This thesis addresses fundamental scientific questions such as: How are complex natural products synthesized in vivo? Can we replicate these conditions in a laboratory environment? What is the biological function of such secondary metabolites? What are the biological origins of chirality? These issues are explored in an accessible manner using a multidisciplinary approach spanning chemistry, biology and physics to investigate an interesting family of complex natural products isolated from marine molluscs - the tridachiahydropyrones. The work has achieved: Elegant biomimetic syntheses of a number of the tridachiahydropyrone compounds in vitro using organic synthesis techniques The characterization of the interactions between these compounds and a range of model membrane systems using a series of fluorescence spectroscopic studies The investigation of the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of the compounds by means of biophysical assay techniques The synthesis of tridachiahydropyrone utilizing the model membrane systems as biomimetic reaction media.

The series Advances in Polymer Science presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science. It covers all areas of research in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, material science. The thematic volumes are addressed to scientists, whether at universities or in industry, who wish to keep abreast of the important advances in the covered topics. Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic, and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles, and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Single contributions can be specially commissioned. Readership: Polymer scientists, or scientists in related fields interested in polymer and biopolymer science, at universities or in industry, graduate students

This thesis addresses two fundamental areas in contemporary organic chemistry: synthesis of natural products and catalytic asymmetric synthesis. Firstly, a new methodology, developed by our research group, which allows the asymmetric synthesis of lactones, a structural unit ubiquitous in natural products, was utilised in the synthesis of a number of natural product analogues that showed significant biological activity. Secondly, the development of a catalytic asymmetric synthesis of a key structural motif present in a number of natural products and pharmaceuticals was accomplished. During the course of this work we discovered dual stereo control, which is significant because it allows the configuration of a new stereo centre to be controlled by a simple change of proton source.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students.

Chemical Drug Design provides a compact overview on recent advances in this rapidly developing field. With contributions on in silico drug design, natural product based compounds, as well as on ligand- and structure-based approaches, the authors present innovative methods and techniques for identifying and synthetically designing novel drugs.

Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

Here, the authors introduce readers to solving molecular structure elucidation problems using the expert system ACD/Structure Elucidator. They explain in detail the concepts of the Computer-Assisted Structure Elucidation (CASE) approach and point out the crucial role of understanding the axiomatic nature of the data used to deduce the structure. Aspects covered include the main blocks of the expert system and essential features of the mathematical algorithms used. Graduate and PhD students as well as practicing chemists are provided with a detailed explanation of the various practical approaches depending on available spectral data peculiarities and the complexity of the unknown structure. This is supported by a large number of real-world completed examples, most of which are related to the structure elucidation of natural product molecules containing unusual skeletons. Dedicated software and further supplementary material are available at www.acdlabs.com/TeachingSE.

Novel Food Fermentation Technologies provides a comprehensive overview of innovations in food fermentation technologies and their application. Current novel technologies for microbial culture production and preservation are covered in detail, as are fermentation techniques for the production of bioactives from various food matrices, including food processing by-products and waste. Readers are provided with a close look at thermal and non-thermal technologies applicable to fermented food products. The text covers immobilization, microencapsulation technologies and novel preservation techniques for cultures in fermentation. In-depth studies of high pressure processing, pulsed electric field, power ultrasound and gamma irradiation in fermentation are provided in addition to novel thermal and non-thermal technologies and process analytical techniques. A wide variety of fermented products are covered, including meat, marine-based, grain-based, dairy and vegetable-based products. Current technologies for extraction of bioactives are examined, as are current innovations in fermented food packaging. Readers are presented with current and future challenges in food fermentation as well. As a comprehensive reference for food fermentation, this work provides up-to-date insights into emerging fermentation technologies which facilitate the processing of wholesome and safe food products.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

The nature and directionality of halogen bonding; the sigma hole, by Timothy Clark, Peter Politzer, Jane S. Murray Solid-state NMR study of halogen-bonded adducts, by David Bryce Infrared and Raman measurements of halogen bonding in cryogenic solutions, by Wouter Herrebout Halogen bonding in the gas phase, by Anthony C. Legon Halogen bonding in solution, Mate Erdelyi Unconventional motifs for halogen bonding, by Kari Rissanen Halogen bonding in supramolecular synthesis, Christer Aakeröy Halogen bond in synthetic organic chemistry, Stefan M. Huber Anion recognition in solution via halogen bonding, Mark S. Taylor Anion transport with halogen bonds, by Stefan Matile Halogen bonding in silico drug design, by Pavel Hobza, Kevin Riley Biological halogen bonds: An old dog with new tricks, by P. Shing Ho Principles and applications of halogen bonding in medicinal chemistry, by Frank M. Boeckler Halogen bond in molecular conductors and magnets, by Marc Foumigué Halogen bonding towards design of organic phosphors, by Wei Jun Jin Halogen bond in photoresponsive materials, by Pierangelo Metrangolo, Giuseppe Resnati, Arri Priimagi

Since the industrial revolution, chlorine remains an iconic molecule even though its production by the electrolysis of sodium chloride is extremely energy intensive. The rationale behind this book is to present useful and industrially relevant examples for alternatives to chlorine in synthesis. This multi-authored volume presents numerous contributions from an international spectrum of authors that demonstrate how to facilitate the development of industrially relevant and implementable breakthrough technologies. This volume will interest individuals working in organic synthesis in industry and academia who are working in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Technologies.

Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

This exhaustive work in three volumes with featuring cross-reference system provides a thorough overview of ultra-high temperature materials – from elements and chemical compounds to alloys and composites. Topics included are physical (crystallographic, thermodynamic, thermo-physical, electrical, optical, physico-mechanical, nuclear) and chemical (solid-state diffusion, interaction with chemical elements and compounds, interaction with gases, vapours and aqueous solutions) properties of the individual physico-chemical phases and multi-phase materials with melting (or sublimation) points over or about 2500 °C. The first volume focuses on carbon (graphite/graphene) and refractory metals (W, Re, Os, Ta, Mo, Nb, Ir). The second and third volumes are dedicated solely to refractory (ceramic) compounds (oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides, silicides) and to the complex materials – refractory alloys, carbon and ceramic composites, respectively. It will be of interest to researchers, engineers, postgraduate, graduate and undergraduate students in various disciplines alike. The reader is provided with the full qualitative and quantitative assessment for the materials, which could be applied in various engineering devices and environmental conditions at ultra-high temperatures, on the basis of the latest updates in the field of physics, chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology and engineering.  

This two-volume work combines comprehensive information on the chemistry of the fluorinated heterocycles. The material has been divided such that the first volume is dedicated to 5-membered fluorinated heterocycles and macrocycles, while the second volume combines data connected with the chemistry of fluorine containing  6-membered heterocycles. Both volumes will be of interest to synthetic organic chemists in general, and particularly for those colleagues working in the fields of heterocyclic-compound chemistry, materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and fluorine chemistry. All information is presented and classified clearly to be effective source for broad auditory of chemists. It will be interesting for scientists working in the field of inorganic and coordination chemistry. Fluorinated heterocycles are becoming increasingly important in many areas including the pharmaceutical industry, materials science and agriculture. The presence of fluorine can result in substantial functional changes in the biological as well as physicochemical properties of organic compounds. Incorporation of fluorine into drug molecules can greatly affect their physicochemical properties, such as bond strength, lipophilicity, bioavailability, conformation, electrostatic potential, dipole moment, pKa etc. as well as pharmacokinetic properties, such as tissue distribution, rate of metabolism and pharmacological properties, such as pharmacodynamics and toxicology.

This two-volume work combines comprehensive information on the chemistry of the fluorinated heterocycles. The material has been divided such that the first volume is dedicated to 5-membered fluorinated heterocycles and macrocycles, while the second volume combines data connected with the chemistry of fluorine containing 6-membered heterocycles. Both volumes will be of interest to synthetic organic chemists in general, and particularly for those colleagues working in the fields of heterocyclic-compound chemistry, materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and fluorine chemistry. All information is presented and classified clearly to be effective source for broad auditory of chemists. It will be interesting for scientists working in the field of inorganic and coordination chemistry. Fluorinated heterocycles are becoming increasingly important in many areas including the pharmaceutical industry, materials science and agriculture. The presence of fluorine can result in substantial functional changes in the biological as well as physicochemical properties of organic compounds. Incorporation of fluorine into drug molecules can greatly affect their physicochemical properties, such as bond strength, lipophilicity, bioavailability, conformation, electrostatic potential, dipole moment, pKa etc. as well as pharmacokinetic properties, such as tissue distribution, rate of metabolism and pharmacological properties, such as pharmacodynamics and toxicology.

The book is devoted to novel nanostructured materials and nanotechnology. A comprehensive analysis of the condensing methods of preparation of novel nanostructured materials is given. The methodology of power-consuming preparation of nanostructured materials is discussed, including thermolysis, photo- and radiolytic, electrochemical and mechanochemical methods. The peculiarities of chemical transformations in organic and inorganic matrices are compared. Special attention is given to kinetics and mechanism of the formation of nanocomposites. The structure and properties of such nanostructured materials are analysed.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

In this dissertation, Marie-Hélène Larraufie develops original radical and pallado-catalyzed methodologies to enable the synthesis of several classes of bioactive nitrogen-containing heterocycles. New radical cascades employing the N-acylcyanamide moiety offer straightforward routes to quinazolinones and guanidines, as well as new insights into the mechanism of homolytic aromatic substitutions. In parallel, Larraufie expands the scope of visible light photoredox catalysis to the ring opening of epoxides and aziridines, thus providing new sustainable alternatives for the generation of radicals. Furthermore, in a collaborative effort with the Catellani group, the author investigates dual palladium/norbornene catalysis. First, she develops a C-amination coupling variant of the Catellani reaction with unprotected amines which provides an expeditious route to phenanthridines. Then, she examines the influence of the chelating effect on Pd(IV) intermediates reactivity with the help of experimental studies and DFT calculations. The work in this thesis has resulted in numerous publications in high impact journals.The clarity and depth of the experimental section will be useful for students and researchers working in this field. 

In his thesis, Kiyoun Lee describes his studies into tandem and organocatalytic oxa-conjugate addition reactions for the synthesis of complex tetrahydropyrans (THP). Readers gain insight into the new methods Lee employs for the synthesis of biologically interesting natural products including (+)-leucascandrolide A, (+)-dactylolide, and (±)diospongin A. The reactions Lee investigates are applicable to a broad range of substrates and proceed with excellent stereoselectivity. Moreover, the methodologies allow the synthesis of a wide range of THP-containing compounds. The development of reactions, such as those discussed by Lee, has the potential to impact natural product synthesis, pharmaceutical development and chemical biology.

In this thesis, the author describes the total synthesis of natural product Maoecrystal V in detail. In the first part of the thesis, the author introduces the research background and reviews the research progress in total synthesis of Maoecrystal V. In the second part, the author develops a novel and concise approach for the stereo selective construction of the tetracyclic model system of Maoecrystal V. The model system is accomplished in 8 steps with 20% yield. In the third part, the author describes the first successful total synthesis of Maoecrystal V and investigates four strategies for constructing the key tetrahydrofuran oxa-bridge skeleton. The total synthesis starts from a known compound and is accomplished in 17 steps with 1.2% yield. The successful total synthesis of Maoecrystal V will contribute to the development of efficient synthetic strategies for natural products and other compounds with complex structures.

The Role of Metals and Ligands in Organic Hydroformylation, by Luca Gonsalvi, Antonella Guerriero, Eric Monflier, Frédéric Hapiot, Maurizio Peruzzini. Hydroformylation in Aqueous Biphasic Media Assisted by Molecular Receptors, by Frédéric Hapiot, Hervé Bricout, Sébastien Tilloy, Eric Monflier. Asymmetric Hydroformylation, by Bernabé F. Perandones, Cyril Godard, Carmen Claver. Domino Reactions Triggered by Hydroformylation, by Elena Petricci, Elena Cini. Rhodium-Catalyzed Hydroformylation in Fused Azapolycycles Synthesis, by Roberta Settambolo. Hydroformylation in Natural Product Synthesis, by Roderick W. Bates, Sivarajan Kasinathan.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

Chiral Derivatizing Agents, Macrocycles, Metal Complexes and Liquid Crystals for Enantiomer Differentiation in NMR Spectroscopy: Thomas J. Wenzel. Chiral NMR Solvating Additives for Differentiation of Enantiomers: Gloria Uccello-Barretta and Federica Balzano. Chiral Sensor Devices for Differentiation of Enantiomers: Kyriaki Manoli, Maria Magliulo and Luisa Torsi. Enantiopure supramolecular cages: synthesis and chiral recognition properties: Thierry Brotin, Laure Guy, Alexandre Martinez, Jean-Pierre Dutasta. Interconversion of Stereochemically Labile Enantiomers (Enantiomerization) : Oliver Trapp. Anisotropy Spectra for Enantiomeric Differentiation of Biomolecular Building Blocks: A.C. Evans, C. Meinert, J.H. Bredehoeft, C. Giri, N.C. Jones, S.V. Hoffmann, U.J. Meierhenrich. Self-disproportionation of Enantiomers of Enantiomerically Enriched Compounds: Alexander E. Sorochinsky and Vadim A. Soloshonok.