. Ce chapitre est consacré à la synthèse de complexes possédant une symétrie C1. Différents sels d’imidazolium, précurseurs des NHCs, ont été synthétisés et utilisé pour former des complexes palladium. Ils ont été sous forme énantiopure par HPLC chirale à l’échelle préparative. Ces complexes ont fait l’objet d’études concernant leurs propriétés chiroptiques et leurs barrières de rotation avant d’être testé en catalyse. Le concept a été ensuite étendu pour la synthèse de complexes d’or et de cuivre. Ces derniers se sont avérés être intéressants car non seulement ils ont permis d’obtenir de bons excès énantiomériques en catalyse mais leurs utilisations comme agent de transfert de ligands NHC a permis de proposer un mécanisme pour le procédé de transmétallation. Le troisième chapitre fait état des travaux qui ont été réalisés sur la préparation de complexes chiraux NHC-TM possédant une symétrie C2. Différents sels d’imidazolium symétriques ont été synthétisés et utilisés pour former des complexes de palladium. Les versions homochirales de ces complexes se sont avérées être d’excellents catalyseurs chiraux pour la réaction l’α-arylation d’amides (jusqu’à 98% ee)
N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are recognized to be excellent ligands towards transition metals ™. In this manuscript, the first chapter is dedicated to a non-exhaustive presentation of the various approaches of the literature which have been used to design chiral NHCs efficient in enantioselective catalysis. As a prelude of the second chapter, the new concept lies on the formation of an axis of chirality during the coordination between the NHC ligand and the transition metal. This chapter is dedicated to the synthesis of complexes with a C1 symmetry. Various imidazolium salts, have been synthesized and then used to generate palladium complexes. These complexes have been obtained in a enantiopurically form thanks to a chiral HLPC resolution at a preparative scale. These homochiral complexes were firstly subjected to studies aiming the investigation of their chiroptic properties and the determination of their rotation barriers values. The concept was then successfully extended to the synthesis of gold- and copper-based complexes. Homochiral copper-NHC complexes were found of particular importance since their applications in catalysis allowed to reach good enantioinductions and as NHC transfer reagents brought some experimental proofs on the transmetalation process. The third chapter disclosed the works that have been done on the preparation of heterochiral NHC-TM complexes possessing a C2 symmetry. Various symmetric imidazolium salts have been synthesized and then used to form the corresponding palladium-based complexes. Homochiral complexes were found displaying good activities for α-arylation of amides and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee)

Deux nouvelles familles de complexes de cuivre(I) cationiques, de formules [Cu(NHC)(N^N)][X] et [Cu(P^P)(N^N)][PF6], ont été synthétisées avec des ligands 2,2’ bis pyridyl pontés, chélates à six chaînons, facilement modulables. Ces complexes présentent des émissions à l’état solide centrées entre 455 et 520 nm (bleu à vert), avec de larges décalages de Stokes et des rendements quantiques pouvant atteindre 0,86. De plus, l’émission via un phénomène de fluorescence retardée activée thermiquement (TADF) a été prouvée pour les complexes [Cu(NHC)(N^N)][X]. Les premiers scintillateurs plastiques dopés avec des complexes de cuivre(I) détectant les radiations nucléaires de type gammas ont été obtenus avec des complexes de formule générale [Cu(P^P)(N^N)][PF6]. Les complexes de formule [Cu(NHC)(N^N)][X] ont permis l’obtention des premières Cellules Electrochimiques Luminescentes (LECs) émettant dans le bleu et incorporant des complexes de cuivre(I). Enfin, les complexes de formule [Cu(NHC)(N^N)][X] à ligand 2,2’ dipyridylamine présentent une activité cytotoxique envers différentes lignées de cellules cancéreuses et apportent la possibilité d’une action ciblée sur les cellules tumorales via l’ajout d’un vecteur. La polyvalence de ces complexes de cuivre(I) repose sur les ligands 2,2’-bis-pyridyl pontés, chélates à six chaînons, dont la synthèse est facile d’accès et les propriétés électroniques et structurales sont modulables
New cationic copper(I) complexes of general formula [Cu(NHC)(N^N)][X] and [Cu(P^P)(N^N)][PF6] were developed with 6-membered-ring 2,2’-bis-pyridyl derivatives as ligand. These complexes exhibited blue (420 nm) to green (520 nm) emissions in solid state, with large Stokes shifts and photoluminescence quantum yields up to 0.86. Furthermore, the emission of the [Cu(NHC)(N^N)][X] complexes via a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) was demonstrated. The first plastic scintillators incorporating copper(I) complexes and detecting gamma radiations were obtained with [Cu(P^P)(N^N)][PF6] complexes. Application of the [Cu(NHC)(N^N)][X] complexes to the LEC technology led to the first copper(I)-based blue emitting device. In the last chapter, we also demonstrated that copper(I) complexes [Cu(NHC)(N^N)][X] bearing a 2,2’-dipyridylamine as N^N ligand exhibited high cytotoxycity against different cancer cells lines. These complexes paved the way for the design of a new type of copper(I) anti-cancer agents with the opportunity to increase the selectivity against cancer cells via a vectorization of the N^N ligand. The versatility of these copper(I) complexes demonstrated in this work relied on the easy to handle and highly modular 2,2’-bis-pyridyl ligands

2016 - 2017
Olefin metathesis is one of the most important chemical transformations for the formation of carbon-carbon double bonds. The possibility to build up highly funtionalised alkenes starting from simple olefins makes this reaction indispensable in modern organic synthesis, giving access to a wide range of molecules that would be barely obtained through other synthetic routes. The success of metathesis is due to the development of new and efficient catalysts which can be used in a wide variety of research fields, both in industry and in academia. In this context, the research of the ‘perfect’ metathesis complex still impassions scientists all over the word, and several research papers regarding the development of new catalytic systems are published every year. The group I am part of focuses its attention on the development of new ruthenium metathesis catalysts. Our interest lies in the influence that nature and configuration of substituents on the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand could have on the performances of the corresponding metal complexes. In this doctoral thesis, the field of unsymmetrical N-heterocyclic carbene (u-NHC) ruthenium catalysts will be explored. Synthesis and characterisation of several novel complexes will be discussed. Catalytic performances will be evaluated in model metathesis reactions as well as in more attractive metathesis transformations. The relationship between NHC structure and complexes’ behaviours will be investigated using NMR, X-Ray, IR, cyclic voltammetry and DFT calculations. ..[edited by Author]
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La fonctionnalisation directe des liaisons Carbone-hydrogène (C-H) a pris, au cours des deux dernières décennies, une place de plus en plus importante en synthèse organique. En particulier, la fonctionnalisation CH catalysée par un métal de transition (TM) a connu une amélioration croissante de ses performances, permettant ainsi d'élargir la palette d'outils disponibles pour la synthèse de matériaux organiques, de produits naturels et de principes actifs. Néanmoins, le développement de nouvelles transformations de liaisons C-H fonctionnant efficacement en conditions douces avec une large tolérance aux groupements fonctionnels et une sélectivité élevée reste un enjeu majeur. Parallèlement, les carbènes N-hétérocycliques (NHCs) sont devenus des ligands de choix en chimie de coordination et en catalyse. Leurs propriétés uniques sont a l’origine de catalyseurs robustes de métaux de transition permettant des stratégies de synthèse plus efficaces. Cependant, l'utilisation des ligands NHCs dans des procédés métallo-catalysés de fonctionnalisation C-H reste a ce jour limitée. Par ailleurs, les composes organoborés sont des intermédiaires polyvalents en chimie de synthèse. Les stratégies mettant en jeu la fonctionnalisation C-H représentent sans nul doute l’approche la plus simple pour accéder a ces blocs de synthèse. Cette Thèse décrit une stratégie efficace et simple pour la préparation de complexes de métaux de transition portant des ligands chélates de type NHC-carboxylate sans précédent dans la littérature. Ces complexes, présentent une efficacité et une sélectivité élevée en tant que catalyseurs dans des réactions de borylation regiosélective de liaisons C-H dites ≪ inertes ≫ en conditions douces, et notamment photochimiques
The direct functionalization of inert CH bonds has emerged over the past two decades as an increasingly important synthetic tool. In particular, transition metal (TM)-catalyzed C-H functionalization has witnessed continuing improvements in performance, allowing expansion of the toolbox available for organic material synthesis, natural products synthesis, and drug-discovery programs. In spite of this success, there is still a need for the development of methodologies to efficiently enable C-H bond transformation under mild conditions. During the past two decades, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have become ubiquitous ligands in coordination chemistry and catalysis. Their unique properties, including strong σ- donation, are responsible for forming robust TM catalysts that allow for the development of more efficient synthetic procedures. Nevertheless, the use of NHC ligands in transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization has remained limited. Because organoboron compounds are versatile intermediates in synthetic chemistry, the development of new catalytic systems for selective borylation of unactivated C-H bonds would afford new perspectives in organometallic and catalysis. Herein, this Thesis discloses an efficient and straightforward strategy to access various types of transition metal complexes bearing bidentate NHC-carboxylate ligands which were fully characterized including solid-state structures. These unprecedented complexes possessing chelating-NHC ligands exhibited high efficiency and selectivity in site selective borylation of inert C-H bonds under mild conditions including a photosensitizer-free photocatalytic conditions

The syntheses, structures, photophysical properties and applications of three types of photoluminescent organoplatinum(II) complexes containing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands are described. The tetradentate dianionic bis(phenolate-NHC) type ligands provide a superior scaffold for constructing thermally stable and efficient deep-blue phosphorescent Pt(II) complexes with λmax of ~440-460 nm and solid-state emission quantum yields of ~30%. Highly efficient blue OLEDs with CIEx, y of (0.19, 0.21) were fabricated based on these emitters with maximum brightness, peak current efficiency and power efficiency of ~9500 cd m^(-2), 24 cd A^(-1) and 17 lm W^(-1), respectively. Structural modification by extending the π-conjugation of the tetradentate bis(phenolate-NHC) ligand leads to strongly phosphorescent platinum(II) complexes with long-lived emissive electronic states that can be used as a luminescent sensor for oxygen. DFT/TDDFT calculations and time-resolved spectroscopic characterizations were performed to gain insight into the structure-photophysics correlation. The N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand was incorporated into Pt(II) complexes containing tridentate deprotonated 1,3-bis(2-pyridyl)benzene (N^C^N) type ligand. In addition to the [(N^C^N)Pt(NHC)]PF6 type complexes with (N^C^N) in η3-tridentate coordination mode, Pt(II) complexes with η2-bidentate (N^CN) ligands, namely [(N^CN)Pt(NHC)2]PF6, have been isolated and structurally characterized. The highly phosphorescent [(N^C^N)Pt(NHC)]PF6 complexes were used for solution-processed green OLEDs fabrication. The peak current efficiency of 12.5 cd A^(-1) and maximum brightness higher than 2000 cd m^(-2) were achieved. The presence of the pendent pyridyl motif causes quenching of emission of the [(N^CN)Pt(NHC)2]PF6 complexes in solution at room temperature. Turning on solid-state emission of [(N^CN)Pt(nBu2Im)2]PF6 in the presence of an acidic vapor revealed its potential as a luminescent chemosensor. A class of dicationic platinum(II) terpyridyl complexes containing NHC ligand, namely [Pt(tpy)(NHC)](PF6)2, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Even in the presence of the strong σ-donating NHC ligand, these complexes are non- or weakly emissive in solution at room temperature. However, this class of complexes displays intense emissions in solid state (298 K and 77 K), in glassy solution (77 K butyronitrile) and in PMMA (2 wt.%, 298 K). The ligand (terpyridine) displacement reaction arising from CN attack onto the Pt(II) center has been observed for [Pt(tpy)(nBu2Im)](PF6)2 leading to its application as a chemodosimeter for selective cyanide sensing in aqueous solution.
published_or_final_version
Chemistry
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy

The goal of this PhD was to elaborate supported Ru-NHC catalytic materials based on hybrid organic-inorganic materials having imidazolium units perfectly distributed within a silica matrix. Passivation of these imidazolium materials followed by formation of NHC-carbene and reaction with [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 provided these well-defined surface sites of general structures RuCl2(NHC)(L), where L was para-cymene (p-cymene) or THF depending on the reaction conditions, which could be further replaced by PMe3. These systems were then tested in the hydrogenation of CO2 in presence of amine to give formamides. The mono-NHC systems were highly active only in the presence of PMe3 ligands, but suffered from Ru leaching, evidencing the low stability of the NHC-Ru bond under the reaction conditions. On the other hand, dinuclear bis-NHC Ru systems were also developed, and they displayed much improved activity and stability in the hydrogenation of CO2 in the presence of PMe3 compared to the mono-NHC systems. This allowed the use of much higher reaction temperatures (200 °C) and provided heterogeneous catalysts with performances close to those obtained with the best homogeneous catalysts, Cl2Ru(dppe)2.

La préparation efficace d’une nouvelle famille de sels de 1,3-bis(aryl)-4,5-dihydroimidazolium non symétriques comprenant un groupement encombrant hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy en position para- ou ortho- sur l’un des substituants N-aryle a été développée. De nouveaux sels d’imidazolium contenant un substituant fluoroalkyle en position ortho d’un des substituant aryle ont aussi été synthétisés. Ces sels sont d’excellents précurseurs de carbènes N-hétérocycliques qui ont permis l’accès efficace à une série de nouveaux complexes carbéniques du ruthénium à ligands NHC non symétriques. La méthode repose sur la génération in situ du carbène par traitement des sels d’imidazolium avec le potassium hexamethyldisilazide suivie d’un échange du ligand tricyclohexylphosphine à partir des complexes de Grubbs et Hoveyda de première génération. L’activité de ces nouveaux complexes a été étudiée sur des réactions modèles intra- et intermoléculaires de métathèse des oléfines. Il a été montré que la plupart des complexes synthétisés ont de bonnes activités catalytiques en fermeture de cycle à partir du diallylmalonate d’éthyle et en métathèse croisée de l’allylbenzène avec le 1,3-diacetoxybut-2-ene. Leurs performances sont comparables à celles des catalyseurs de Grubbs et Hoveyda de seconde génération, avec toutefois quelques différences dans les étapes d’initiation. Les effets structuraux et électroniques des ligands NHC non symétriques sur la réactivité des nouveaux complexes du ruthénium ont été étudiés. En particulier, il a été montré que les catalyseurs de type Hoveyda porteurs de ligands monosubstitués par un groupement fluoroalkyle en position ortho d’un des substituant N-aryle présentent une initiation très rapide dans les réactions de métathèse croisée. Au contraire, les complexes porteurs d’un groupement donneur alkyle ont montré une activité catalytique très faible, comme par exemple le complexe porteur d’un ligand (tert-butyl)NHC qui s’est révélé inerte à la fois en fermeture de cycle et métathèse croisée. Les complexes porteurs d’un ligand NHC symétrique avec deux groupes hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy ont des activités catalytiques nettement inférieures à leurs homologues non symétriques, révélant ainsi la forte influence de l’absence de symétrie du ligand carbène NHC dans l’activité catalytique des complexes
An efficient approach to a new family of unsymmetrical 1,3-bis(aryl)-4,5-dihydroimidazolium salts comprising bulky hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy group in para- or ortho-position in one of the N-aryl substituents has been developed. New imidazolinium salts with fluoroalkyl-containing mono-ortho-aryl substituent at one of the nitrogen atom have also been synthesized. It was found that these imidazolinium salts are effective NHC precursors and provided an efficient access to a series of new ruthenium carbene complexes with unsymmetrical fluorinated NHC ligands. The method involves in situ generation of the carbene via treatment of the starting salts with potassium hexamethyldisilazide and subsequent ligand exchange reaction with PCy3-containing first generation Grubbs and Hoveyda complexes. The catalytic activity of the new complexes has been investigated on model reactions of intra- and intermolecular olefin metathesis. It was found that most of the synthesized complexes exhibited high activity in cyclization of diethyl diallylmalonate and in cross metathesis of allyl benzene with 1,3-diacetoxybut-2-ene. Their performance has proved to be comparable with commonly used second generation Grubbs and Hoveyda catalysts, with sometimes some differences in the initiation step. Structural and electronic impact of fluorinated unsymmetrical NHC on reactivity of new ruthenium complexes has been studied. In particular, it was revealed that Hoveyda type catalysts with mono-ortho-aryl substituted NHC ligands have demonstrated very high initiation rate in CM reactions. On the contrary, catalysts with more donating N-alkyl NHCs have displayed low activity; for instance, the N-tert-butyl substituted complex has proved to be absolutely inert both in RCM and CM reactions. Symmetrical ruthenium carbene complexes bearing NHC ligands with two hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy group in para-positions of N-aryl moieties are significantly inferior in reactivity with respect to their asymmetric counterparts showing the strong influence of the desymmetrization factor on catalytic activity

En els últims anys, tant les metodologies de preparació de lligands de tipus carbè N-heterocíclic (NHCs) com l’aplicació d’aquests compostos en sistemes catalítics de diversa índole han crescut i millorat enormement. Més concretament, el desenvolupament de lligands d’aquesta família i la seva aplicació en reaccions d’ oxidació catalitzades per Ru és un dels camp d’alta efervescència amb resultats prometedors. Així doncs, un dels objectius d’aquesta Tesi Doctoral ha estat la síntesi i caracterització d’un nou conjunt de lligands híbrids N/C-donadors i l’avaluació del seu efecte en les propietats redox i en l’activitat catalítica en epoxidació d’olefines i oxidació d’aigua a oxigen molecular dels seus corresponents complexos de Ru. A més a més, i tenint en compte el baix nombre de complexos quirals de Ru formats per lligands de tipus NHC utilitzats en reaccions d’epoxidació asimètrica d’olefines, el segon objectius d’aquest Tesi Doctoral ha estat la introducció de quiralitat als complexos de Ru ja preparats durant la primera meitat de la tesi i l’avaluació de la capacitat dels complexos formats per a enantiodiferenciar substrats proquirals en reaccions d’epoxidació. Així doncs, al Capítol III d’aquesta tesi es descriu la síntesi i caracterització en solució (mitjançant RMN 1D i 2D) i en estat sòlid (difracció de Rajos-X) d’un nou lligand tetradentat dinucleant de tipus CNNC. Utilitzant aquets lligand, quatre nous complexos mononuclears de Ru amb fórmula: cis-[Ru(PhthaPz-R)(trpy)X]n+ (X = Cl, n = 1, X = H2O, n = 2; R = Metil, Isopropil; PhthaPz = 1-(1-methylimidazole)phthalene), [Ru(PhthaPz-R)(tpm)X]n+, (R = Methyl, tpm = Tris(pyrazol-1-yl)methane) and trans,fac-[Ru(PhthaP-R)(bpea)X]n+ (R = Metil, bpea = N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)ethanamine) anomenats respectivament C1-Cl/OH2, C2-Cl/OH2, C3-Cl/OH2 i C4-Cl/OH2 han estat preparats i caracteritzats mitjançant tècniques espectroscòpiques, electroquímiques i de difracció de Rajos-X (en el cas de C4-Cl). Seguidament, s’ha avaluat la capacitat catalítica dels quatre aqua-complexos d’oxidar químicament aigua a oxigen molecular i d’oxidar (química i electroquímicament) olefines a epòxids. El conjunt de complexos presenta una baixa estabilitat en actuar com a catalitzadors d’oxidació d’aigua, descomponent ràpidament a causa de l’oxidació dels lligands en el medi de reacció. Pel que fa a l’epoxidació d’olefines, es demostra amb claredat la superioritat en eficiència i selectivitat dels complexos que afavoreixen processos redox bielectrònics o “quasi”-bielectrònics (C1-OH2, C2-OH2 i C3-OH2) respecte als que els afavoreixen mono-electrònics (C4-OH2). La capacitat catalítica marcadament inferior de C3-OH2 s’atribueix a la potencial descomposició del lligand tpm en les condicions de reacció i/o al seu caràcter voluminós. Al capítol IV es prepara el lligand quiral [4,5]pinè-trpy (L2) per tal de reemplaçar el lligand trpy als complexos C1-OH2 i C2-OH2, generant-se i caracteritzant-se exhaustivament una nova família de complexos mononuclears de amb fórmula general: [RuII(PhthaPz-Ome)(L2)X]n+ (L2 correspon al lligand [4,5]pinè-trpy; X=Cl, n=1; X=OH2, n=2), C5-Cl/OH2. El complex C5-OH2 s’empra després de forma preliminar com a catalitzador d’epoxidació asimètrica d’estirè i cis-b-metilestirè en diclormetà, assolint-se valors vaixos d’enantioselectivitat (ee = 20%). Aquest resultat posa de manifest la capacitat de la combinació de lligands per a enantiodiferenciar substrats proquirals. Tot i això, la posició remota dels grups quirals de tipus pinè respecte al centre actiu de tipus Ru-O comporta l’obtenció de baixos valors d’excés enantiomèric.
The feasible preparation of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) together with the interesting properties of this compounds in very diverse catalytic systems has extraordinarily grown up during the last years. The development of ligands of this kind to be applied in Ru catalyzed oxidation reactions is one of the most encouraging research topics. Therefore, one of our aims in this Thesis has been the synthesis and characterization of a new set of hybrid N/C-donor ligands and the evaluation of their effect on the electrochemical properties and catalytic activity towards water oxidation and epoxidation of alkenes of their corresponding Ru complexes. In addition, since few Ru chiral complexes containing NHC ligands have been reported in the area of asymmetric alkene epoxidation catalyzed by organometallic compounds the second goal of this project has been the introduction of chirality to the Ru carbene complexes prepared in the first part of the Thesis and the study of the capacity of the obtained complexes in the enantioselective epoxidation of alkenes. In summary, In Chapter III a new dinucleating CNNC tetradentate ligand has been synthesized and thoroughly characterized in solution (1D and 2D NMR) and in the solid state (X-ray diffraction analysis). Four new Ru mononuclear complexes with general formula: cis-[Ru(PhthaPz-R)(trpy)X]n+ (X = Cl, n = 1, X = H2O, n = 2; R = Methyl, Isopropyl; PhthaPz = 1-(1-methylimidazole)phthalene), [Ru(PhthaPz-R)(tpm)X]n+, (R = Methyl, tpm = Tris(pyrazol-1-yl)methane) and trans,fac-[Ru(PhthaP-R)(bpea)X]n+ (R = Methyl, bpea = N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)ethanamine), respectively termed C1-Cl/OH2, C2-Cl/OH2, C3-Cl/OH2 and C4-Cl/OH2 have been thoroughly characterized in solution by means of spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR and UV-vis) and electrochemical techniques (CV and DPV) and in the solid state (X-ray diffraction analysis) for the C4-Cl case. The catalytic performance of the four Ru-OH2 complexes has been analyzed with regards to the chemically driven water oxidation reaction and the chemically and electrochemically triggered epoxidation of alkenes. With regards to water oxidation, the four aqua complexes show poor stability due to ligand oxidation under the harsh reaction conditions. With regards to the epoxidation of alkenes, complexes favoring two-electronic processes (C1-OH2, C2-OH2 and C3-OH2) showed better performance and selectivity compared with those favoring mono-electronic processes (C4-OH2). The comparatively lower oxidation capacity of complex C3-OH2 potentially origins from the oxidative degradation of the tpm ligand under the conditions used or/and due to the high steric bulkiness of this facial ligand. In Chapter IV, the [4,5]pinene-trpy ligand (L2) has been prepared to replace trpy in complexes C1-OH2 and C2-OH2 and a new family of nononuclear complexes with general formula [RuII(PhthaPz-Ome)(L2)X]n+ (L2 is [4,5]pinene-trpy ligand; X=Cl, n=1; X=OH2, n=2), C5-Cl/OH2 have been prepared and fully characterized. C5-OH2 has been preliminary tested as a catalyst for the enantioselective epoxidation of styrene and cis-β-methylstyrene in dichloroethane giving low ee values of about 20%. This result demonstrates the capacity of the ligand combination to enantiodifferentiate prochiral substrates. However, the remote position of the chiral pinene moieties with regard to the Ru-O active site is probably responsible for the low ee values observed

No âmbito deste trabalho, foram estudadas as reacções de arilação catalítica assimétrica em vários substratos, utilizando novos e já conhecidos catalisadores quirais, possuindo metais de transição. Esta metodologia levou à formação de novas ligações C-C, fornecendo uma panóplia de interessantes compostos, podendo-se revelar intermediários extremamente úteis na síntese de compostos biologicamente activos. Deve-se salientar a síntese de aminas quirais, α-hidroxiésteres, α-amino-ácidos e α-aminoésteres e também bi-arildiarilaminas, utilizando catalisadores de metais de transição, baseados em Pd, Rh e Ru. Reagentes organoboronados foram aplicados com sucesso neste estudo. Uma nova família de carbenos N-heterocíclicos (NHCs) foi obtida com bons rendimentos e aplicada, com sucesso, nas reacções catalíticas acima referidas. Um novo método de catálise homogénea sequencial (arilação/Suzuki-Miyaura) foi desenvolvido na síntese de bi-arilarilmetilaminas. Este método foi transformado eficientemente numa versão heterogénea utilizando Catálise com uma Fase líquida Iónica Suportada (SILPC), aplicado pela primeira vez neste tipo de catálise sequencial; ABSTRACT: The study of catalytic asymmetric arylations of appropriate substrates, using both known and novel chiral transition metal based catalysts was the focus of this thesis. This methodology leads to formation of C-C bonds, leading to the synthesis of interesting biologically active compounds. Chiral amines, α-hydroxyesters, α-amino esters and acids, and biaryldiarylamines were synthesized using a variety of different substrates and transition metal catalysts, based on Pd, Rh and Ru. Organoboron reagents were used successfully in all of these studies. A novel family of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand precursors were synthesized in good yields, and applied successfully in these catalytic reactions. A novel homogeneous one-pot catalytic arylation/Suzuki-Miyaura sequence was developed to access bi-arylarylmethylamines. This was later transformed into an efficient heterogeneous variant, based on the Supported Ionic Liquid Phase Catalysis (SILPC) approach, which to date has never been used in such one pot procedures.

Nous avons décrit la synthèse d’une nouvelle famille de ligand NHC-N chiraux bidentates et leur utilisation dans la réaction de Tsuji-Trost. Ces ligands ont été facilement obtenus à partir des sels amino-imidazolium chiraux correspondants synthétisés à partir de sels oxo-imidazoliums sur lesquels la chiralité a été introduite par une réaction de formation d’une imine avec des amines chirales. Une réduction diastéréosélective a permis un accès efficace aux sels amino-imidazoliums. Les complexes NHC-amino et imino des métaux de transition ont été obtenus par traitement des sels imidazoliums avec de l’oxyde d’argent puis transfert des ligands NHC sur des complexes du palladium, du cuivre et du rhodium. Les propriétés complexantes des ligands NHC-amino sur le palladium ont été démontrées par analyse RX. Ils ont été testés via un complexe NHC-amino-argent, obtenu sous forme d’un mélange de diastéréoisoméres, dans la réaction d’alkylation du 1,3-diphényl-allyl-acétate par l’anion du malonate. Des excès énantiomériques, en faveur de l’énantiomère (R), allant jusqu’à 80% ont été obtenus. Un nouveau système catalytique très actif a été développé en version achirale à l’aide de complexes (NHC)(phosphine)palladium généré in-situ. Des conversions totales ont été obtenues en moins de 5 minutes. Le système a été étendu à une réaction d’amination. Une réaction umpolung d’allylation de dérivés carbonylés en présence d’Et2Zn et de différents acétates allyliques, a été mise au point à partir de ces mêmes complexes mixtes. Ce système conduit à des rendements élevés et à une gestion de la régiosélectivité dans la plupart des cas > 98/02 et à une diastéréosélectivité anti allant jusqu’à 92/8. Ce système est inefficace avec les imines. L’influence du solvant a été étudiée : les conversions sont améliorées dans le CH2Cl2, tandis que la diastéréosélectivité est meilleure dans l’éther.

Depuis sa première isolation, les ligands carbènes N-hétérocycliques (NHC) s’avèrent très utiles pour la coordination avec les métaux de transition ainsi que pour la catalyse. Étant abondant et moins onéreux, le fer en tant que catalyseur a connu un essor considérable au cours de ces dernières décennies. De nombreux Fe-NHCs ont été synthétisés, mais le Fe-NHC chiral utilisé pour la catalyse asymétrique en est encore à ses débuts. En comparaison avec les métaux rares, le cuivre en tant que métal de transition polyvalent et moins coûteux, a également suscité beaucoup d’attention. Cependant, le développement du Cu-NHC chiral en tant que catalyseur efficace reste difficile. Ainsi, plusieurs types de nouveaux précurseurs de ligand NHC chiral ont été synthétisés. Les synthèses de Fe-NHCs et de Cu-NHCs chiraux ont été initiées à partir des précurseurs chiraux. Il a été constaté que les Fe-NHCs et les Cu-NHCs se décomposent au contact de l’air. Les Fe-NHCs et Cu-NHCs chiraux générés in situ sont utilisés dans les réactions d'hydrosilylation, les réactions de Mukaiyama aldol, l'insertion de carbène métallique dans la liaison SiH et les réactions de type Heck. Les Fe- NHCs in situ se sont avérés non utilisables dans la réaction d'hydrosilylation de l'acétophénone. Pour les réactions de Mukaiyama aldol, les conditions d'utilisation de Fe-NHCs in situ ont permis d'obtenir les produits souhaités avec un rendement allant jusqu'à 88%. Cependant, aucune énantiosélectivité n'a été observée, probablement pour des raisons de désactivation du ligand NHC. La réaction d'insertion du métal-carbène dans la liaison SiH catalysée in situ par des Cu-NHCs a donné un rendement pouvant atteindre 84% et 24% ee de produit. En outre, les réactions de type Heck ont été testées avec un catalyseur chiral Pd-NHC, qui a aboutit à un rendement supérieur à 91% sans avoir fournir d’énantiosélectivité. De plus, les décompositions de différents types de Cu-NHCs et Ag-NHCs dans des solutions sous air humide ont été étudiées. L’hydrolyse et l’oxydation de Cu- NHCs ont généré, sous air, des imidazoliums et des dérivés d'urée. Les Ag-NHCs ont été hydrolysés pour donner des formamides ou des imidazoliums en solution sous air humide. Par la suite, une nouvelle méthode de synthèse du dérivé d'urée utilisant du cuivre et de l'air en tant qu'oxydant a été developpée. Elle a permis d'obtenir des rendements modérés voire même très bons pour des substrats sans encombrement stérique. Les conditions d'oxydation douces conviennent à la synthèse de dérivés d'urée possédant des groupes alkyle, benzyle, aryle, hydroxy primaire, un groupe tertbutyloxycarbonyle sensible aux acides et des groupes amine tertiaire. Dans le dernier projet, une synthèse générale et efficace des dihydroquinoxalinones énantiopures a été développée. La cyclisation réductrice de N-(o-nitroaryl)amino esters a été réalisée en utilisant du fer et du zinc métallique dans des conditions douces pour donner des dihydroquinoxalinones avec des rendements modérés à élevés et une pureté énantiomérique élevée.
Since its first isolation, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) have been found very useful to coordinate with metals and serve as ligand in catalysis. With the advantages of environmental friendliness, abundance and being less expensive, iron as a metal catalyst has received growing attention in recent decades. Despite that many Fe-NHCs have been synthesized, chiral Fe-NHC for asymmetric catalysis is still in its infancy. In comparison to precious metals, copper as a versatile and less expensive transition metal also has recieved much attention. However, the development of chiral Cu-NHC as efficient catalyst is still challenging. Thus, several types of novel chiral NHC ligand precursors have been synthesized. The synthesis of chiral Fe-NHCs and Cu-NHCs were attempted using those chiral precursors. It was found that the Fe-NHCs and Cu-NHCs would decompose under air. On the other hand, the applications of in situ generated generated chiral Fe-NHCs and Cu-NHCs were carried out for hydrosilylation reactions, Mukaiyama aldol reactions, insertion of metal-carbene into SiH bond and Heck-type reactions. The in situ generated Fe-NHCs were found not applicable in the hydrosilylation of acetophenone. For the Mukaiyama aldol reactions, the conditions using in situ generated Fe-NHCs led to the desired products in up to 88% yield. However, no enantioselectivity was observed for all attempts, probably due to the deactivation of NHC ligand. The insertion reaction of metal-carbene into SiH bond catalyzed by in situ generated Cu-NHCs afforded up to 84% yield and 24% ee of product. Besides, the Heck-type reactions were tested using a chiral Pd-NHC as catalyst. The reactions afforded up to 91% yield, but no enantioselectivity was observed. Furthermore, the decompositions of different types of Cu-NHCs and Ag-NHCs in solutions under humid air were studied. The Cu-NHCs underwent hydrolysis and oxidation to generate imidazoliums and urea derivatives under air. The Ag-NHCs were hydrolyzed to yield formamides or imidazoliums in solution under humid air. Subsequently, a new synthetic method of urea derivative using copper and air as oxidant was developed, which provided moderate to very good yields for sterically unhindered substrates. The mild oxidation conditions are suitable for the synthesis of urea derivatives possessing alkyl, benzyl, aryl, primary hydroxy, acid-sensitive tertbutyloxycarbonyl group, and tertiary amine groups. In the last project, a general and efficient synthesis of enantiopure dihydroquinoxalinones has been developed. The reductive cyclization of N-(o-nitroaryl)amino esters was performed by using iron and zinc metal under mild conditions to afford dihydroquinoxalinones in moderate to high yields and high enantiomeric purity.

L’objectif de cette thèse portait sur la synthèse de complexes portant un ligand NHC associé à une fonction oxygénée et à leur application en catalyse d’oligomérisation de l’éthylène. Dans le but de synthétiser des complexes avec des ligands NHCalcool, les complexes d’argent correspondants ont été synthétisés et utilisés en transmétallation. Aucun résultat concluant n’a pu être obtenu avec le nickel à cause de l’acidité du proton alcoolique. Mais un ligand NHC-alcoolate a pu être obtenu par déprotonation directe du pro-ligand avec une base forte. Il fut alors possible d’accéder à des complexes de nickel polynucléaires, certains incorporant dans leur structure des cations lithium provenant de la base utilisée. Par comparaison, des complexes de palladium ont été synthétisés avec des NHCs-alcool ou -alcoolate par réaction des pro-ligands avec Pd(acac)2 suivie de réactions acido-basiques. Etant donné la difficulté d’obtention des complexes de nickel avec des ligands NHC-alcool, la fonction éther a été étudiée. Les complexes résultants ont été testés en oligomérisation de l’éthylène
The purpose of this work was the synthesis of complexes bearing O-functionalized NHC ligands in order to test their catalytic properties in ethylene oligomerization. In order to have access to alcohol-functionalized complexes, the corresponding silver complexes were synthesized for transmetallation purpose. Whereas no concluding results were obtained with the alcohol function in association with nickel, it was possible to access an alcoholate-functionalized NHC ligand by deprotonation of the corresponding pro-ligand. Thus, polynuclear nickel complexes were prepared, some of them included in their structure a lithium cation originating from the base. For comparison, alcohol- and alcoholate-functionalized NHC palladium complexes were synthesized by direct reaction of the pro-ligand with Pd(acac)2 followed by acidobasic reactions. Because of the complexity of the chemistry of NHC-alcohol ligands associated with nickel, the ether functionality was explored. A library of nickel complexes was synthesized and tested in the catalytic ethylene oligomerization

Le sujet de cette thèse porte sur l’étude de ligands hybrides incorporant un donneur carbène N-hétérocyclique (NHC). Les ligands phosphine-NHC construits sur le motif m-phénylène ont conduit à des complexes di- ou tétranucléaires d’Ag, Cu, Au et Ir, et à des complexes bimétalliques Ag/Cu et Ag/Ir par transmétallation sélective du site NHC. Dans le cas des ligands phosphino-picoline-NHC (PNC), la transmétallation des sels de Li ou K correspondants a permis d’isoler des complexes « pinceurs » dé-aromatisés du Cr, Fe et Co. La déprotonation du ligand bis(phosphinométhyl)pyridine (PNP) a été examinée, et les ligands dé-aromatisés mono- et bis-anioniques correspondants ont été utilisés dans des réactions de transmétallation vers le Cr(II) et Zr(IV). Différents modes de coordination des ligands dé-aromatisés, notamment une métallation de la position alpha-CHP, ont été observés. La substitution de la phosphine dans PNC par une fonction imine conduit à un ligand hybride « rédox non-innocent »
The purpose of this work is the synthesis and study of hybrid and potentially “pincer” ligands featuring an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donor. The phosphine-NHC ligands based on the m-phenylene framework led to di- or tetranuclear Ag, Cu, Au and Ir complexes, and to bimetallic Ag/Cu and Ag/Ir complexes by selective transmetallation of the NHC. With the phosphino-picoline-NHC (PNC) ligands, transmetallation from the corresponding Li or K salts led to dearomatised Cr, Fe and Co “pincer” complexes. Deprotonation of the bis(phosphinomethyl)pyridine (PNP) ligand was also examined. The corresponding dearomatised mono- and bis-anionic ligands were isolated as Li or K salts and further used in transmetallation reactions towards Cr(II) and Zr(IV). Different coordination modes of the dearomatised ligands, including side-arm metallation, were observed. Substitution of the phosphine group in PNC by an imine donor led to a hybrid and “redox non-innocent” ligand

Ce travail s'articule autour d'une méthode originale d'élaboration de ligands polydentes à motifs phosphine-carbène N-hétérocyclique (NHC) basée sur la réactivité unique de complexes du manganèse(I) à ligands méthylènephosphonium CpMn(CO)2(eta2-R2P+=C(H)Ph) vis-à-vis de dérivés de l'imidazole judicieusement choisis. Le premier chapitre consiste en une mise au point sur les ligands polydentes associant une phosphine à un carbène N-hétérocyclique, leur variété, leurs méthodes de synthèse et leurs applications dans le domaine de la catalyse homogène. Le deuxième chapitre est consacré à la synthèse d'une variété de complexes de méthylènephosphonium CpMn(CO)2(eta2-R2P+=C(H)Ph) à partir du cymantrène CpMn(CO)3 et de phosphines secondaires HPR2 portant différents groupements sur l'atome de phosphore dont le dérivé 2,5-diphénylphospholane disponible en version optiquement active. Les études spectroscopiques, structurales et théoriques ont permis de comprendre la structure électronique des complexes de méthylènephosphonium et de rationaliser leur réactivité vis-à-vis des nucléophiles qui s'avère être en effet être opposée à celle des sels de méthylènephosphonium libres. Le troisième chapitre décrit la préparation d'une bibliothèque de pré-ligands de type phosphine-C(H)Ph-imidazolium par attaque nucléophile d'un imidazole substitué (ImR') sur des complexes méthylènephosphonium suivie d'une étape de démétallation des complexes de phosphine intermédiaires CpMn(CO)2(kappa1-R2P-C(H)Ph-Im+R') par irradiation dans le visible et en solution dans le dichlorométhane. Selon la nature du substituant porté par l'azote de l'imidazole, cette approche a permis d'obtenir de manière directe et efficace des pré-ligands bidentes (R' = alkyl ou aryl), pinces à cœur NHC portant des bras divers (pyridine, thioéther, NHC ou ylure de phosphonium) ou même des architectures tétradentes de type bis-NHC-bis-phosphine. Le quatrième chapitre est consacré à des études préliminaires de chimie de coordination de ces nouveaux ligands avec des métaux de transition de première (Mn, Ni, Cu) et deuxième (Rh, Pd) ligne du tableau périodique. En particulier, il est montré que le ligand tridente phosphine-NHC-pyridine peut être coordonné au métal soit dans un mode classique de type pince pour le complexes de RhI, RhIII et NiII, soit selon un mode de coordination pontant non-conventionnel entre deux atomes métalliques connectés par une interaction métallophile (CuI) ou une liaison covalente (Mn0). Le cinquième chapitre est centré sur la synthèse d'une nouvelle famille de complexes ylure de phosphore métallasubstitué-NHC obtenus par déprotonation sélective du lien benzylidène dans des complexes incorporant des ligands bidentes R2P-C(H)Ph-NHC. Ce type de complexes, isolés en série PdII et MnI, peuvent activer facilement la liaison C-H de l'acétonitrile ou la liaison H-H du dihydrogène, respectivement, illustrant un nouveau mode de coopération métal-ligand. Ce dernier processus a été exploité en série MnI en catalyse d'hydrogénation de cétones
This work is based on an original method for the elaboration of phosphine- N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) polydentate ligands based on the unique reactivity of methylenephosphonium manganese (I) complexes CpMn(CO)2(eta2-R2P+=C(H)Ph) with imidazole derivatives judiciously chosen. The first chapter focuses on the polydentate ligands associating a phosphine with an N-heterocyclic carbene, their variety, their methods of synthesis and their applications in the field of homogeneous catalysis. The second chapter is dedicated to the synthesis of a variety of methylenephosphonium complexes CpMn(CO)2(eta2-R2P+=C(H)Ph from cymantrene CpMn(CO)3 and secondary phosphines HPR2 carrying different groups on the phosphorus atom whose 2,5-diphenylphospholane derivative available in optically active version. Spectroscopic, structural and theoretical studies have made it possible to understand the electronic structure of methylenephosphonium complexes and to rationalize their reactivity towards nucleophiles, which turns out to be in contrast to that of free methylenephosphonium salts. The third chapter describes the preparation of a library of phosphine-C(H)Ph-imidazolium pre-ligands by nucleophilic attack of a substituted imidazole (ImR') on methylenephosphonium complexes followed by a step of demetallation of intermediate phosphine complexes CpMn(CO)2(kappa1-R2P-C(H)Ph-Im+R') by irradiation in the visible and in solution in dichloromethane. Depending on the nature of the substituent carried by the imidazole nitrogen, this approach has made it possible to directly and efficiently obtain bidentate pre-ligands (R' = alkyl or aryl), NHC core pincers carrying various arms (pyridine, thioether, NHC or phosphonium ylide) or even tetradentate architectures of bis-NHC-bis-phosphine type. The fourth chapter is devoted to preliminary studies of coordination chemistry of these new ligands with transition metals of first (Mn, Ni, Cu) and second (Rh, Pd) periodic table line. In particular, it is shown that the phosphine-NHC-pyridine trident ligand can be coordinated to the metal either in a conventional pincer mode for the RhI, RhIII and NiII complexes, or in a non-conventional bridging coordination mode between two metal atoms connected by a metallophilic interaction (CuI) or a covalent bond (Mn0). The fifth chapter focuses on the synthesis of a new family of metallasubstituted phosphorus ylide-NHC complexes obtained by selective deprotonation of the benzylidene bond in complexes incorporating R2P-C(H)Ph-NHC bidentate ligands. This type of complex, isolated in series PdII and MnI, can easily activate the C-H bond of acetonitrile or the H-H bond of dihydrogen, respectively, illustrating a new mode of metal-ligand cooperation. This last process was exploited in series MnI in catalysis of hydrogenation of ketones

Thesis (M.S.)--University of New Orleans, 2004.
Title from electronic submission form. "A thesis ... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Chemistry."--Thesis t.p. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

The use of Au-NHC complexes in homogenous gold catalysis has become very popular during the last 10 years. The work described in this thesis represents a modest contribution towards a better understanding of the reactivity of these fascinating complexes and the intermediate species involved during gold-catalysed transformations. There are two main themes that permeate the following chapters: a) synthesis and reactivity studies of monoaurated species and b) synthesis and reactivity studies of diaurated species. The main motivation for the work presented herein was to develop more efficient synthetic routes towards a series of gold complexes, such as [Au(NHC)Cl], [Au(NHC)(OH)] and [{Au(IPr)}₂(μ-OH)][X], in order to be able to further explore their reactivity. Chapter 2 constitutes the first approach that I had with the chemistry of Au-NHC complexes, and describes our efforts to evaluate how the use of a highly sterically demanding NHC ligand affects gold-catalysed transformations. Chapters 3 and 4 explore alternative, more efficient synthetic routes towards known Au- NHC complexes. For example, a new, highly robust protocol has been developed for the synthesis of [Au(NHC)X] (X = Cl, Br, I) complexes, which are the starting materials to prepare a wide range of Au-NHC based species. Moreover, as a result of our investigations it has been possible to isolate a series of [Au(NHC)(OH)] species and to gain some insight into the stability of these complexes. Chapters 5 and 6 describe the synthesis and applications of digold hydroxide species [{Au(IPr)}₂(μ-OH)][X] in a series of catalytic and stoichiometric transformations. For example, they have been used as silver-free catalysts for water-inclusive gold-catalysed transformations or to access key intermediates in gold catalysis, such as gem-diaurated and σ,π-digold-acetylide species. Finally, Chapter 7 combines what we learned about the reactivity of [{Au(IPr)}₂(μ- OH)][X] in order to develop for the first time a gold-catalysed transformation where two gold centres independently react with two substrate molecules to catalyse the hydrophenoxylation of alkynes.

Quantum chemical calculations at BP86/TZVPP//BP86/SVP have been carried out for the Nheterocylic carbene and analogues complexes (tetrylene) [(CO)4W-NHE] (W4-NHE) with E = C – Pb. The tetrylene complexes W4-NHE possess end-on-bonded NHE ligands (E = C, Si), while for E = Ge and Sn, they possess slightly side-on-bonded ligands. The strongest side-on-bonded ligand when E = Pb has a bending angle of 102.9°. The trend of the bond dissociations energies (BDEs) for the W-E bond is W4-NHC > W4-NHSi > W4-NHGe > W4-NHSn > W4-NHPb. Analysis of the bonding situation suggests that the NHE ligands in W4-NHE are strong σ-donors and weak π-donors. This is because the tetrylenes have only one lone-pair orbital available for donation. The polarization of the W-E bond and the hybridization at atom E explain the trend in the bond strength of the tetrylene complexes W4-NHE. The W-E bonds of the heavier systems W4-NHE are strongly polarized toward atom E giving rise to rather weak electrostatic attraction with the tungsten atom which is the main source for the decreasing trend of the bond energies. The theoretical calculations suggest that transition-metal complexes tetrylenes [(CO)4W-{NHE}] (E = C – Pb) should be synthetically accessible compounds with tetrylenes NHE act as two-electron-donor ligands in complexes
Phân tích cấu trúc và bản chất liên kết hóa học của hợp chất với kim loại chuyển tiếp chứa phối tử N-heterocyclic carbene và các đồng đẳng (tetrylene) [(CO)4W–NHE] (W4-NHE) với E = C – Pb sử dụng tính toán hóa lượng tử ở mức BP86/TZVPP//BP86/SVP. Cấu trúc của phức W4-NHE cho thấy các phối tử NHE với E = C, Si tạo với phân tử W(CO)4 một góc thẳng α = 180,0°, trong khi đó các phức W4-NHE thì phối tử NHE với E = Ge – Pb tạo liên kết với nhóm W(CO)4 một góc cong α < 180,0° và góc cong càng trở nên nhọn hơn khi E = Pb (α = 102.9°). Năng lượng phân ly liên kết của liên kết W-E giảm dần: W4-NHC > W4-NHSi > W4-NHGe > W4-NHSn > W4-NHPb. Tính toán hóa lượng tử trong phức [(CO)4W-{NHE}] (E = C – Pb) cho thấy phối tử tetrylene là chất cho electron. Điều này có thể do phối tử tetrylene chỉ giữ lại một cặp electron tại nguyên tử E để đóng vai trò là chất cho điện tử. Độ bền liên kết của phức W4-NHE được giải thích nhờ vào độ phân cực của liên kết W-E và sự lai hóa của nguyên tử trung tâm E. Nguyên nhân chính làm giảm dần năng lượng liên kết là do liên kết W-E của các phức nặng hơn W4-NHE bị phân cực mạnh về phía nguyên tử E dẫn đến lực hút tĩnh điện với nguyên tử W yếu dần. Hệ phức nghiên cứu được coi là hợp chất điển hình cho các nghiên cứu thực nghiệm

Les travaux réalisés dans le cadre de cette thèse sont consacrés à l’étude de réactions de cyclisations de 2-pyridylallènes à l’aide de différentes espèces électrophiles. Des 2-pyridylallènes tétrasubstitués ont ainsi été synthétisés et cyclisés en conditions acides, avec différents halogènes électrophiles, des chalcogènes ainsi que de l’or (I) pour donner de nouveaux motifs indoliziniums. Des indolizines 1,3-substitués iodées en position 2 ont également été obtenues permettant une post-fonctionnalisation par couplage croisé. L’utilisation d’or (I) comme électrophile mène à de nouveaux complexes dont les ligands rassemblent les critères structuraux pour être considérés comme des NHCs. Les propriétés électroniques (σ-donation et π-acidité) de ce type de ligand ont été évaluées théoriquement et expérimentalement : si ces composantes électroniques se sont toutes deux révélées très élevées, la σ-donation semble surpasser celle des NHCs décrits dans la littérature. Certains complexes chiraux ont pu être efficacement utilisés en catalyse énantiosélective. Il apparaît clairement que la présence du groupement oxyde de phosphine est nécessaire pour obtenir une énantiosélectivité élevée dans le cas de l’hydroxyalkoxylation intramoléculaire d’un y-allénol. Ainsi, un très bon rapport énantiomérique de 91:9 et un rendement quantitatif ont été obtenus
This PhD work focused on the electrophile-induced cyclisation of 2-pyridylallenes. Various tetrasubstituted 2-pyridylallenes were synthesized and cyclized in acidic conditions, using electrophilic halogens, chalcogens and gold (I) species to afford new indoliziniums scaffolds. The synthesis of 1,3-indolizines bearing an iodine atom in position 2 was also performed, allowing a further late 2-functionnalization step by cross coupling reactions. Using gold (I) as an electrophile gave access to new gold complex bearing NHC type ligands. The electronic properties (σ-donation et π acidity) of this type of ligand were theoretically and experimentally investigated: if both of them were found especially strong, the σ-donation seems to overcome that of the NHCs described since then. Some chiral complexes have been used efficiently in enantioselective catalysis. It appeared clearly that the presence of the phosphine oxyde moiety is necessary to obtain a high enantioselectivity during the intramolecular hydroxyalkoxylation of γ-allenol. An excellent enantiomeric ratio of 91:9 and a quantitative yield were obtained

Quantum chemical calculations at BP86/TZVPP//BP86/SVP have been carried out for the Nheterocylic carbene and analogues complexes (tetrylene) [(CO)4W-NHE] (W4-NHE) with E = C – Pb. The tetrylene complexes W4-NHE possess end-on-bonded NHE ligands (E = C, Si), while for E = Ge and Sn, they possess slightly side-on-bonded ligands. The strongest side-on-bonded ligand when E = Pb has a bending angle of 102.9°. The trend of the bond dissociations energies (BDEs) for the W-E bond is W4-NHC > W4-NHSi > W4-NHGe > W4-NHSn > W4-NHPb. Analysis of the bonding situation suggests that the NHE ligands in W4-NHE are strong σ-donors and weak π-donors. This is because the tetrylenes have only one lone-pair orbital available for donation. The polarization of the W-E bond and the hybridization at atom E explain the trend in the bond strength of the tetrylene complexes W4-NHE. The W-E bonds of the heavier systems W4-NHE are strongly polarized toward atom E giving rise to rather weak electrostatic attraction with the tungsten atom which is the main source for the decreasing trend of the bond energies. The theoretical calculations suggest that transition-metal complexes tetrylenes [(CO)4W-{NHE}] (E = C – Pb) should be synthetically accessible compounds with tetrylenes NHE act as two-electron-donor ligands in complexes.
Phân tích cấu trúc và bản chất liên kết hóa học của hợp chất với kim loại chuyển tiếp chứa phối tử N-heterocyclic carbene và các đồng đẳng (tetrylene) [(CO)4W–NHE] (W4-NHE) với E = C – Pb sử dụng tính toán hóa lượng tử ở mức BP86/TZVPP//BP86/SVP. Cấu trúc của phức W4-NHE cho thấy các phối tử NHE với E = C, Si tạo với phân tử W(CO)4 một góc thẳng α = 180,0°, trong khi đó các phức W4-NHE thì phối tử NHE với E = Ge – Pb tạo liên kết với nhóm W(CO)4 một góc cong α < 180,0° và góc cong càng trở nên nhọn hơn khi E = Pb (α = 102.9°). Năng lượng phân ly liên kết của liên kết W-E giảm dần: W4-NHC > W4-NHSi > W4-NHGe > W4-NHSn > W4-NHPb. Tính toán hóa lượng tử trong phức [(CO)4W-{NHE}] (E = C – Pb) cho thấy phối tử tetrylene là chất cho electron. Điều này có thể do phối tử tetrylene chỉ giữ lại một cặp electron tại nguyên tử E để đóng vai trò là chất cho điện tử. Độ bền liên kết của phức W4-NHE được giải thích nhờ vào độ phân cực của liên kết W-E và sự lai hóa của nguyên tử trung tâm E. Nguyên nhân chính làm giảm dần năng lượng liên kết là do liên kết W-E của các phức nặng hơn W4-NHE bị phân cực mạnh về phía nguyên tử E dẫn đến lực hút tĩnh điện với nguyên tử W yếu dần. Hệ phức nghiên cứu được coi là hợp chất điển hình cho các nghiên cứu thực nghiệm.

L'accès à de nouvelles molécules bioactives nécessite des méthodologies de synthèse permettant l'obtention privilégiée d'un seul énantiomère. La catalyse asymétrique en général et la réaction de Suzuki-Miyaura asymétrique en particulier s'inscrivent dans cette démarche. Notre projet s'axe dans cette thématique, dans l'optique de développer de nouveaux catalyseurs chiraux pour la réaction de Suzuki-Miyaura asymétrique. Deux familles de complexes de palladium à ligands ferrocéniques chiraux bifonctionnels NHC/phosphine et NHC/amine ont été développés. La première famille de complexes a été synthétisée, caractérisée et utilisée dans la catalyse de la réaction de Suzuki-Miyaura asymétrique. L'accès à une deuxième famille de complexes à ligands hémilabiles NHC/amine a été possible via une voie de synthèse originale. De plus, un carbène libre imidazol-2-ylidène directement lié au ferrocène a été isolé et caractérisé. Enfin, dans l'objectif de développer de nouveaux catalyseurs électrochimiquement actifs, de nouveaux composés macrocycliques de type phthalocyanine présentant des unités ferrocéniques au sein de leur système pi ont été synthétisés
The access to new biologically active molecules requires synthetic methodologies that could allow the synthesis of only one enantiomer. Asymmetric catalysis in general and asymmetric Suzuki-Miyaura coupling in particular are part of this strategy. Our purpose in this field is to develop new chiral catalysts for the asymmetric Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. Two families of palladium complexes bearing chiral bifunctional ferrocenyl NHC/phosphine and NHC/amine ligands have been developed. The first family of complexes has been synthesised, fully characterised and used as catalysts for the asymmetric version of the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. The second family of complexes bearing hemilabile NHC/amine ligands has been obtained via an original synthetic pathway. In addition, a free carbene directly connected to the ferrocenyl unit has been successfully isolated and characterised. Finally, in order to develop new redox-active catalysts, new phthalocyanine-type macrocycles containing ferrocenyl units fused in their pi system have been successfully synthesised

Initially, N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHCs) were considered ancillary ligands alternative to more classical two-electron donor ligands, phosphorous- (phosphines, phosphites, etc) and nitrogen-based (amines, imines, etc). Nowadays their role in organometallic chemistry is pivotal, and they found application in many different fields. The Cp*Ir(III)-based complexes gained interest during the past years because they may be employed as catalysts in many organic transformations, and the inclusion of a NHC ligand in the coordination sphere of the complex generally enhanced both its robustness and catalytic activity. An appealing catalytic application of Cp*Ir(III)-NHC complexes is the water oxidation reaction, that is the oxidative half-reaction of an overall process called “artificial photosynthesis”. This is a promising route to provide, in the future, the production of green and sustainable energy alternative to the consumption of fossil fuels, and to convert solar energy into chemical one. This PhD thesis is aimed to the study of iridium(III) complexes bearing di-(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligands (di-NHC), focusing either on the synthetic aspects and on the catalytic activity. Furthermore, the evaluation of the final steric and electronic properties of the complexes deriving by changes in the structure of the di-NHC ligand, will be addressed; the final aim is to find a relationship between the structure of the ligand and the properties and catalytic behavior of the complexes. In this regard, the catalytic activity will be evaluated mainly in water oxidation reaction, but also other organic transformations will be considered (transfer hydrogenation of ketones). The obtained results will be divided in four main chapters: i] Synthesis and characterization of a series of mononuclear Ir(III) di-NHC complexes (Chapter 2); ii] Water oxidation reaction catalyzed by the mononuclear Ir(III) di-NHC complexes synthesized in the frame of the present PhD project (Chapter 3); iii] Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of novel dinuclear di-NHC Ir(III) complexes (Chapter 4); iv] Reactivity and coordination properties of mono- and di-NHC ligands deriving from non-classical carbene units (Chapter 5). i] Synthesis and characterization of a series of mononuclear Ir(III) di-NHC complexes. A series of novel di-NHC iridium(III) complexes, having general formula [IrClCp*(di-NHC)](PF6), have been synthesized through the transmetalation of the di-NHC moiety from pre-formed, isolated and characterized dinuclear di-NHC silver(I) complexes. In the obtained Ir(III) complexes, the di-NHC ligand is coordinated to the metal centre in chelating fashion; this has been confirmed by the determination of the X-ray crystal structure of some complexes. The optimized synthetic protocol has been extended to several di-NHC ligands having different substituents at the nitrogen atoms and length of the alkyl bridging group. The effect of the substituents on the electron density, both on the metal and the carbene carbon, has been evaluated. ii] Water oxidation reaction catalyzed by the mononuclear Ir(III) di-NHC complexes. Some of the synthesized mononuclear di-NHC complexes have been successfully employed as catalysts for the water oxidation reaction in presence of Ce(IV) (as (NH4)2[Ce(NO3)6], referred also as CAN) as sacrificial oxidant. One of the most active complexes (complex 2) has been tested also in presence of NaIO4, showing activity comparable to that reported in literature for other Ir(III)-NHC complexes. The catalyst fate under turnover conditions has been investigated by detecting the evolving gas via GC-MS measurements, and a small amount of CO2 was observed concomitantly to the O2 evolution. The amount of CO2 derives probably from the oxidative degradation of the ligand set. Complex 2 has been also employed in a photo-induced process, coupled with a photosensitizer ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) and a sacrificial acceptor of electrons (S2O82-), exhibiting activity remarkably different than that observed employing IrCl3 under the same experimental conditions. IrCl3 is a well-known precursor of IrOx nanoparticles, so the observed difference may be considered a proof of the molecular nature of the catalyst. Further investigations allowed to detect, through EPR measurements, the formation of an Ir(IV) species, which is a plausible intermediate in the catalytic cycle, confirming the molecular nature of the employed catalyst. iii] Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of novel dinuclear di-NHC Ir(III) complexes. Novel dinuclear di-NHC Ir(III) complexes have been synthesized employing ligand precursors having a flexible and long bridging group between the carbene units or wingtip substituents with donor functionalities. Such complexes have been fully characterized, and in the case of complex 15 the crystal structure was also obtained. Such complexes have been successfully employed as catalysts in transfer hydrogenation of ketones: a scope of substrates has been spanned, and the tested complexes, especially complex 16, showed moderate to good activity. iv] Reactivity and coordination properties of mono- and di-NHC ligands derived from non-classical carbene units. In the frame of a collaboration with the group of Prof. C. J. (Kees) Elsevier (University of Amsterdam), the possibility to obtain Ir(III) complexes with six-membered saturated NHCs was investigated. Unfortunately, the results obtained in this regard are not satisfactory, probably for the intrinsic instability of the ligand precursors and/or of the corresponding free carbenes. Furthermore, the synthesis and the reactivity of mixed NHC-MIC ligands has been successfully carried out. The synthesis of the corresponding silver(I) complexes was performed and a preliminary optimization of the transmetalation reaction conditions has been accomplished, leading to the obtainment of a novel Ir(III) complex bearing a NHC-MIC ligand.
Inizialmente, i leganti carbenici N-eterociclici erano considerati leganti ancillari alternativi ai più classici leganti donatori bielettronici al fosforo (fosfine, fosfiti, etc) e all’azoto (ammine, immine, etc). Al giorno d’oggi il loro ruolo nella chimica organometallica è invece più centrale, e complessi con leganti carbenici trovano applicazione in diversi campi. Negli ultimi anni è aumentato l’interesse verso complessi basati sul frammento Cp*Ir(III), perché possono essere utilizzati come catalizzatori in numerose trasformazioni organiche; inoltre, l’introduzione di un legante NHC nella sfera di coordinazione del complesso dovrebbe aumentare sia la sua stabilità che la sua attività catalitica. Un’interessante applicazione catalitica dei complessi Cp*Ir(III)-NHC è la reazione di ossidazione dell’acqua, che è la semi-reazione di un processo più complesso chiamato “fotosintesi artificiale”. Nell’ambito del problema globale legato alla produzione e al consumo di energia, questo processo rappresenta una possibile alternativa all’utilizzo dei combustibili fossili e in futuro potrebbe permettere la produzione di energia in modo green e sostenibile per conversione dell’energia solare in energia chimica. Questa Tesi di Dottorato ha come scopo lo studio di complessi di iridio(III) aventi nella sfera di coordinazione leganti dicarbenici N-eterociclici (di-NHC) e sarà focalizzata sia sugli aspetti sintetici che sull’attività catalitica dei complessi ottenuti. Inoltre, verranno discusse le proprietà steriche ed elettroniche dei complessi in funzione dei cambiamenti apportati alla struttura dei leganti di-NHC utilizzati; lo scopo ultimo sarà quello di trovare una relazione tra la struttura del legante, le proprietà stereo-elettroniche del complesso e la sua attività catalitica. A questo proposito, l’attività catalitica sarà principalmente valutata nella reazione di ossidazione dell’acqua, ma verranno prese in esame anche altre trasformazioni organiche (transfer hydrogenation di chetoni) I risultati ottenuti verranno divisi in quattro capitoli principali: i] Sintesi e caratterizzazione di una serie di complessi mononucleari di Ir(III) aventi un legante di-NHC nella sfera di coordinazione (Capitolo 2); ii] Reazione di ossidazione di acqua catalizzata dai complessi mononucleari di-NHC di Ir(III) sintetizzati nell’ambito di questo progetto di Dottorato (Capitolo 3); iii] Sintesi, caratterizzazione e attività catalitica di nuovi complessi dinucleari di Ir(III) con leganti di-NHC (Capitolo 4); iv] Reattività e proprietà coordinanti di leganti mono- e dicarbenici derivanti da unità carbeniche non-classiche (Capitolo 5). i] Sintesi e caratterizzazione di una serie di complessi mononucleari di Ir(III) aventi un legante di-NHC nella sfera di coordinazione. Una serie di nuovi complessi mononucleari di iridio(III), aventi un legante di-NHC coordinato è stata sintetizzata mediante reazione di transmetallazione del legante di-NHC dai corrispondenti complessi di argento(I) pre-formati, isolati e caratterizzati. Nei complessi di Ir(III) ottenuti, il legante di-NHC è coordinato al centro metallico in modo chelato; ciò è stato confermato da tecniche di caratterizzazione in soluzione e, per alcuni complessi, dalla risoluzione ai raggi X della struttura. Il protocollo sintetico ottimizzato è stato esteso a leganti di-NHC caratterizzati da diversi sostituenti agli atomi di azoto e da gruppi alchilici a ponte tra le unità carbeniche di diversa lunghezza. E’ stato valutato inoltre l’effetto dei sostituenti sulla densità elettronica presente sul metallo e sul carbonio carbenico. ii] Reazione di ossidazione di acqua catalizzata dai complessi mononucleari di-NHC di Ir(III) sintetizzati nell’ambito di questo progetto di Dottorato Alcuni dei complessi mononucleari di Ir(III) sintetizzati sono stato impiegati con successo come catalizzatori nella reazione di ossidazione di acqua in presenza di Ce(IV) (come (NH4)2[Ce(NO3)6], abbreviato con CAN) come ossidante sacrificale. Uno dei complessi più attivi (complesso 2) è stato testato anche in presenza di NaIO4, esibendo un’attività catalitica comparabile con quella riportata in letteratura per complessi Ir(III)-NHC. L’evoluzione del catalizzatore durante la catalisi è stata valutata determinando i gas prodotti utilizzando un GC-MS ed è stata osservata la formazione di una piccola quantità di CO2, il cui sviluppo è concomitante all’evoluzione di O2. La quantità di CO2 osservata deriva probabilmente dalla degradazione ossidativa dei leganti nella sfera di coordinazione del complesso. Il complesso 2 è stato inoltre utilizzato in un processo foto-indotto, accoppiato a un fotosensibilizzatore ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) ed a un accettore sacrificale di elettroni (S2O82-), mostrando una buona attività catalitica. Il comportamento del complesso 2 (in termini ad esempio di curva di evoluzione dell’ossigeno, tempo di vita del catalizzatore, resa quantica,…) è inoltre diverso da quanto osservato utilizzando IrCl3 nelle stesse condizioni sperimentali. E’ ben noto che IrCl3 è un precursore di IrOx nanoparticellare, perciò la differenza osservata può essere considerata una prova circa la natura molecolare del catalizzatore. Ulteriori investigazioni hanno permesso di identificare, attraverso misure EPR, la formazione di specie di Ir(IV), che è un intermedio probabile del ciclo catalitico; l’insieme di questi dati sembra confermare la natura molecolare del catalizzatore utilizzato. iii] Sintesi, caratterizzazione e attività catalitica di nuovi complessi dinucleari di Ir(III) con leganti di-NHC Utilizzando precursori dei leganti con gruppi lunghi e flessibili a ponte tra le unità carbeniche o aventi sostituenti con una funzionalità donatrice, sono stati sintetizzati nuovi complessi dinucleari di-NHC di iridio(III). Tali complessi sono stati completamente caratterizzati e, nel caso del complesso 15, è stata inoltre risolta la struttura ai raggi X. Questi complessi sono stati impiegati con successo come catalizzatori nella reazione di transfer hydrogenation di chetoni: è stato eseguito uno screening di substrati e i complessi, soprattutto 16, hanno mostrato una buona attività catalitica. iv] Reattività e proprietà coordinanti di leganti mono- e di-NHC derivanti da unità carbeniche non-classiche Nell’ambito di una collaborazione con il gruppo del Prof. C. J. (Kees) Elsevier (Università di Amsterdam), è stata valutata la possibilità di ottenere complessi di Ir(III) con leganti NHC saturi a sei membri. Sfortunatamente, i risultati ottenuti non sono stati soddisfacenti, probabilmente a causa della instabilità intrinseca dei precursori del leganti e/o dei corrispondenti carbeni liberi. Invece, risultati migliori sono stati ottenuti nella sintesi e nello studio della reattività di leganti misti NHC-MIC, infatti sono stati sintetizzati i corrispondenti complessi di argento(I) ed è stata eseguita una preliminare ottimizzazione delle condizioni di reazione per la transmetallazione Ag(I)/Ir(III) del legante; in questo modo è stato ottenuto un nuovo complesso di Ir(III) avente un legante NHC-MIC nella sfera di coordinazione.

Au début de ces travaux, peu d’études avaient été faites sur la complexation des carbènes N-hétérocycliques avec des métaux oxophiles, électropositifs et à hauts degrés d’oxydation tel que les métaux du groupe 13. L’optimisation de voies de synthèse a permis d’étendre le nombre de complexes de types NHC-MIII (M = aluminium, gallium et indium), ainsi qu’à des complexes cationiques. L’association de ces précurseurs avec des NHCs plus encombrés a permis l’observation de réactivités sans précédent (complexes anormaux, paires de Lewis frustrées, dicarbènes N-hétérocycliques). Dans un second temps, la réactivité inhabituelle des ligands NHCs a permis l’isolation d’analogue au réactif de Tebbe, très actifs en méthylénation de dérivés carbonyles
At the beginning of this work, few studies had been performed on the complexation of N-heterocyclic carbenes with oxophilic metals, in high oxidation states such as group 13 metals. The synthetic routes optimization has extended the number of complexes-type NHC-MIII (M = aluminum, gallium and indium), and the corresponding cationic complexes. The combination of these precursors with sterically congested NHCs allowed the observation of unprecedented reactivities (abnormal complexes, Frustrated Lewis Pairs, N-heterocyclic dicarbenes). In a second step, the unusual reactivity of NHC ligands has allowed the isolation of analogues of the Tebbe’s reagent, formed to be very active in the methylenation of carbonyl compounds

Despite the appearance in the market of platinum compounds with minor side effects than cisplatin (i.e. carboplatin and oxaliplatin), they did not solve the ineffectiveness on some types of tumors, having the same mechanism of action proposed for cisplatin (DNA platination). For this reason, many research groups have focused their attention on the synthesis and determination of the anticancer properties of compounds with metals different from platinum. Among the most investigated metals there are certainly ruthenium and gold and, only recently, palladium. The latter, despite belonging to the same group of platinum, has some rather different features: •Better water solubility of its complexes. •Structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action generally different from platinum compounds. However, the fast dissociation pattern of palladium complexes compared to platinum represents a problem since the speciation, which heavily affects the biological activity and the pharmacokinetic properties, could be increased. To remedy this contraindication the most direct option is the introduction of ligands firmly anchored to the metal such as N-Heterocylic Carbenes (NHCs), which are known to give strong s-bonds with most of the transition metals. Moreover, several NHC-palladium complexes have already exhibited an interesting cytotoxic activity in vitro and tumour growth suppression even in vivo. In this PhD thesis, the synthesis and characterization of new palladium compounds stabilized by different types of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and important organometallic fragments such as h3-allyl-Pd(II), palladacyclopentadienyl and h2-olefin-Pd(0) will be exposed. The reactivity and the importance in many catalytic processes of the fragments reported in Fig. A1 are well known, on the contrary, their biological activity is almost unexplored. Starting from these premises, it was decided to test the synthesized compounds toward different tumor lines, particularly on ovarian carcinoma, and human fibroblasts (healthy cells). From the antiproliferative activity data collected for about one hundred compounds, emerges that, regardless of the nature of the selected carbene ligand, the most active compounds bear the allyl fragment. For these species the evaluation of their activity in vivo and experiments aimed at identify the primary biological target, in order to propose the possible mechanism of action, are planned. A class of compounds generally slightly less active than that containing the allyl residue is represented by the palladacyclopentadienyl complexes and their derivatives. Nevertheless, for some of the synthesized compounds, an excellent antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity has been shown on ovarian cancer cell lines (CisPt sensitive and CisPt resistance), accompanied by a poor activity against normal cells. For the compound 40a a thorough investigation on the main biological target, which was found to be DNA, and on the degree of uptake in tumor cells was also carried out. Due to the high stability imparted by the palladaciclopentadienyl fragment and the chelatig biscarbene ligand, this compound does not undergo substitution reactions when reacted with reduced glutathione (GSH), which is a potential coordinating species present in abundance in the biological environment. It is therefore reasonable to suppose that the interaction with the DNA occurs through non-covalent interactions with the polynucleotide chain. Finally, the class of compounds decidedly less active than those described so far is represented by the Pd (0) derivatives stabilized by olefinic ligands. For these complexes the antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity was evaluated only in ovarian carcinoma lines, observing only in very few cases IC50 values comparable to those of cisplatin.

Se ha obtenido una nueva familia de cuatro Complejos Organometálicos Supramoleculares (SOCs) basados en pireno. Dentro de los cuales se ha desarrollado un nuevo receptor de PAH, capaz de discernir entre los diferentes PAH en función de su forma, tamaño, y número de electrones-pi. Hemos desarrollado una estrategia eficiente para la extracción de PAH, que son compuestos tóxicos y carcinogénicos, en disolventes orgánicos. Paralelamente, se han obtenido dos receptores de fulereno, capaces de adaptar su tamaño a la forma del fulereno. Debido a la mayor afinidad respecto a un fulereno específico, mostramos un potencial nuevo método de purificación de fulerenos. Describimos el primer sistema host-guest utilizado como fotosensibilidazor en la generación de oxígeno singlete. Este SOC con fulereno atrapado, fue capaz de oxidar una gran variedad de alquenos utilizando el oxígeno singlete generado a partir de aire a presión atmosférica y luz visible. Finalmente se encapsularon multiples guests.
Three nickel-based and one palladium-based supramolecular organometallic cages have been prepared. These four cages are based on a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand with a pyrene tag, that has been key in the subsequent applications of the cage together with the inner cavity. By pi-stacking interactions, it has been possible to encapsulate both polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons and fullerenes. The interest on first group of compounds is based on their accurate toxicity while the fullerenes are interesting due to their added value. It was possible to extract the first group of molecules from an organic media through the encapsulation inside the supramolecular cages. The host-guest adduct formed with fullerenes encapsulated inside the palladium cage was used as photocatalyst of aromatic, cyclic and acyclic substrates via singlet oxygen generation. The same palladium cage was used as receptor for multiple stacks of polyaromatic compounds.
Programa de Doctorat en Ciències

Ce travail s'inscrit dans le cadre de la chimie des ligands carbonés neutres riches en électrons représentés d'une part par les carbènes N-hétérocycliques (C-sp2) et d'autre part par les ylures de phosphonium (C-sp3). L'objectif principal est de développer une méthode générale de synthèse de ligands polydentes incorporant ces deux motifs carbonés fortement coordinants et de préparer des complexes stables dans la perspective d'applications en catalyse homogène. Le premier chapitre propose une étude bibliographique sur les propriétés électroniques/stériques, les différentes méthodes de synthèse et modes de coordination, ainsi que les principales applications en catalyse homogène de ces deux familles de ligands carbonés. Dans le deuxième chapitre, une méthode générale de synthèse basée sur l'introduction d'un espaceur propyle flexible reliant les deux unités coordinantes NHC et ylure de phosphonium et permettant d'accéder à de nouveaux ligands C,C- chélatants NHC-ylure de phosphonium et leurs complexes est décrite. Cette stratégie est appliquée avec succès aussi bien en série bidente qu'en série tétradente. Tirant profit de cette méthode de synthèse directe, le troisième chapitre est consacré à la préparation de nouveaux complexes pinces dont le squelette est construit à partir d'un cœur NHC associé à une extrémité ylure de phosphonium, la deuxième extrémité coordinante pouvant être identique à la première ou bien de nature différente de type NHC, phosphine, ou phénolate. Les propriétés électroniques de ces ligands pinces sont ensuite analysées à partir d'outils expérimentaux et théoriques et l'activité des complexes de palladium correspondants évaluées en catalyse d'allylation d'aldéhydes. La dernière partie de ce chapitre décrit l'accès à une nouvelle famille de complexes pinces basée sur la présence d'un ylure de phosphonium situé en position centrale. Cette architecture unique conduit notamment à la formation d'un complexe de palladium(II) carbonyle stable à température ambiante et dont la structure exacte a été déterminée par une étude par diffraction des rayons X
This work is part of the chemistry of electron-rich neutral carbon ligands represented on the one hand by N-heterocyclic carbenes (C-sp2) and on the other hand by phosphonium ylides (C-sp3). The main objective is to develop a general method for the synthesis of polydentate ligands incorporating these two strongly coordinating carbon units and to prepare corresponding stable complexes with a view to applications in homogeneous catalysis. The first chapter proposes a bibliographical study on the electronic/steric properties, the different synthesis methods and coordination modes, as well as the main applications in homogeneous catalysis of these two families of carbon ligands. In the second chapter, a general synthesis method based on the introduction of a flexible propyl spacer connecting the two coordinating NHC and phosphonium ylide donors and allowing access to new C,C- chelating NHC-phosphonium ylide ligands and their related complexes is described. This strategy is successfully applied in both bidentate and tetradentate series. Taking advantage of this straightforward strategy, the third chapter is devoted to the preparation of new pincer complexes whose backbone is built from a NHC core associated with a phosphonium ylide end, the second coordinating end being either identical to the first one or of a different nature, such as a NHC, phosphine, or phenolate. The electronic properties of these pincer ligands are then analyzed using experimental and theoretical tools and the activity of the corresponding palladium complexes evaluated in the catalytic allylation of aldehydes. The last part of this chapter describes access to a new family of pincer complexes based on the presence of a phosphonium ylide located in a central position. This unique architecture leads in particular to the formation of a stable palladium(II) carbonyl complex, the exact structure of which was determined by an X-ray diffraction study

This thesis describes the catalysed addition of X-H bonds (X = S, O and N) to alkynes using a range of novel rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes containing hybrid bidentate phosphine-pyrazolyl, phosphine-imidazolyl and phosphine-N heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donor ligands. The synthesis of novel bidentate phosphine-pyrazolyl, phosphine-imidazolyl (P-N) and phosphine-NHC (PC) donor ligands and their cationic and neutral rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes [M(P N)(COD)]BPh4, [M(PC)(COD)]BPh4, [Ir(P-N)(CO)2]BPh4 and [M(P-N)(CO)Cl] were successfully performed. An unusual five coordinate iridium complex with phosphine-NHC ligands [Ir(PC)(COD)(CO)]BPh4 was also obtained. Seventeen single crystal X-ray structures of these new complexes were determined. A range of these novel rhodium and iridium complexes were effective as catalysts for the addition of thiophenol to a variety of alkynes. Iridium complexes were more effective than rhodium analogues. Cationic complexes were more effective than neutral complexes. Complexes with hybrid phosphine-nitrogen donor were more effective than complexes containing bidentate nitrogen donor ligands. An atom-economical, efficient method for the synthesis of cyclic acetals and bicyclic O,O-acetals was successfully developed based on the catalysed hydroalkoxylation. Readily prepared terminal and non-terminal alkyne diols were cyclised into bicyclic O,O-acetals in quantitative conversions in most cases. The efficiency of a range of rhodium and iridium complexes containing bidentate P-N and PC donor ligands as catalysts for the cyclisation of 4-pentyn-1-amine to 2-methyl-1-pyrroline varied significantly. The cationic iridium complexes with the bidentate phosphine-pyrazolyl ligands, [Ir(R2PyP)(COD)]BPh4 (2.39-2.42) were extremely efficient as catalysts for this transformation. Increasing the size of the substituent on or adjacent to the donor led to improvement in catalytic activity of the corresponding metal complexes. The mechanism of the catalysed hydroalkoxylation was proposed to proceed by the initial activation of the alkyne via ?? coordination to the metal centre. The ?? binding of both aliphatic and aromatic alkynes to [Ir(PyP)(CO)2]BPh4 (2.44) was observed by low temperature NMR and no reaction between 2.44 and alcohols was observed. In contrast, the facility in which thiol and amine oxidatively added to 2.44 led the proposal that in the hydrothiolation and hydroamination reaction, the catalytic cycle commences with the activation of the X-H bond (X = S, N) by an oxidative addition process.

Delta-like homologue 1 (Dlk1) and Dlk2 encode vertebrate-specific transmembrane proteins belonging to the Jagged/Delta/Serrate family of Notch ligands. Murine Dlk1 is widely expressed during embryonic development and targeted deletion results in defects in numerous developmental processes, such as adipogenesis, haematopoiesis, neurogenesis and skeletal muscle formation. However, the mechanisms by which DLK1 regulates these processes remains unclear. The purpose of this project is to examine the function of these genes using zebrafish as an in vivo model, allowing insight to the ancestral functions of these genes. We have strong evolutionary evidence that dlk2 is the ancestral version of the gene from which dlk1 is derived; therefore, the thesis focuses primarily on the role of dlk2 in the zebrafish system. I initially examine the expression of zebrafish dlk1 and dlk2 during embryonic development and in the adult brain, determining similarities and differences between mouse and zebrafish. In particular, dlk1 and dlk2 in the fish exhibit a pattern that is more reminiscent of Dlk2 in the mouse. This developmental expression pattern is essential for the interpretation of the modulation of Dlk2 in later chapters, and is aided by the generation of a mammalian Dlk2 antibody that cross-reacts with zebrafish. We obtained a dlk2 mutant and used this line to examine the role of the DLK2 protein in development and in the adult brain. I demonstrate that, in the absence of DLK2, a population of neural precursor cells appear to over-proliferate early in zebrafish development. Later, by larval stages, these cells are absent, suggesting a premature activation and subsequent depletion of the progenitor cell pool in the mutant, reminiscent of the Dlk1 mutant in mouse. Associated with this phenotype are larval behavioral defects in motor response. In this thesis, it will be shown that in the adult dlk2 mutant zebrafish, the radial glial cell population in the telencephalon is completely depleted. These radial glial cells are thought to be responsible for adult neural regeneration in zebrafish, and our characterization of a mutant completely lacking this cell population provides a rich model to further examine and understand the functions of this well-studied but poorly understood cell population. These findings have both functional and evolutionary implications for the relative roles of these two vertebrate specific atypical Notch ligands.

The chapter one introduces the reported examples of rare earth metal (RE) complexes with different oxidation states. It also reviews the synthesis and reactivity study of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) supported transition metal and RE metal complexes. Chapter two focusses on the synthesis and characterisation of a series of tetraaryloxide Ce and Pr complexes. With the reaction of bulky tetraphenol proligand H4LR(R = P, PT, M) with four equivalents of KN"(N" = N(SiMe3)2), a dimerised complex of [K4LP]2(thf)11 was synthesised and characterised. The salt metathesis reactions of this complex with RECl3(thf)2 afford bimetallic aryloxide complexes of K2L2RE2(thf)11 (RE = Ce, Pr), which display divergent structures under different conditions. Reactions of the CeIII complex of K2L2Ce2(thf)11 with a variety of oxidants(I2, CuCl2 and O2, etc.) lead to the oxidation of CeIII to CeIV, affording purple ceric dimer of L2Ce2. The reaction of the PrIII complexes with I2 under 60 °C affords a mixture from which PrIII iodide (LPr2I2) has been isolated and characterised. This chapter also discusses the reactivity of the bimetallic aryloxide complexes towards different substrates, such as MeLi, KC8 and KBn (Bn = benzyl). Bimetallic complexes of L(REX)2(py)8 (RE = Ce, Pr; X = Cl, BH4) are synthesised and characterised. The preliminary study on the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and CO2 is conducted for CeIII and PrIII complexes. Chapter three details the work on two different types of NHC ligand. The first ligand is the β-ketoimidazolinium salts H2LBr {L = RC(O)CH2{CH[NCH2CH2NMes], R = tBu, naphth} which reacts with MHBEt3 (M = Na, K) to form carbene-borane adducts RC(O)CH2{C(BEt3[NCH2CH2NMes]}. This type of reactivity differs from the previous work on imidazole derivatives. The possible mechanism of these reactions is provided and discussed. The other ligand is p-aryloxy-tethered imidazolinium salt H2LX (L = N-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydrooxyphenyl-N’-mesityl-imidazolinium, X = Cl, Br, PF6 ), which have been synthesised and characterised. The reactions of these salts with MN"(M = Na, K) enabled the characterisation of polymerised complexes of [NaL]n and [KL(thf)2]n. The yttrium complex YL3 is synthesised and its reactivity towards small molecules such as boranes, CO2 and CS2 is discussed. Chapter four presents the primary results on the study of macrocyclic NHC based cyclophane ligand H6LPF6 (L = calix[4]imidazolylidene[2]pyrazolato). Investigations on the reactivity of the ligand towards different bases (NaN", KN", KBn etc.) are examined and subsequent metathesis reactions with RE complexes are explored. Chapter five concludes the work presented in this thesis. Chapter six contains all experimental and characterisation details.

In the last twenty years, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) have gained general attention as a class of ligands alternative or complementary to the classical ones, based on phosphorous (phosphines, phosphites, etc.) or nitrogen (amines, imines, etc.) donor atoms. In particular, a growing number of new technological applications based on Au(I)- or Au(III)-NHC complexes has appeared. Noteworthy, up to now the majority of these examples deals with N-heterocyclic monocarbene gold complexes. This PhD thesis is focused on the chemistry of gold complexes with di(NHC) ligands (di(NHC) = di(N-heterocylic carbene)) with particular reference to their synthesis and to the determination of a possible relation between their structure, properties and reactivity. In particular the obtained results are divided in three main chapters: i) Synthesis and characterization of the gold(I) di(NHC) complexes; ii) Oxidation of the gold(I) di(NHC) complexes; iii) Synthesis and reactivity of silver and gold complexes with novel di(NHC) ligands obtained via click reaction. i) Synthesis and characterization of the gold(I) di(NHC) complexes. Gold(I) complexes with different functionalized N-heterocyclic di(NHC) ligands have been prepared by direct deprotonation of the diimidazolium salts, that are the di(NHC) ligand precursors, in the presence of AuCl(SMe2) and of a mild base (NaOAc). In the adopted synthetic conditions, dinuclear dicationic gold(I) complexes presenting a metallamacrocyclic structure with two bridging di(NHC) ligands have been obtained in good yields. The photoluminescence and electrochemical properties of the synthesized complexes are strongly influenced by the structure of the di(NHC) ligand employed, in particular by the bridge present between the two imidazole-2-ylidene rings. Remarkably we identified complex 3 (Y = (CH2)3) as a very strong solid state emitter with an almost unitary quantum yield of emission (Фem = 96 %). The ligands of complex 3 were functionalized with different wingtip substituents, bearing long aliphatic chains of different length, with the aim of obtaining luminescent liquid crystals. The new complexes of this type behave as thermotropic materials, differing from the parent compound 3. ii) Oxidation of the gold(I) di(NHC) complexes. The reactivity of the gold(I) complexes toward oxidative addition of halogen is strongly influenced by the employed halogen and by the structure of the di(NHC) ligand. In general stable Au(III)/Au(III) complexes were obtained; however with the bulkier iodine a mixed valence Au(I)/Au(III) complex is isolated. Moreover the presence of the propylene bridge in the di(NHCs) favors the formation rather novel Au(II)/Au(II) complexes. The nature and the geometry of the obtained products have been fully elucidated in several cases by X-ray analysis. iii) Synthesis and reactivity of silver and gold complexes with novel di(NHC) ligands obtained via click reaction. The copper(I) catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition was used to introduce new functionalities (benzyl or polyethyleneglycole chain substituted triazole) on the peripheral positions of the bis(1-methylimidazole)propane core. Using the optimized reaction condition it was possible to prepare the corresponding gold(I) and gold(III) complexes. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of the functionalized gold(III) di(NHC) complexes was evaluated on a series of different neoplastic cell lines and on two healthy cell lines; The functionalized complexes are more active than the parent unfunctionalized ones and they express cytotoxicity preferentially towards the neoplastic cells.
Negli ultimi vent’anni i leganti carbenici N-eterociclici (NHC) sono stati una delle classi di leganti più studiate in chimica organometallica. Questi leganti si sono infatti imposti come valida alternativa ai classici leganti σ-donatori basati su atomi donatori quali fosforo (fosfine, fosfiti, ecc.) e azoto (ammine, immine, ecc.). In particolare in letteratura si riscontra un numero sempre crescente di lavori riguardo nuove applicazioni tecnologiche di complessi di oro(I) e oro(III) con leganti NHC. Ad oggi, la maggior parte di questi esempi riguarda complessi di oro con leganti mono(carbenici N-eterociclici). Il lavoro svolto in questa tesi di dottorato è invece incentrato sulla sintesi e caratterizzazione di nuovi complessi di oro con leganti di(NHC) (di(NHC) = di(carbene N-eterociclico)) e sulla ricerca di una possibile relazione tra la loro struttura molecolare, le loro proprietà e la loro reattività. I risultati ottenuti sono divisi in tre capitoli principali: i) Sintesi e caratterizzazione di nuovi complessi di oro(I) con leganti di(NHC); ii) Ossidazione dei complessi di oro(I) con leganti di(NHC); iii) Sintesi e reattività di complessi di oro e argento con nuovi leganti di(NHC) funzionalizzati mediante click chemistry. i) Sintesi e caratterizzazione di nuovi complessi di oro(I) con leganti di(NHC). Nuovi complessi di oro(I) con leganti di(NHC) differentemente funzionalizzati sono stati ottenuti mediante deprotonazione diretta dei corrispondenti sali di diimidazolio, precursori dei leganti carbenici, in presenza di AuCl(SMe2) e di una base debole (NaOAc). Nelle condizioni di reazione impiegate sono stati ottenuti, con buone rese, complessi dinucleari di oro(I) caratterizzati da una struttura metallamacrociclica con due leganti di(NHC) a ponte fra i due centri metallici. Le proprietà fotochimiche ed elettrochimiche dei complessi di oro(I) ottenuti sono fortemente influenzate dalla struttura del legante di(NHC) utilizzato e in particolare, dal ponte (Y) presente tra i due anelli imidazol-2-ilidenici. È stato identificato un complesso (3, Y = (CH2)3) caratterizzato da una fotoemissione allo stato solito molto intensa con una resa quantica di emissione quasi unitaria (Фem = 96 %). Il legante di(NHC) presente nella struttura del complesso 3 è stato successivamente funzionalizzato sugli atomi di azoto in posizione 1,1’ con sostituenti contenenti catene alifatiche di diversa lunghezza con l’obiettivo di ottenere complessi con caratteristiche di cristalli liquidi luminescenti. I nuovi complessi ottenuti, a differenza del complesso di riferimento 3, si comportano come materiali termotropici. ii) Ossidazione dei complessi di oro(I) con leganti di(NHC). La reattività dei complessi di oro(I) nella reazione di addizione ossidativa di alogeno è fortemente influenzata dall’alogeno e dalla struttura del legante di(NHC) impiegati. Nella maggior parte dei casi sono stati ottenuti complessi dinucleari di oro(III) stabili; tuttavia utilizzando come ossidante un alogeno relativamente ingombrante come lo iodio è stato possibile isolare anche un complesso a valenza mista Au(III)/Au(I). Inoltre la presenza del ponte propilene nella struttura dei complessi di(NHC) favorisce la formazione di complessi in cui l’oro è presente nel poco comune stato di ossidazione Au(II)/Au(II). La struttura e la geometria dei prodotti ottenuti è stata in molti casi confermata dalla risoluzione della relativa struttura ai raggi X. iii) Sintesi e reattività di complessi di oro e argento con nuovi leganti di(NHC) funzionalizzati mediante click chemistry. La reazione di cicloaddizione tra azide e alchino catalizzata da sali di Cu(I) (CuAAC) è stata utilizzata per introdurre nuovi gruppi funzionali (anelli triazolici recanti rispettivamente un gruppo benzile o una catena di polietilenglicole) nelle posizioni 5,5’ degli anelli imidazolici del precursore carbenico a ponte propilenico. Utilizzando le condizioni di reazione ottimizzate è stato quindi possibile ottenere i corrispondenti complessi dinucleari di oro(I), oro(III) e argento(I). L’attività citotossica in vitro dei complessi di oro(III) con leganti di(NHC) funzionalizzati è stata determinata su una serie di differenti linee cellulari neoplastiche e su due linee cellulari sane. I complessi funzionalizzati presentano un’attività maggiore rispetto ai complessi con leganti non funzionalizzati ed esprimono la loro citotossicità in maniera preferenziale verso le cellule tumorali.

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Chemistry
Stefan Bossmann
My thesis is divided into two parts. The first part is focused on studies of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium(IV) intermediates, which are involved in oxidative addition mediated C-C, and C-O bond formation processes as well as in C-Cl bond forming reactions via a reductive elimination process. Bis-NHC-Pd(II) complexes have been reported as effective catalysts to mediate direct conversion of methane into methanol. However, a H-D exchange study revealed that the bis-NHC-Pd(II) complexes are not the active species responsible for the C-H bond activation reaction. This unexpected result implies that the high oxidation state bis- NHC-Pd(IV) species may be the real catalyst! The oxidative addition of methyl iodide to the bis- NHC-Pd(II)-Me2 complex led to the successful observation of the formation of a transient trimethyl bis-NHC-Pd(IV) intermediate by both 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Different oxidants such as O2, PhI(OAc)2, PhI(OTFA)2 and Cl2 reacted with the bis-NHC-Pd(II)-Me2 complex, and competitive C-C and C-O bond formations, as well as C-C and C-Cl bond formations were observed. Dioxygen triggered C-C bond formation under dry condition and both C-C and C-O bond formation in the presence of H2O gave strong indications that the bis-NHCPd( II)-Me2 complex can be oxidized to a bis-NHC-Pd(IV) intermediate by dioxygen. The reaction between the hypervalent iodine regents PhI(OAc)2 and PhI(OTFA)2 and the bis-NHCPd( II)-Me2 complex gave only reductive elimination products. Therefore, this system can act as a model system, which is able to providing valuable information of the product forming (functionalization) step of the C-H bond activation system. The reaction between chlorine and the bis-NHC-Pd(II)-Me2 complex resulted in a relatively stable bis-NHC-Pd(IV)-Cl4 complex, which was characterized by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. The structure of bis- NHC-Pd(IV)-Cl4 was unambiguously established by X-ray crystallography. The second part of this thesis describes the synthesis of functionalized bimagnetic core/shell iron/iron oxide nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer. Biocompatible dopamineoligoethylene glycol functionalized bimagnetic core/shell Fe/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared via ligand exchange, and purified by repeated dispersion/magneto-precipitation cycles. A porphyrin (TCPP) has been tethered to the stealth nanoparticles to enhance their uptake by tumor cells and (neural) stem cells. The stealth nanoparticles have been delivered in a mouse model to tumor sites intravenously by using the EPR (enhanced permeation and retention) effect. Magnetic hyperthermia proved to be very effective against B16-F10 mouse melanomas in Charles River black mice. After hyperthermia, the nanoparticles have shown a significant effect on the growth of tumor (up to 78% growth inhibition).