Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.698993
Title: Photochemical and spectroscopic studies of ketoaziridines
Author: Gulácsy, Christina Elizabeth
ISNI:       0000 0004 5993 9477
Awarding Body: University of Bath
Current Institution: University of Bath
Date of Award: 2016
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Abstract:
While alcohols have successfully undergone kinetic resolutions, amines pose a challenge due to their nucleophilic nature. Aziridines were identified as potential substrates as a result of their synthetic utility and reduced nucleophilicity. Using a helical aminopyridine catalyst, the kinetic resolutions of ketoaziridines were explored. Initial attempts revealed anomalous kinetic behaviour [slow conversion and non-first order]. Non-buffered noncatalytic control reactions demonstrated unexpected reaction dynamics, as gauged by HPLC and 1H NMR. Stopped-flow spectroscopy revealed photochemical sensitivity of the aziridine. As a result of this new information, the project evolved into a study of the photochemical behaviour of ketoaziridines and their spectroscopic properties. UV-vis absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to probe the photochemical reactivity of ketoaziridines. These studies suggested a two-step mechanism where an azomethine ylide formed a reactive intermediate, ultimately to form 2,5-diphenyloxazole. Kinetic analysis revealed the mechanism was autocatalytic with respect to oxazole formation. TD-DFT calculations suggested the mechanism proceeded via a diradical species upon irradiation. This mechanistic route was studied by investigating the presence of a magnetic field effect on the kinetics of absorption and emission changes, in collaboration with the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. Further studies demonstrated a radical species, derived from the irradiation of aziridine, may be used as a photoinitiator in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. This work also involved development of a synthetic platform to diphenyloxazoles, where functionality may be installed in the initial steps. Use of this strategy allowed for the synthesis of a natural product, texaline.
Supervisor: Carbery, David ; Pudney, Christopher Sponsor: Not available
Qualification Name: Thesis (Ph.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
EThOS ID: uk.bl.ethos.698993  DOI: Not available
Keywords: photochemistry ; ketoaziridines ; spectroscopy
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