Chemical studies of 1,5-benzodioxepanones
- Authors: Gelebe, Aifheli Carlson
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Biochemistry , Pigments (Biology) , Benzopyrans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4423 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006895 , Biochemistry , Pigments (Biology) , Benzopyrans
- Description: Chromone and flavanone derivatives were prepared by condensation of the corresponding 2-hydroxyacetophenones (with diethyl oxalate or the appropriate aromatic aldehyde respectively) and cyclisation of the condensation products. Saeyer-Villiger rearrangement of these flavanones, with MCPBA, resulted in expansion of the C-ring. Spectroscopic techniques have been used to establish the regioselectivity of the rearrangement and hence, the identity of the rearranged products as 1,5-benzodioxepan-4-ones. The 1,5-benzodioxepan-4-ones were subjected to detailed ¹H and ¹³C n.m.r. analysis and a combination of low and high resolution mass spectrometry has been used to study the mass fragmentation pathways of these ring-expanded products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Studies in asymmetric synthesis
- Authors: Learmonth, Robin Alec
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Organic compounds -- Synthesis Stereochemistry Organosilicon compounds Chirality Chemical tests and reagents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4353 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005018
- Description: The concept of combining two well established areas of organic chemistry, viz., organosilicon chemistry and the use of chiral auxiliaries, into a viable, alternative method of asymmetric synthesis has only very recently begun to receive attention. At the outset of this investigation, no asymmetric reactions of silyl enol ethers, chiral by virtue of optically active substituents on the silicon, had been reported. A range of novel chiral silyl enol ethers have thus been prepared from a variety of ketones, including pinacolone, cyclohexanone, and α-tetralone, and employing menthol, borneol, and cholesterol as chiral auxiliaries. These preparations have been achieved via several distinct routes, including a novel convergent approach involving the isolation of either the chloro(menthyloxy)dimethylsilane or the (bornyloxy)chlorodimethylsilane. The MS and NMR spectra of these silyl enol ethers were examined in detail and, in the case of the crystalline cholesteryloxy silyl enol ether, the X-ray structure has been determined. The potential of chloroalkoxysilanes to act as general, chiral derivatizing agents has been established by the preparation of diastereomeric silyl acetal mixtures of racemic secondary alcohols (e.g. I-phenylethanol and 2-octanol). The experimental diastereomeric ratios, obtained by GLC and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, approached the expected value of unity, confirming the potential of the alkoxychlorosilanes as chiral probes. The chiral silyl enol ethers have been successfully oxidized to the corresponding α-siloxy ketones employing MCPBA, MMPP, and 2-(phenylsulphonyl)-3-phenyloxaziridine as oxidizing agents and the diastereomeric excesses obtained, which varied from 0 to 16%, indicated some potential for stereochemical control. Alkylation and hydroxyalkylation reactions of the silyl enol ethers have yielded the expected α-iert-butyl and β-hydroxy ketones in good to excellent material yields, with the enantiomeric excesses, as determined by chiral shift reagent studies, reaching 14%. To improve the stereo control in these reactions, attempts have been made to prepare chiral silyl enol ethers with auxiliaries possessing the potential for transition state complex co-ordination in the reactions under consideration. The preparation of such silyl enol ethers, incorporating the proline-derived auxiliaries, N-methyl-2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidine and 2-methoxymethylpyrrolidine met with only limited success. In an alternative approach, three derivatives of 2,3-dihydroxybornane have been prepared. However, two of these auxiliaries, viz., 3-exo-benzyloxy-2-exo-hydroxybornane and 3-exo-(1-methoxyethoxy)-2-exo-hydroxybornane failed to form silyl enol ethers, even under considerably more vigorous conditions than normally employed. The third derivative, 3,3-ethylenedioxy-2-hydroxybornane has been successfully utilized in the preparation of a pinacolone-derived chiral silyl enol ether. Hydroxyalkylation of this compound with benzaldehyde has yielded the β-hydroxyketone with significantly improved enantiomeric excess (26%) and a transition state complex has been proposed to rationalize this improvement.
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- Date Issued: 1991
A study of the alkaloid content of the Senecio speciosus/Macrocephalus complex
- Authors: Grue, Margaret Ruth
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Alkaloids -- Research , Pyrrolizidines -- Research , Botanical chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4362 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005027 , Alkaloids -- Research , Pyrrolizidines -- Research , Botanical chemistry
- Description: The isolation and identification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from various plant species from 1988 to May 1991 are reviewed and the alkaloids of two indigenous plant species, Senecio speciosus Willd and Senecio macrocephalus DC, were investigated. A brief review of the methods used for isolation and identification of pyrrolizidines is also given. S. speciosus was found to contain two new alkaloids, 7-senecioyl-9-sarracinylheliotridine and 7-isosarracinyl-9- sarracinyl-heliotridine, which were identified using highfield NMR techniques. A number of other alkaloids were tentatively identified using GC-MS. S. macrocephalus contains very little alkaloid, but a number of pyrrolizidine alkaloids were tentatively identified using GC-MS. Standard alkaloids for GC-MS work were obtained both by extraction from a number of plant species and by synthesis of simple monoester alkaloids. In this process the alkaloid neosarracine, previously described by GC-MS, was isolated and NMR data for this compound are reported for the first time. S. speciosus and S. macrocephalus are morphologically very similar and their counterparts in the Grahamstown district exhibit features characteristic of both species. This could be due to hybridization, genetic mutation or simple variation within the species. The alkaloids of four local plant populations were examined in order to collect taxonomic markers whereby it was hoped that the Grahamstown plants could be satisfactorily classified. Three of the plant populations were found to contain 7-senecioyl-9-sarracinylheliotridine and 7-angelyl-9-sarracinyl-heliotridine. One population was found to contain the known alkaloid retrorsine along with the new alkaloid 2-hydroxy-l, 2-dihydrosenkirkine. The alkaloidal fractions of all four populations were compared using GC-MS and NMR techniques. Tentative taxonomic conclusions were drawn.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Chemical and spectroscopic studies of chromone derivatives
- Authors: Davidson, Deborah Nicole
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Chromatophores Plant pigments Asthma -- Treatment -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4420 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006857
- Description: Various chromone derivatives have been used in asthma therapy, and their biological activity is apparently related to certain chemical features which include conformation and acidity. In the present study, substituent effects on conformation and acidity have been explored in chromone systems with potential biological activity. A range of variously substituted symmetrical chromone-2-carboxamides (including a series of N,N-dimethylchromone-2-carboxamides) have been prepared via chromone-2-carboxylic acids, which, in turn, were prepared from the corresponding o-hydroxyacetophenones. The N,N-dimethylchromone-2-carboxamides were prepared by reacting the appropriate chromone-2-carbonyl chlorides with dimethylammonium chloride in pyridine, in an approach which resolved various problems encountered in the preparation of these compounds. Substituent effects on the conformation of chromone-2-carboxamides have been explored using dynamic NMR spectroscopy, and the observed splitting of the N-alkyl signals has been attributed to slow site-exchange of the N-alkyl substituents. Dynamic NMR frequency separations and coalescence temperatures have been used to calculate rotational energy barriers, and substituent effects on these rotational energy barriers have been analysed. The possible implication of ring-opening of chromones in chromone pharmacology has also been examined. A range of 3-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)acrylamides has been prepared via the dimethylamine-mediated ring-opening of N,N-dimethylchromone-2-carboxamides and the E-double-bond configuration of the ring-opened products has been unambiguously established by single crystal analysis of the parent system. The configuration and conformation of the crystal structure of the parent system have been shown, using IR and NMR spectroscopic, and molecular graphics techniques, to be maintained in solution and to characterise the whole series. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy have also been used to study the dimethylamine-mediated ring-opening of disodium cromoglycate. The kinetics of the dimethylamine-mediated ring-opening of N,N-dimethylchromone-2-carboxamides have been studied using UV spectroscopy. These reactions have been shown to follow third-order kinetics overall and a mechanism accommodating the observed third-order kinetics has been proposed. Substituent effects have been further investigated by the potentiometric determination of the pKa (pK [subscript a]) values for a series of chromone-2-carboxylic acids. The relationship between acidity and the observed rate constants has been explored and has verified that the observed rate constants are sensitive to the influence of meta-substituents on the stability of the phenoxide ion "leaving group" rather than C-2 electrophilicity.
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- Date Issued: 1992
Exploratory studies of novel ligand systems
- Authors: Taylor, Steven John
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Ligands , Coordination compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004973 , Ligands , Coordination compounds
- Description: A range of novel ligand systems have been developed in three distinct phases and preliminary studies have been initiated to evaluate their complexation potential. Phase I incorporated the synthesis of single strand ligand systems, which were mainly based on amino acid residues. Techniques have been developed for the attachment of these ligand systems onto, firstly, a styrene monomer, and then later onto a pseudo-styrene linking group, viz. the p-toluoyl group. The linking reactions were based on the formation of amides or esters by the reaction of an acid chloride system with an amine or alcohol. Phase II involved the synthesis of bis-chain ligand systems and their attachment onto the p-toluoyl linking group. A further linking group was also developed at this stage, viz. the xylyl group. In the preparation of phase II ligand systems, use was made of malonic ester and iminodiacetic acid derivatives. Phase III has involved the synthesis of cyclic ligand systems, with skeletons based upon the structures used in phase I and phase II and two crown ether type systems have been prepared.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Interaction of selected fungicides with insoluble bovine skin collagen in the presence of the non ionic surfactant Triton X-100
- Authors: Fowler, William Mackenzie
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Collagenases -- Research Fungicides -- Research Hides and skins -- Preservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4318 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004976
- Description: In the leather industry fungicides are often used for the protection of wet-blue leather. These fungicides are usually only sparingly soluble and are therefore formulated together with surfactants in order to increase their solubility and to ensure an even distribution over the surface of the hide after treatment. Solutions containing both fungicides and surfactant are complex. The nature of these solutions was investigated. By means of UV/Vis spectroscopy and viscometry it was shown that the surfactant and fungicides form micelles and mixed micelles in solution. The nature of these micelles and mixed micelles was dependent on the solution temperature as well as on the concentrations of the surfactant and fungicides. At the higher temperatures and concentrations transition to large, possibly rod-shaped, mixed micelles occurred. The interaction between the selected fungicides 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole and n-octyl-4-isothiazol-3-one with bovine skin collagen in the form of both limed and lightly chromed hide powder in the presence of the non ionic surfactant Triton X -100 was investigated. Fungicide uptake was determined by difference measurements on the float solutions at regular intervals during treatment. Binding was rapid with equilibrium being established within the first six hours even for the solutions with the highest surfactant concentration. Binding failed to follow a normal mass-action binding-type isotherm approaching a saturation limit, but increased continuously indicating a co-operative effect whereby binding site affinity actually increased with the amount of ligand bound. Binding was accompanied by a drop in the free surfactant in the solution at the higher biocide levels indicating the formation of complex mixed micelles which bind to the collagen fibres. The uptake and antifungal activity of commercial fomulations of the fungicides on chrome-tanned wet-blue leather was investigated at various treatment temperatures. At lower fungicide treatment concentrations, binding tended to follow a typical mass-action type binding isotherm, increasing slightly with temperature. At higher float concentrations, an inflexion point was apparent beyond which uptake showed a marked increase with concentration. This inflexion point, signifying a change in binding characteristics, occurred at progressively lower concentrations with increasing temperature. Antifungal activity in terms of storage periods to onset of fungal growth was determined on the wet-blue leather cuttings immediately after treatment and drainage and also on sample discs after exhaustive extraction of free fungicide using dichloromethane. Storage performance testing of the various treated wet-blue leathers was carried out by different methods. Residual protective periods showed a curvilinear increase with dosage offer and surface uptake. In the low dosage range treatment temperature had only a relatively slight effect in promoting uptake and improving storage protection. At higher dosages, the influence of temperature on uptake and storage protection was greater due to the increase in surface binding of the fungicides at the elevated temperatures. Only a portion of the fungicide uptake was recovered by direct solvent extraction of the treated wet-blue leather. Solvent extraction reduced storage margins. The storage response in relation to fungicide content was, however comparable after extraction, indicating that both irreversibly bound and physically associated fungicide offered effective protection. Results of the study provide further insight into the mode of interaction of fungicide emulsion dispersion with bovine skin collagen, and the importance of the emulsion dispersions and its stability in determining the uptake of fungicide.
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- Date Issued: 1992
Intersolid pyrotechnic reactions of silicon
- Authors: Rugunanan, Rajan Anil
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Thermochemistry , Thermal analysis , Chemistry, Analytic , Chemistry, Organic , Silicon
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4527 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015571
- Description: A study of the role of different oxidants with silicon as the fuel in simple binary pyrotechnic compositions is reported. Several oxidants were examined, but only three (Sb₂0₃, Fe₂0₃ and Sn0₂) satisfied the restrictions that the combustion temperatures should be below the melting point of platinum/rhodium thermocouples (1760°C), that burning rates should not exceed the response of the thermocouples, and that burning should occur without significant mass-transport. A fourth oxidant, KN0₃, was selected on account of its low melting point and general importance as a pyrotechnic oxidant. The oxidation of silicon in the presence of either Sb₂0₃ or KN0₃ could be identified from thermal analysis curves. No thermal events were noted when Si/Sn0₂ and SiFe₂0₃ compositions were heated under similar conditions. The oxidation of Si powder in oxygen was also studied. All four binary systems sustained burning over a reasonably wide range of compositions. The range of burning rates measured (2 to 35 mm s⁻¹) depended on the oxidant used. Fe₂0₃ and Sb₂0₃ gave slow burning mixtures compared to Sn0₂ and to KN0₃ compositions with a high Si content. Burning rates generally increased with increasing specific surface area of silicon, but decreased in the presence of inert diluents and moisture. The burning rates of the Si/Fe₂0₃ and Si/Sn0₂ systems increased with increasing compaction of the samples. Kinetic parameters derived from the temperature proftles recorded during combustion were generally low (6 to 37 kJ mol⁻¹). This is in keeping with proposals that burning is diffusion controlled. The values of kinetic parameters derived from thermal analysis curves were considerably greater ( > 250 kJ mol⁻¹). Two other fuels, FeSi₇ and CaSi₂, gave similar thermal analysis curves when used instead of silicon. There were considerable differences in the burning rates for binary mixtures of these fuels compared to silicon. Ternary systems with two fuels or two oxidants showed that only limited interaction occurs during thermal analysis. The use of a second fuel or oxidant did, however, modify the burning behaviour considerably. Other techniques used in this study to probe the details of the reaction processes included bomb calorimetry, measurement of thermal conductivities, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron micoscropy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Phase equilibria in three component systems alcohol-hydrocarbon-water
- Authors: Siswana, Msimelelo Patrick
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Chemical equilibrium , Liquid-liquid equilibrium , Alcohol as fuel , Hydrocarbons , Water chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004988 , Chemical equilibrium , Liquid-liquid equilibrium , Alcohol as fuel , Hydrocarbons , Water chemistry
- Description: The fuel industry in many parts of the world is blending alcohols with motor fuel either to extend the fuel or to improve its octane rating or both. Unfortunately alcohols are hygroscopic and as a result, water becomes a component of the fuel. This can lead to phase separation and the formation of a water-rich layer which could have serious corrosion consequences. In an attempt to understand the phase-splitting in alcohol-petrol-water blends, phase equilibria in ternary systems (alcohol-hydrocarbon-water) have been determined by experiment. The phase equilibria in these ternary systems are also discussed in terms of modern theories of liquid mixtures and the UNIQUAC theory is applied to the "ethanol + benzene + water" ternary system. The alcohols are all the C₁, C₂, C₃ and C₄ alcohols, and the hydrocarbons include those typically found in petrol, e.g. cyclohexane, benzene and substituted benzenes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
The exploitation of methane from landfill
- Authors: Schütte, Renate
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Methane , Waste products as fuel , Refuse as fuel , Sanitary landfills -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4530 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015949
- Description: A review of literature on the subject of methane exploitation from landfill is presented in conjunction with the results of experiments concerning landfill gas extraction at the Grahamstown Landfill Site. A description of the LFG extraction system and the utilisation of LFG at the Grahamstown Landfill Site is included. Data concerning LFG enhancement parameters, LFG compositions and flow rates, refuse composition, LFG modelling, LFG pumping trials and the economics of LFG extraction and utilisation are presented. The indication is that LFG can be economically extracted and utilised as a heating fuel in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 1992
Chemical and spectroscopic studies of chromone derivatives
- Authors: Ramaite, Ipfani David Isaiah
- Date: 1993 , 2012-11-16
- Subjects: Heterocyclic compounds -- Derivatives -- Research , Benzopyrans -- Research , Coumarins -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006888 , Heterocyclic compounds -- Derivatives -- Research , Benzopyrans -- Research , Coumarins -- Research
- Description: A number of biologically active chromones occur in plants (eg. Khellin) and research in this field has eventually led to the discovery of chromoglycic acid, which is widely used as a sodium salt in asthma therapy. Since biological activity may be related to acidity, a range of chromone-2-carboxylic acids have been prepared via Claisen acylation of substituted o- hydroxyacetophenones and their acid dissociation constants determined potentiometrically to explore substituent effects. From this study it has been found that introduction of certain groups does have a marked effect on acidity. A variety of acrylamide derivatives have been prepared via the dimethylamine-mediated ring opening of chromone-2-carboxamides which, in turn, were prepared from the chromone-2- carboxylic acids via the corresponding acid chlorides. Variable temperature NMR spectroscopy was employed to examine the effect of substituents on the rotational barriers and it has been found that for the acrylamides examined, ring substituents have little effect on the rotational barriers. A combination of low resolution, high resolution and meta-stable peak analysis has been used to study mass fragmentation patterns for a series of acrylamide derivatives. The proposed fragmentation pathways for selected peaks have been found to be common to all the spectra examined when differences in the atomic masses of substituents were taken into account.
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- Date Issued: 1993
Innovations in gold extraction
- Authors: Davidson, Raymond John
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Gold -- Analysis -- Research Gold -- Metallurgy -- Research Gold mines and mining -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DSc
- Identifier: vital:4317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004975
- Description: The thesis takes the form of a collection of publications and patents concerning gold extraction which were presented over a period of 18 years while employed at the Anglo American Research Laboratories.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
The thermodynamics of solutions and binary liquid mixtures
- Authors: Mercer-Chalmers, June Dawn
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Thermodynamics Liquids Solution (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005055
- Description: The thesis is presented in two parts. In part one, the excess thermodynamic properties have been determined for several binary liquid mixtures, with the aim of testing theories of liquid mixtures. The excess molar enthalpies, Hem, have been determined using an LKB flow microcalorimeter, and the excess molar volumes, Vem, have been determined using an Anton Paar densitometer. The HemS and VemS have been measured at 298.15 K for binary systems involving an alkanol (methanol, ethanol, I-propanol, 2-propanol) mixed with a hydrocarbon (l-hexene, I-heptene, l-octene, I-hexyne, I-heptyne, l-octyne, toluene, mesitylene, 0-, m-, or p-xylene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane, cyclodecane). The results show trends relating to the degree of unsaturation, or size, of component molecules as well as the position of the hydroxyl group on the alkanol. Measurements were also made on mixtures involving an (n-alkane + a pseudo-n-alkane) and ( a cYcloalkane + a pseudo-cycloalkane). Two theories of liquid mixtures were tested in this work. The first theory tested was the theory of Congruency. This theory was tested, by means of a null test, on a novel set of mixtures involving an n-alkane (hexane, heptane, octane, decane, dodecane) + a pseudo-nalkane,and mixtures of a cycloalkane (cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane)+ a pseudo-cycloalkane. Deviations from the theory was less than the experimental error for the (n-alkane + pseudo-n-alkane) mixtures. However, significant deviations were observed for the mixtures of (a cycloalkane + a pseudo-cycloalkane). The second theory tested was the Flory theory, which has been used to predict the excess molar enthalpies and excess molar volumes for the mixtures involving (a 1-alkene, or 1-alkyne, or methyl-substituted benzene) + an alkanol. The results show that the theory does not hold for hydrocarbon mixtures involving an alkanol. In the second part of this thesis, the partial molar volumes, at infinite dilution, of binary solution involving a solid solute (18-crown-6 ether, dibenzo-18-crown-6 ether, dicyclohexanov 18-crown-6 ether, 15-crown-5 ether, or cryptand-222) are determined in various solvents. The results were repeated with a view to determine the volume changes at infinite dilution upon complexation, ΔV∞ of the crown ether or cryptand with a metal halide salt, MX (NaCl, NaI, KCl, KI, CsCl, CsI). The ΔV∞ results were compared with results in the literature for cryptand-222 (c-222) and dibenzo-18-crown-6 ether (B₂CE6) complexed with MX, and the study was extended to include further MX complexes with c-222 and B₂CE6, as well as MX complexes with 15-crown-5 ether and dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 ether. ΔV∞ results were correlated with the Hepler prediction of the electrostriction solvent effect.
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- Date Issued: 1993
Thermal decomposition of mixed metal oxalates
- Authors: Coetzee, Anita
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Oxalates -- Research , Decomposition (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005053 , Oxalates -- Research , Decomposition (Chemistry)
- Description: The mixed metal oxalates, FeCu(ox)₂.3H₂0, CoCu(ox)₂.3H₂0, and NiCu(ox)₂.3.5H₂0, [ox = C₂0₄] have been prepared by coprecipitation from solution. The thermal behaviour of these compounds in nitrogen and in oxygen has been examined using thermogravimetry (TG), thermomagnetometry (TM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and evolved gas analysis (EGA), and results are compared with results obtained for Cuox and Mox.yH₂0. The thermal behaviour of the mixed oxalates, MCU(OX)₂.xH₂0, differed from that of the individual metal oxalates, Cuox, Coox.2H₂0, Niox.2H₂0 and Feox.2H₂0. All three mixed oxalates on heating in N₂, first dehydrate and then decompose in at least two overlapping endothermic stages. Both CO and CO₂ were evolved in proportions which varied with the surrounding atmosphere, and from compound to compound, and with extent of reaction of a given compound. The mixed oxalates, MCU(OX)₂.xH₂0, do not show the exothermic behaviour characteristic of Cuox, and reasons for this are discussed. Thermochemical calculations were done and the enthalpies of formation of the hydrates and dehydrated oxalates were determined. It was found that the enthalpy of mixing was very small or within experimental error. X-ray powder diffraction patterns for the individual and mixed oxalates were compared. The pattern for Cuox differs from the patterns obtained for the other oxalates, confirming suggestions that Cuox has a structure different to most other transition metal oxalates. The kinetics of dehydration and decomposition of the mixed oxalates were investigated, using isothermal and programmed temperature TG and DSC experiments. The yield and composition of evolved gases during isothermal decomposition were measured and compared with the enthalpy changes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies provided some information on the electron environment of the metal atoms in the various oxalates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
Studies in asymmetric synthesis
- Authors: Ravindran, Swarnam Shanthi
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: Asymmetric synthesis Chirality Organic compounds -- Synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4352 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005017
- Description: The stereoselectivity of TiCI₄-catalysed Mukaiyama reactions of a camphor acetal-derived chiral silyl enol ether with a range of substituted aromatic aldehydes has been examined. The enantiomeric excess in each of the resulting ß-hydroxy ketones, determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy using the lanthanide chiral shift reagent Pr(Etcf₃), ranged between 9 and 13%. The stereo-directing potential of the camphor acetal as a chiral auxiliary in the α-benzylation of carboxylate esters has been studied; the acids were chosen to illustrate substituent effects on asymmetric induction. The observed diastereoselectivity increased with increasing steric bulk of the ester group and α-benzylation of the tert-butylacetate derivative proceeded with 48% diastereoselectivity. It is proposed that the enolate adopts an endo-s-trans conformation in the transition state and preferential attack by the electrophile at the somewhat less hindered Si-face is supported by both the optical rotation data and computer modelling studies. Reductive cleavage and hydrolysis of one of the benzylated esters furnished known products from whose optical rotation the configuration of the major diastereomer was established. In order to improve the steric advantage of Si-facial attack, methods of increasing the steric bulk of the blocking group were explored. A novel 2,2-propylenedioxy hydroxycamphor acetal and its 3,3-propylenedioxy analogue were prepared. Selected carboxylate esters of these propylenedioxy acetals were subjected to α-benzylation and the 2,2-(propylenedioxy)-3-exo-tert-butylacetate derivative showed a diastereoselectivity of 57% during a-benzylation. Hydrolysis of the abenzylated phenylacetate analogue offered the known 2,3-diphenylpropanoic acid whose optical rotation indicated the preferred configuration at the new chiral centre to be (R), a result which is consistent with the proposed approach of the electrophile to the less hindered Re-face of theendo-s-trans enolate moiety and reflects an inversion of the configurational bias observed with 2-v exo-carboxylate analogues. Attempts to prepare the monocatechol acetal of the hydroxy camphor derivative although unsuccessful, led to the isolation of two novel dibornyl ethers whose structures were established by 1- and 2-D NMR spectroscopy. A study of novel applications of camphor-derived auxiliaries in the asymmetric synthesis of α-amino acids has been initiated. The several approaches tried led to the preparation of three novel dural glycine derivatives in good yield
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- Date Issued: 1994
Synthesis and conformational studies of indolizines
- Authors: George, Rosemary
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: Indole alkaloids -- Research , Organic compounds -- Synthesis , Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005032 , Indole alkaloids -- Research , Organic compounds -- Synthesis , Chemistry, Organic
- Description: The present investigation has involved a kinetic and mechanistic study of the thermal cyclization of 3-acetoxy-3-(2-pyridyl)-2-methylenepropanoate esters and related compounds to 2-substituted indolizines. Substrates for the kinetic study were prepared via the Baylis-Hillmann reaction of pyridine-2-carboxaldehydes with acrylate esters, acrylonitrile and methyl vinyl ketone. The resulting hydroxy compounds were then acetylated to afford the acetoxy derivatives, thermal cyclization of which gave the corresponding 2-substituted indolizines. The cyclization reactions was followed using 'H NMR spectroscopy and were shown to follow firstorder kinetics. The influence of the various substituents on the observed first-order rate constants has been examined and variable temperature studies have permitted evaluation of activation parameters for the formation of methyl indolizine-2-carboxylate and ethyl indolizine-2-carboxylate. An alternative route to 2-substituted indolizines via halogenated derivatives was explored and several halogenated 2-pyridyl derivatives were synthesised and their thermal cyclization to indolizines was attempted. Novel 5-methylindolizine-2-carboxamides were prepared as part of this investigation and dynamic NMR spectroscopy was used to study internal rotation about the amide N-CO bond in these compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
Synthetic and spectroscopic studies of 1,4-benzodiazepine analogues
- Authors: Mphahlele, Malose Jack
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: Benzodiazepines Tranquilizing drugs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005049
- Description: In this project, an extensive range of benzodiazepine analogues have been synthesised via Schmidt reaction of specially prepared flavanone, 4-quinolone and l-thioflavanone precursors; nitrogen insertion being effected by use of trimethylsilyl azide in trifluoroacetic acid. In some cases, several of the benzodiazepine analogues have also been prepared by alternative cyclisation routes. A detailed kinetic-mechanistic study of the Schmidt reaction of flavanones has been carried out using 'H NMR spectroscopy to explain the observed regiochemistry of nitrogen insertion. The reaction rates, for the formation of both amide and tetrazolo derivatives have been found to be influenced by the electronic effects of the A- and B-ring substituents. A series of benzodiazepine analogues have been shown to undergo regioselective A-ring chlorination with t-butylhypochlorite; the products being characterised by 'H NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy. The mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns of series of 2-aryl-4-quinolones, and 2-aryl-l ,4-benzodiazepinones and their tetrazolo[l ,5-dl analogues have been elucidated using a combination of low-resolution, high-resolution and metastable-peak analyses. The binding affinities of various benzodiazepine analogues for rat brain benzodiazepine receptors have been evaluated using a radioreceptor assay technique. Structure-activity relationships were investigated to establish the effects of various A-, B- and Coring substituents on binding affinity. The conformational preferences of selected systems have been studied using a combination of multi-pulse 'H NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and computer modelling techniques with a view to establishing the influence of conformation on binding affinity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
Synthetic and spectroscopic studies of indolizine derivatives
- Authors: Bode, Moira Leanne
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: Indole alkaloids -- Derivatives Spectrum analysis Chemistry, Organic DNA -- Synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005050
- Description: The crystalline compound resulting from thermal cyclization of the Baylis-Hillman product, methyl 3-hydroxy-2-methylene-3-(2-pyridyl)propanoate, has been identified as the indolizine derivative, methyl indolizine-2-carboxylate, and this approach involving the reaction of pyridine-2-carboxaldehydes and acrylate analogues has been established as a general route to 2-substituted indolizines. The ease of cyclization the Baylis-Hillman products to indolizines has been shown to increase by converting the hydroxy group to an acetoxy group, and a range of acetylated Baylis-Hillman products were prepared and cyc1ized to the corresponding 2-substituted indolizines, generally in good overall yield. In the reaction of pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde and methyl vinyl ketone, the intermediate cyclized readily and directly to the corresponding indolizine. One- and two-dimensional ¹H and ¹³C NMR analysis of the 2-substituted indolizine products has permitted complete assignment of all ¹H and ¹³C NMR signals, as well as the measurement of all coupling constants for these compounds. A kinetic and mechanistic study has been conducted on the Baylis-Hillman reaction using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. A range of substrates has been examined and the reaction has been found to be third-order overall. A mechanism involving an addition - elimination sequence is proposed, which fits the kinetic data and accounts for observed substituent effects. Reaction of N,N-dimethylacrylamide with pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde in the presence of the tertiary amine catalyst, DABCO, in chloroform, yielded an unexpected product which has been identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis as 1-(2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl)pyridine. Attempted extension of the general indolizine route to the preparation of chromene systems by reacting salicylaldehyde with methyl acrylate in the presence of DABCO, also led to an unexpected, crystalline material, identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis as the coumarin derivative, 3-[(2-formylphenoxy)methyl]coumarin.A series of chloroquine analogues have been prepared from indolizine-2-carboxylic acid, pyrrolo[I,2-a]quinoline-2-carboxylic acid and imidazo[I,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid by reaction with suitable amines in the presence of the coupling reagent 1, I' -carbonyldiimidazole. This route has been shown to be a vast improvement on earlier procedures and has provided access to both secondary and tertiary indolizine-2-carboxamides. A range of N,N-dialkylindolizine-2-carboxamides have been prepared by this route, and the influence of substituents on their N-CO rotational energy barriers has been determined using variable temperature ¹H and ¹³C NMR techniques. Intercalation with natural DNA by both chloroquine and the synthesized chloroquine analogues has been examined using UV spectrophotometry, and ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The pyrrolo[I,2-a]quinolines have been shown to be DNA intercalators with binding affinities similar to that of the known antimalarial intercalator, chloroquine. In a preliminary study the synthesis of a short oligonucleotide has been undertaken and changes have been observed in the ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectra of the oligonucleotide on addition of the intercalator, chloroquine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
An investigation of reactions directed towards the synthesis of 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propanal oxime
- Authors: Whittaker, Ruth Eleanor
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Pesticides -- Synthesis , Insecticides , Aldicarb -- Synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004980 , Pesticides -- Synthesis , Insecticides , Aldicarb -- Synthesis
- Description: The processes leading to the formation of 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propanal oxime, known industrially as aldicarb oxime, have been studied. The three stages of the synthesis, viz., chlorination, thiomethylation and oximation have been thoroughly investigated, with the aim of optimising the yield and purity of aldicarb oxime. Attention has been focused on the chlorination step, and the effects of altering various conditions have been determined; the reaction has been carried out in the absence and presence of heat, solvent and buffer, and the extent of chlorine addition has also been varied. These studies have led to some improvement in the yield for this step. Several simple and inexpensive methods for purifying contaminated batches of aldicarb oxime have also been examined. Possible aldicarb oxime contaminants, identified by GLC and GC-MS analysis, have been synthesised for use as chromatographic and spectroscopic standards, and confirmation of the presence of a number of these contaminants has been achieved. Aldehyde trimers have been found to be the primary contaminants present in aldicarb oxime and the thermal stability of these trimers, their corresponding monomers and aldicarb oxime itself has been studied using variable temperature ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Novel pyridine derivatives, with potential as aldicarb analogues, have been synthesised and characterised using spectroscopic methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
Reactions of iron- and zinc-fuelled pyrotechnic systems
- Authors: Tribelhorn, Michael John
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Detonators Peroxides Chemistry, Analytic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4341 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005003
- Description: A major industrial use of pyrotechnic compositions is as delay fuses in electric detonators. Suitable delay times may be achieved through (i) choice of chemical components (ii) adjustment of composition of the system chosen and, finally, (iii) adjustment of the length of fuse used. This study forms part of a survey of binary fuel/oxidant combinations in an attempt to provide some fundamental information on the first step above: (i) choice of chemical components. The complete survey has included studies of a single fuel in combination with one of a variety of oxidants, and studies of the oxidation of one of several different fuels separately by barium peroxide and strontium peroxide. This study is part of this second approach and the fuels chosen were iron and zinc powders, mainly for chemical reasons (including the potential for use of thermomagnetometry on the iron systems), but also for possible environmental advantages. The mixed oxide products of pyrotechnic combustion could also have some scientific and/or commercial value. The techniques used included thermal analyses of mixtures and their individual components, and measurements of temperature-time profiles during combustion. Thermodynamic and kinetic information was obtained under a variety of conditions and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction and microprobe analyses provided additional information. Possible mechanisms of reactions are discussed in detail. The practical conclusions were that any potential use which the Fe/peroxide systems may have as delay compositions, with burning-rates of from 3-30 mm s⁻¹, is offset by the susceptibility of the oxidants to reaction with water and CO₂ in the atmosphere. The Zn/BaO₂ and Zn/SrO₂ systems did not burn under compaction, and combustion of uncompacted powders was erratic. Zinc liquid (and probably zinc vapour) take part in the reaction and the gaseous nature of the combustion makes zinc-fuelled pyrotechnic systems unsuitable for delay applications. All the techniques used showed the heterogeneity of the solid residues of combustion. If these residues were to be of any value, they would need further conventional treatment involving grinding of the residue, possible adjustment of compositions, and calcining to produce uniform materials.
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- Date Issued: 1995
Synthetic and spectrometric studies of benzodioxepinone derivatives
- Authors: Gelebe, Aifheli Carlson
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Benzodiazepines -- Research Flavonoids -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005047
- Description: An extensive range of oxygen and sulphur substituted benzodiazepine analogues has been synthesised via Baeyer-Villiger and Schmidt reactions of specially prepared flavanone and N-acetyl-4-quinolone precursors. Alternative, cyclisation routes have also been used to prepare some of these compounds. Ring-opening reactions of 1,5-benzodioxepinones have been investigated and a detailed kinetic-mechanistic study of the Baeyer-Villiger reaction of flavanones has been carried out using 1 H NMR spectroscopy to explain the observed regiochemistry of oxygen insertion. The electron-impact mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns of series of 4-aryl-l ,5-benzoxathiepinones, 3-aryl-4, I-benzoxathiepinones and 3-aryl-4,1-benzoxathiepines have been studied using a combination of low-resolution, highresolution and metastable-peak analyses. The 170 NMR spectroscopic properties of various oxygenated analogues have also been studied. The binding affinities of selected benzodiazepine analogues for rat brain benzodiazepine receptors have been evaluated using a radioreceptor assay technique; at certain concentrations, some of test compounds exhibited remarkable potentiation of diazepam binding, others the ability to displace diazepam from benzodiazepine receptors. A conformational analysis of the 7-membered ring systems has been undertaken, using lH NMR spectroscopic, computer modelling and x-ray crystallographic techniques, and certain conformational preferences have been identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995