Applications des polyoxométalates en catalyse hétérogène

The aim of this work was preparation and characterization of catalysts based on polyoxometalates and their use in various catalytic reactions in heterogenous conditions. Methane C-H activation on silica-supported polyoxometalates was shown already at room temperature. Methoxy species [SiMo12O40(CH3)]3- from the 13C-enriched methane adsorption at 200°C on the surface of a silicadispersed silicomolybdic acid was detected by means of 13C SS NMR. Its hydrolysis led to methanol formation, thus completing the catalytic cycle. After 13C-enriched MeOH adsorption presence of two distinct methoxy species on the surface of polyoxometalates was shown, located on terminal (single coordinated) and bridging (double coordinated) oxygen atoms and resulting in the resonances at 58 and 77 ppm in 13C SS NMR. Grafting of PtMe2COD on the surface of various polyoxometalate supports led to methane or combined methane and ethane release, explained by means of oxidative addition/reductive elimination mechanism on metal centers. Ammonium salts of phosphotungstic acid catalyzed efficiently n-butane to isobutane skeletal isomerisation at mild conditions (225 °C, atmospheric pressure). Successful heterogenization of copper catalysts, active in enantioselective C-H carbene insertion reactions, on polyoxometalate supports have been shownL’objectif de la thèse était la préparation et la caractérisation des catalyseurs hétérogènes à base de polyoxométalates. L’étude mécanistique d’oxydation du méthane jusqu’au méthanol a montré que sur des polyoxométalates supportés sur la silice l’activation C-H a lieu déjà à la température ambiante. L’adsorption du méthane-13C sur H4SiMo12O40 supporté, suivie par RMN solide a mis en évidence la création de l’espèce méthoxy [SiMo12O40(CH3)]3-. Le cycle catalytique est complété par l’hydrolyse de cette espèce - méthanol est formé et une molécule de l’eau recrée la structure du départ de polyoxométalate. L’adsorption du méthanol-13C sur des polyoxométalates a montré la création de deux types des espèces methoxy, localisées sur des atomes d’oxygènes terminaux ou pontants est caractérisées par deux signaux RMN distincts – à 58 et 77 ppm, respectivement. En greffant un complexe de platine PtMe2COD sur les sels de césium de polyoxometalates, le dégagement du méthane ou de la mélange du méthane et de l’éthane a été observé et expliqué par la séquence de l’addition oxydative du proton de polyoxometalate au centre métallique, couplage C-H ou C-C et finalement l’élimination réductrice et libération d’une molécule de gaz. Sels d’ammonium de l’acide phosphotungstique H3PW12O40 ont été montrées de catalyser l’isomérisation du n-butane a l’isobutane dans des conditions douces (225°C, 1 atm.). Composé du cuivre Cu(OTf)2 sur la surface des sels inorganiques des polyoxometalates donne des catalyseurs très actifs en insertion des carbènes aux liaisons C-H des éthers cycliques

Synergistic catalysis: highly diastereoselective benzoxazole addition to Morita–Baylis-Hillman carbonates

An expedited method has been developed for the diastereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized alkyl-azaarene systems with good yields and high diastereoselectivities (>15 : 1 dr). The methodology includes a synergistic catalysis event involving organometallic (10 mol% AgOAc) activation of an alkyl azaarene and Lewis base (10 mol% DABCO) activation of a Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonate. The structure and relative configuration of a representative product were confirmed by X-ray analysis

Evolution of Structure and of Grafting Properties of γ-Alumina with Pretreatment Temperature

In this study, the nature of the hydroxyl groups present on γ-alumina, γ-Al₂O₃, pretreated at various temperatures has been reinvestigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The peaks are assigned by comparison between experimental and simulated spectra, in agreement with previous IR studies. The lowest chemical shifts δ correspond to OH groups strongly bound to the most acidic Al atoms (Al_IV and Al_V). High chemical shifts δ are assigned to OH groups making hydrogen bonds. A large range of values is found depending on the strength of these bonds. The structure of the surface complexes obtained by grafting Hf(CH₂<i>t</i>Bu)₄, <b>1</b>, on γ-Al₂O₃ at various pretreatment temperatures <i>T </i>(350, 500, 700 °C), referred to as <b>1-</b>γ-Al₂O_3‑(T), and of their thermolysis products has been determined, by a combined experimental (mass balance, in situ IR,) and theoretical (DFT calculations) study. These results unambiguously prove the presence of two kinds of neopentyl–metal bonds, Hf–CH₂<i>t</i>Bu and Al–CH₂<i>t</i>Bu for <b>1</b>-γ-Al₂O_3‑(500) and <b>1</b>-γ-Al₂O_3‑(700), hence the existence of surface cationic low coordinated hafnium complexes. In contrast, for <b>1</b>-γ-Al₂O_3‑(350), only neutral species exist. Hence, temperature pretreatment has a key role for controlling the chemistry of the alumina surface (density of OH groups, presence of highly Lewis acidic Al), the grafting mode of the Hf precursor, and the formation of cationic low coordinated active centers

Sequential development of several RT-qPCR tests using LNA nucleotides and dual probe technology to differentiate SARS-CoV-2 from influenza A and B

Sensitive and accurate RT-qPCR tests are the primary diagnostic tools to identify SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. While many SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR tests are available, there are significant differences in test sensitivity, workflow (e.g. hands-on-time), gene targets and other functionalities that users must consider. Several publicly available protocols shared by reference labs and public health authorities provide useful tools for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, but many have shortcomings related to sensitivity and laborious workflows. Here, we describe a series of SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR tests that are originally based on the protocol targeting regions of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and envelope (E) coding genes developed by the Charite Berlin. We redesigned the primers/probes, utilized locked nucleic acid nucleotides, incorporated dual probe technology and conducted extensive optimizations of reaction conditions to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of these tests. By incorporating an RNase P internal control and developing multiplexed assays for distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A and B, we streamlined the workflow to provide quicker results and reduced consumable costs. Some of these tests use modified enzymes enabling the formulation of a room temperature-stable master mix and lyophilized positive control, thus increasing the functionality of the test and eliminating cold chain shipping and storage. Moreover, a rapid, RNA extraction-free version enables high sensitivity detection of SARS-CoV-2 in about an hour using minimally invasive, self-collected gargle samples. These RT-qPCR assays can easily be implemented in any diagnostic laboratory and can provide a powerful tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 and the most common seasonal influenzas during the vaccination phase of the pandemic