Studies towards the asymmetric synthesis of cyclochiral rotaxanes and Au(III)-oxo complexes as catalysts.

Abstract

The work reported in this thesis consists of studies towards the asymmetric synthesis of mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes via desymmetrisation approach. It describes the synthesis of a novel macrocycle and the investigation of this macrocycle as a potential ligand in the Cadiot-Chodkiewicz and CuAAC ‘click’ reactions as part of the study towards the synthesis of asymmetric planar chiral rotaxanes. Furthermore, the use of Au(III)-oxo complexes as potential catalysts in a model hydroamination reaction are described. The thesis is divided into four chapters: Chapter one is an introduction to rotaxanes and includes an overview of the synthesis of rotaxanes and chirality in rotaxanes. Chapter two is an account of the synthesis of a novel macrocycle and details attempts to implement this macrocycle towards the synthesis of a rotaxane using the Cadiot-Chodkiewicz and CuAAC ‘click’ reactions. Chapter three describes optimisation and multi-gram scale-up of the synthetic route towards a novel C1-symmetric bis(oxazoline) macrocycle first synthesised in our group by Pauline Glen. Chapter four describes our investigation into the use of Au(III)-oxo complexes for use as catalysts in a model hydroamination reaction.