Hydrogénation asymétrique de substrats azotés prochiraux en vue de l'obtention d'amines chirales primaires

Les amines, et plus généralement les dérivés organiques qui contiennent de l’azote, constituent la clef de voûte de bien des domaines de la chimie à haute valeur ajoutée. Ils ont toujours fait l’objet de nombreuses recherches dans différents domaines de la chimie organique et de la chimie fine telles que l’agrochimie et la pharmacie. Malgré tout, la synthèse de ces structures azotées constitue encore souvent défi important pour les équipes de recherche, qu’elles soient académiques ou industrielles. De nombreuses méthodes permettent la synthèse des amines dont la grande majorité est caractérisée par la présence d’un centre chiral en alpha ou en béta de l’atome d’azote. L’une des voies les plus largement explorées pour l’obtention des amines chirales depuis plus de cinquante ans demeure l’hydrogénation asymétrique de substrats azotés. Ce travail de recherche a été mené dans le cadre d’une collaboration avec la société HOLIS Technologies. Nous nous sommes concentrés sur la mise au point d’outils catalytiques de synthèse d’amines chirales primaires et plus précisément sur des systèmes homogènes mettant en œuvre des métaux de transition pour accéder à des réactions d’hydrogénation énantiosélective. Nous nous sommes intéressés à la synthèse de trois amines chirales cibles en chimie pharmaceutique, étayée par l’étude de molécules modèles analogues. Nous avons étudié l’hydrogénation de substrats prochiraux azotés de type oxime, imine ou énamine conduisant, en une ou deux étapes, à l’amine primaire chirale visée. Dans le premier chapitre, notre étude a porté sur la synthèse et la caractérisation fine de chacun des substrats et de leurs amines chirales correspondantes. La RMN 15N étudiée sur ces molécules a permis de constituer un outil d’analyse complémentaire dans l’élucidation de ces structures. Dans le deuxième chapitre nous nous sommes attachés à développer un outil de synthèse catalytique avec pour objectif l’hydrogénation asymétrique pour les molécules modèles comme pour les molécules complexes de chacun des trois projets. Le troisième chapitre est dédié à la compréhension fine du cycle catalytique que nous avons entamée grâce à des analyses RMN multinoyaux (essentiellement 103Rh et 31P) et à des calculs quantiques conduits sur les complexes cationiques du rhodium qui se sont révélés actifs. La synthèse globale de ces résultats nous amène à avoir la capacité de choisir le meilleur substrat (imine, énamine, oxime) et le système catalytique associé pour son hydrogénation, afin de répondre au besoin industriel précis de synthèse d’une amine primaire chirale donnée. ABSTRACT : Amines, and more generally, nitrogen-containing compounds are key building blocks in the field of fine chemicals, especially agrochemistry and pharmaceuticals. Synthesis of these nitrogen-containing compounds still is a frequent challenge to academic as well as industrial research teams. Several methods are available for the synthesis of amines containing an alpha or beta chiral center and for more than fifty years, one of the most widely investigated methods is the asymmetric hydrogenation of unsaturated substrates. Our research in this field has lead to an industrial partnership with the HOLIS Technologies company. We focus on the development of catalytic tools in order to synthesize chiral primary amines and more precisely, homogeneous catalysis with transition metals to obtain enantioselective hydrogenation. We got involved with the synthesis of three primary chiral amines well known as key targets in the pharmaceutical industry, with the study of analogous models conducted in parallel. We have studied the hydrogenation of prochiral substrates such as enamines, imines, and oximes leading in one or two steps to the desired primary chiral amine. In the first chapter, synthesis and characterization of substrates and chiral amines are described. Use of 15N NMR on these nitrogen-containing molecules allows us to establish a complementary tool for the structure elucidation. The second chapter is dedicated to the optimization of a catalyst system for the asymmetric hydrogenation of these molecules. The third chapter contains the initial studies into the intricate details of the catalytic cycle with the use of multinuclear NMR analysis (especially 103Rh and 31P) and DFT calculations on rhodium cationic complexes. An overview of these results gives us insight into the choice of the best substrate (imine, enamine, oxime) and the optimal catalyst system for the hydrogenation with the goal of addressing the industrial need of a given chiral primary amine

Ecotoxicological effects and bioaccumulation of BPA analogues and their mixture in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum

Bisphenol A is recognized as an endocrine disruptor that can affect several biological processes in marine species. Consequently, its use has been restricted and it has been replaced with other similar compounds named bisphenol A analogues (BPA analogues). BPA analogues are speculatively considered safer compounds than BPA and their usage is increasing with a consequent higher environmental release. In this study, specimens of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum were exposed to three main BPA analogues, namely BPAF, BPF, BPS and their mixture at an environmentally relevant concentration of 300 ng/L for 7 and 14 days. Effects on biomarkers indicative of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and damage and neurotoxicity were evaluated. In addition, bioaccumulation of the compound tested was analysed in clam soft tissues. Results showed that BPA analogues at an environment concentration affected cellular parameters and antioxidant system causing also oxidative damage, suggesting that BPA analogues can be harmful compounds for clams

Assessing the effects of neonicotinoid insecticide on the bivalve mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis

Abstract In the present work, the marine invertebrate Mytilus galloprovincialis was used as model organism to evaluate the toxic effects of the neonicotinoid Calypso 480 SC (CAL) following 20 days of exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of 7.77 mg L-1 (0.1 % 96h-LC50) and 77.70 mg L-1 (1 % 96h-LC50), and a recovery period of 10 days in uncontaminated seawater. Results revealed that exposure to both concentrations of CAL increased significantly mortality rate in the cells of haemolymph and digestive gland, while digestive gland cells were no longer able to regulate cell volume. Exposure significantly reduced haemolymph parameters (Cl-, Na+), affected the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase of digestive gland and catalase of gill, and caused also histopathological alterations in digestive gland and gills. Main histological damages detected in mussels were lipofuscin accumulation, focal points of necrosis, mucous overproduction and infiltrative inflammations. Interestingly, alterations persisted after the recovery period in CAL-free water, especially for haemocyte parameters (K+, Na+, Ca2+, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose). A slight recovery of histological conditions was detected. These findings suggested that sub-chronic exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide caused important alterations in both cell and tissue parameters of M. galloprovincialis. Considering the ecologically and commercially important role of mussels in coastal waters, a potential risk posed by neonicotinoids to this essential aquatic resource can be highlighted

Acute effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on Mytilus galloprovincialis: A case study with the active compound thiacloprid and the commercial formulation calypso 480 SC

Abstract Pesticides can enter aquatic environments potentially affecting non-target organisms. Unfortunately, the effects of such substances are still poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of the active neonicotinoid substance thiacloprid (TH) and the commercial product Calypso 480 SC (CA) (active compound 40.4% TH) on Mytilus galloprovincialis after short-term exposure to sublethal concentrations. Mussels were tested for seven days to 0, 1, 5 and 10 mg L−1 TH and 0, 10, 50 and 100 mg L−1 CA. For this purpose, several parameters, such as cell viability of haemocytes and digestive cells, biochemical haemolymph features, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activity of gills and digestive gland, as well as histology of such tissues were analysed. The sublethal concentrations of both substances lead to abatement or completely stopping the byssal fibres creation. Biochemical analysis of haemolymph showed significant changes (

A multibiomarker approach in clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) for a toxicological evaluation of dredged sediments

The Lagoon of Venice is often dredged for channel maintenance. To avoid harmful consequences to the ecosystem, a proper disposal of bottom sediments requires a preliminary evaluation of its potential toxicity before excavation. Here we evaluated the effects of polluted sediments on clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) using a multibiomarker approach. Bivalves were exposed for 3 and 14 days to five sediment samples collected along a navigation canal between Venice historical centre and the industrial area of Porto Marghera. Immunological, antioxidant, detoxification, and neurotoxicity biomarkers were analysed in haemolymph, gill, and digestive gland. As a control, sediment collected far from pollution sources was used. Two experiments were performed to assess potential seasonal/gametogenic influence in clam sensitivity. A different response of clam biomarkers was observed during the two experiments and among sampling sites. Clams’ digestive gland resulted to be the most sensitive tissue analysed showing significant differences among sites in all biomarkers analysed. Greater differences were present due to seasonality rather than exposure. The concentrations of metals and organic pollutants increased from the city centre to the industrial area, highlighting the influence that industrial activities had on the lagoon ecosystem. However, bioaccumulation in clams did not follow the same clear pattern, suggesting low bioavailability of compounds due to relatively high organic matter content. Biomarkers modulation was mainly driven by metals, both present in sediments and bioaccumulated. In comparison, effects of organic pollutants on the biomarkers tested were negligible. Other sources of contamination not investigated (e.g. pesticides) were suggested by neurotoxicity biomarkers alteration

Contaminants from dredged sediments alter the transcriptome of Manila clam and induce shifts in microbiota composition

Background The reuse of dredged sediments in ports and lagoons is a big issue as it should not affect the quality and the equilibrium of ecosystems. In the lagoon of Venice, sediment management is of crucial importance as sediments are often utilized to built-up structures necessary to limit erosion. However, the impact of sediment reuse on organisms inhabiting this delicate area is poorly known. The Manila clam is a filter-feeding species of high economic and ecological value for the Venice lagoon experiencing a drastic decline in the last decades. In order to define the molecular mechanisms behind sediment toxicity, we exposed clams to sediments sampled from different sites within one of the Venice lagoon navigable canals close to the industrial area. Moreover, we investigated the impacts of dredged sediments on clam’s microbial communities. Results Concentrations of the trace elements and organic chemicals showed increasing concentrations from the city of Venice to sites close to the industrial area of Porto Marghera, where PCDD/Fs and PCBs concentrations were up to 120 times higher than the southern lagoon. While bioaccumulation of organic contaminants of industrial origin reflected sediments’ chemical concentrations, metal bioaccumulation was not consistent with metal concentrations measured in sediments probably due to the activation of ABC transporters. At the transcriptional level, we found a persistent activation of the mTORC1 signalling pathway, which is central in the coordination of cellular responses to chemical stress. Microbiota characterization showed the over-representation of potential opportunistic pathogens following exposure to the most contaminated sediments, leading to host immune response activation. Despite the limited acquisition of new microbial species from sediments, the latter play an important role in shaping Manila clam microbial communities. Conclusions Sediment management in the Venice lagoon will increase in the next years to maintain and create new canals as well as to allow the operation of the new mobile gates at the three Venice lagoon inlets. Our data reveal important transcriptional and microbial changes of Manila clams after exposure to sediments, therefore reuse of dredged sediments represents a potential risk for the conservation of this species and possibly for other organisms inhabiting the Venice lagoon

Investigar para educar en una conyuntura de crisis

Esta publicación pretende hacer visible el trabajo de los docentes investigadores de la Facultad de Educación (FED) de la Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, unidad académica que forma a formadores y que investiga para ofrecer respuestas a problemas educativos actuales. Es una recopilación de conocimientos evaluados por pares, quienes, de modo creativo y fundamentado, ofrecen al lector diversas respuestas que predisponen al diálogo, sin presentar sus posturas como verdades absolutas. La Facultad de Educación, como educadora de futuros profesores, acoge asignaturas y profesionales de múltiples áreas, desde la lingüística o la matemática hasta las ciencias naturales y sociales, pasando por muchas otras disciplinas, tales como: antropología, didáctica, pedagogía o ética; así, los docentes-investigadores de la FED realizan estudios muy diversos, lo cual se ve reflejado en los trabajos que se presentan

Terpolymerisation of 1-olefin and ethene with CO catalysed by the [PdCl2(dppp)] complex in methanol as a solvent [dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane]

The catalytic activity of the [PdCl2(dppp)] complex in the 1-olefin/ethene (E)/CO terpolymerisation has been studied in MeOH (containing 1000 ppm of H2O) as a solvent. The 1-olefins tested were propene (P), 1-hexene (Hex), 1-decene (D) and styrene (S). At 90 °C and 45 atm (E/CO = 1/1), the system [PdCl2(dppp)]/TsOH (p-toluenesulfonic acid) = 1/8 catalyses efficiently the reactions leading to 5000 g PECO/(g Pd h), 5600 g HexECO/(g Pd h), 5650 g DECO/(g Pd h) and 4100 g SECO/(g Pd h). In particular, it has been studied deeper the effect of Hex and S concentrations on productivities, average molecular weights and melting temperatures of HexECO and SECO, respectively. A mechanism of reaction has been also proposed and discussed, supported by IR, and NMR characterizations

Synthesis, studies and fuel cell performance of “core–shell” electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction based on a PtNix carbon nitride “shell” and a pyrolyzed polyketone nanoball “core”

This report describes a new class of "core-shell" electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) processes for application in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). The electrocatalysts are obtained by supporting a "shell" consisting of PtNix alloy nanoparticles embedded into a carbon nitride matrix (indicated as PtNix-CN) on a "core" of pyrolyzed polyketone nanoballs, labeled 'STp'. ST(p)s are obtained by the sulfonation and pyrolysis of a precursor consisting of XC-72R carbon nanoparticles wrapped by polyketone (PK) fibers. The ST(p)s are extensively characterized in terms of the chemical composition, thermal stability, degree of graphitization and morphology. The "core-shell" ORR electrocatalysts are prepared by the pyrolysis of precursors obtained impregnating the STp "cores" with a zeolitic inorganic-organic polymer electrolyte (Z-IOPE) plastic material. The electrochemical performance of the electrocatalysts in the ORR is tested "in situ" by single fuel cell tests. The interplay between the chemical composition, the degree of graphitization of both PtNix-CN "shell" and STpS "cores", the morphology of the electrocatalysts and the fuel cell performance is elucidated. The most crucial preparation parameters for the optimization of the various features affecting the fuel cell performance of this promising class of ORR electrocatalysts are identified