Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

New Applications Of Mass Spectrometry For Drug And Lipid Analysis, Elizabeth Lauren Emerson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mass spectrometry is an important tool used in many different disciplines and settings that include forensics, drug discovery, environmental analysis, and proteomics. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI - TOF MS) are two of the most important instruments used for analysis of compounds. Chapters 1 and 2 of this discussion use GC-MS for the investigation of synthetic cannabinoids in `K2' incense products and the detection of metabolites in urine samples from individuals suspected of consuming these mixtures. Analytical standards were synthesized and used for identification and confirmation of structures. Detection of …

Refractive Index Chemical Sensing With Noble Metal Nanoparticles, Phillip Blake

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Chemical sensing is a key component in modern society, especially in engineering applications. Because of their widespread impact, improvements to chemical sensors are a significant area of research. One class of sensors, plasmonic sensors, is being heavily researched because of their ability to detect low levels of analyte in near real time without destroying the analyte. This work studies a new class of plasmonic sensor that utilizes diffractive coupling to improve sensor performance. Specifically, this work outlines the first study of diffractive coupling sensors with typical nanoparticle shapes. Sensitivity of this new class of sensor is directly compared to typical …

Semiconductor Nanocrystals: From Quantum Dots To Quantum Disks, Zheng Li

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The bottom-up colloidal synthesis opened up the possibility of finely tuning and tailoring the semiconductor nanocrystals. Numerous recipes were developed for the preparation of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, especially the traditional quantum dots. However, due to the lack of thorough understanding to those systems, the synthesis chemistry is still on the empirical level. CdS quantum dots synthesis in non-coordinating solvent were taken as a model system to investigate its molecular mechanism and formation process, ODE was identified as the reducing agent for the preparation of CdS nanocrystals, non-injection and low-temperature synthesis methods developed. In this model system, we not only proved …

Studies Toward The Total Synthesis Of Antascomicin B, David Ross Clay

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The following dissertation describes synthetic efforts toward the synthesis of the C21-C34 fragment of antascomicin B. Our initial enzymatic approach is detailed as well as an asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) strategy that will be used in the eventual total synthesis of the molecule. Several investigations into anomalies observed during (ATH) reactions are also discussed.

Part I - A Study Of The Formation Of Carbenes By Elimination Of Α-Bromosilanes And Application Toward The Synthesis Of Transition Metal Complexed Quinone Methide Analogs. Part Ii - Development Of Novel 7-Membered Ring Carbene Ligands For Palladium Catalyzed Cross Coupling Reactions., Christian Michael Loeschel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In part I, we wish to report our approaches toward transition metal complexed ortho-quinone methide analogs. ortho-Quinone Methides are a class of highly reactive compounds with a wide range of chemical and biological applications. Previously, a stable iron complexed benzannulated 5-membered ring quinone methide analog was reported by Allison and Neal27. Herein, we report our approaches to improve the reactivity of that system by removing benzannulation as well as changing the metal from iron to manganese and rhenium.

Furthermore, a methodological study on generating carbenes under mild conditions by elimination of α-halosilanes and its application towards metal complexed quinone methide …

Cross-Linked Pdms Expansion Due To Submersion In Liquid And Supercritical Co2, Teng Yang

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Characterization of micro/nano-copper particles impregnated Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) submersed in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was studied. The purpose of this investigation was to advance micro-corrosion sensor technology utilizing PDMS and micro-metal particle composite as the sensing element currently under-development. One of the key challenges encountered was the removal of the native oxides inherently existing on the metal particles. Numerous techniques were experimented with to counter this problem at the UA Engineered Micro/Nano Systems Laboratory (EMNSL), with swell-based protocols being identified as the most promising solution. In terms of compatibility to Micro-electro-mechanical Systems (MEMS) fabrication, CO2 is often used in the release …