Digital Commons Network^™

Amination Of 2-Bromo-6-Methylaminopyridine, Matthew H. Elterman

Honors College Theses

Extended metal atom chains (EMACs) represent molecular structures comprising a linear arrangement of metal ions, accompanied by supporting ligands. These compounds possess intriguing properties, yet remain understudied, drawing interest from diverse fields such as physics. However, synthesizing these multimetallic complexes poses significant challenges due to their intricate nature and specificity. Bridging ligands like silyl aminopyridine (SAP) and dipyridyl amine (DAP) have been utilized successfully to support EMACs, with SAP's application in this context being limited to a single published case, highlighting the urgent need for stabilization. This project aims to address this challenge through the synthesis of a novel scaffolded …

Problems In Chemical Graph Theory Related To The Merrifield-Simmons And Hosoya Topological Indices, William B. O'Reilly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In some sense, chemical graph theory applies graph theory to various physical sciences. This interdisciplinary field has significant applications to structure property relationships, as well as mathematical modeling. In particular, we focus on two important indices widely used in chemical graph theory, the Merrifield-Simmons index and Hosoya index. The Merrifield-Simmons index and the Hosoya index are two well-known topological indices used in mathematical chemistry for characterizing specific properties of chemical compounds. Substantial research has been done on the two indices in terms of enumerative problems and extremal questions. In this thesis, we survey known extremal results and consider the generalized …

Synthesis Of Chiral Amino Acids Via Direct Amination Of Diazo Ester With A Rhodium-Based Catalyst, Steven J. Boyles

Honors College Theses

Amino acids are critical molecules within living organisms as they are the building blocks of proteins. In organisms, proteins serve as regulators of necessary processes, structural components in tissue, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Amino acid therapy is an emerging treatment in the medical field used to treat symptoms of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Amino acid therapies have also shown promising effects when it comes to treating mood disorders and weight management. In order to increase the number of amino acids available and increase the potential treatments for other ailments, there is a drive to increase …

Photodynamic Therapy Agents: The Power Of Mjöllnir To Eradicate Cancer, Sidney M. Hopper

Honors College Theses

After its discovery back in the 1900s, photosensitizers became a critical study for potential treatments and cures for medical issues, including cancer. It was discovered that porphyrins appeared to target and accumulate in proliferating cells, and to reach the cells, a certain wavelength of light with maximum absorbance associated with the porphyrin was necessary to achieve cell death. Photodynamic therapy involves making use of porphyrins or metalloporphyrins as activators when exposed to such light. When activated, these compounds generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as HO- or O2-, which can react with nucleic acids found in DNA and RNA. In …

Synthesis Of 2-Bromo-6-Alkylaminopyridines, 2,6-Dialkylaminopyridines, And Tren Based Ligands, Stephanie E. Carter

Honors College Theses

Extended metal atom chains (EMAC) are multimetallic complexes that feature a linear metal chain with metal-metal bonds surrounded by stabilizing ligand molecules. When EMACs are formed with paramagnetic metal ions, unique magnetic properties can be derived from direct metal to metal communication. The challenge is that EMAC complexes are challenging to synthesize due to the inherent weakness of most M-M bonds and the specificity of the ligands required to stabilize EMACs. In prior work by the Guillet group, the silyl aminopyridine (SAP) ligands were observed to stabilize very unique triiron complexes, but they were inherently unstable. In other work, scaffolded …

Development And Praxis Of Ph Drug Delivery System Contra Zika, Julissa Rodriguez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the effects of global warming continue to spread throughout the world, another critical issue is slowly gaining attention in many urban tropical countries. The Emerging Infectious Diseases/ Pathogens list from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) listed the Zika virus as a potential pandemic threat. In 2015, an outbreak of Zika was noted in several South American countries until the spread reached an all-time high of 87 countries in 2017. During the outbreaks, adults affected were noted to have joint and muscle pains, fevers, and rashes. The worst cases reported would ultimately lead to Guillain-Barre symptoms. Still, pregnant women …

A Comparison Of Tung Oil Resin Reinforcements Using Fibrous Proteins And Peptides For Biological And Materials Applications, Parker L. Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study a tung oil based thermoset was reinforced with collagen and fibroin, and the resulting composites were analyzed for their physical properties. Tung tree seed oil is a great candidate for biobased polymer production because its triglycerides are primarily made of alpha eleostearic acid, a fatty acid with three conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds. These double bonds allow for mechanically strong crosslinking in the polymer. It has been observed that polymerized tung oil forms a gel. This issue has been addressed using divinylbenzene (DVB) and n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) as co-monomers. Similar bio-based polymers have been studied and tend to …

Synthesis, Characterization And Cell Viability Of Novel Tripodal Amines, Kinsley Lupton

Honors College Theses

Cancer, over the years, has become a much more prevalent focus for the scientific community. Organizations and laboratories all over the world have spent countless hours searching for a cure, trying to learn more about what makes cancer so powerful and what is the best way to stop its growth. Iron-chelation drugs were already on the market, and it was shown that they did have the ability to act as both iron-chelators and anticancer drugs. Most of these iron-chelating drugs are not as effective at killing cancer cells as the medical field desires. Novel iron-chelating tris-indolyl derivatives, GSO2, GSO4 and …

Analysis Of The Light Responsive Azobenzene Peptide Nucleic Acid Duplexes, Kat Nguyen

Honors College Theses

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are oligonucleotide analogues in which the sugar-phosphate backbone has been replaced by a pseudopeptide skeleton. Since PNAs use the natural nucleobases (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Uracil, and Guanine) found in either DNA and/or RNA, they are able to hybridize according to Watson-Crick base-pairing to form duplexes. PNA is a promising therapeutic agent because they can function as antigene or antisense chemical agents. To further enhance their utility, we aim to incorporate a photoswitchable moiety using azobenzene. Here, we report the results of the synthesis and purification of a photoswitchable 11 mer PNA along with initial characterization efforts.

Investigating Ionic Current Rectification As A Means Of Controllable Drug Delivery Using Silica Nanoparticles And Nano Porous Membranes, Katie L. Nolan

Honors College Theses

This project investigates a novel ionic current rectification (ICR) phenomenon created by the opening and closing of nanopores by charged silica nanoparticles (SNPs) under electrophoretic flow. This voltage-controlled opening and closing of the pores can be exploited to allow delivery of nicotine through the pores at programmable intervals. The ICR phenomenon was thoroughly investigated by varying pH, buffer concentration, SNP concentration, and applied voltage range. The mechanism was also verified by testing with a 2-, 3-, and 5-electrode system. Potential cake layer formation was demonstrated in a longer ICR test, and the implications of this on the drug delivery mechanism …

X-Ray Crystallographic Analysis Of Quinoline N-Oxide And Isoquinoline N-Oxide With Zinc Halides, Nitrates, Perchlorates., Erin N. Groneck

GS4 Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium

We have worked to analyze the chemistry between aromatic N-oxides, Quinoline N-oxide and Isoquinoline N-oxide, with zinc halides, nitrates, and perchlorates by X-ray crystallography. These structures were formed by reaction of the aromatic N-oxides with an equivalent of the zinc halide, nitrate, or perchlorate. These N-oxides had been chosen due to being the focus of this study. We will present the crystallographic X-ray structures of the synthesized novel complexes of the N-oxides with either a zinc halide, zinc nitrate, and zinc perchlorate.

Molybdenum Oxide/Antimony Nanobelts Embedded In Asymmetric Membranes For Use As High-Capacity Lithium/Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes, Logan Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are a key aspect of our daily lives, from smartphones to electric vehicles. Commercially available LIB use graphite anodes due to their reliability and safety. Graphite anodes present one key disadvantage: a relatively low theoretical capacity of 372 mAh g-1. It is of great importance that new research focuses on high-capacity anode materials to further our sustainability and usage of LIB. While increasing the performance of LIB is of great interest, developing alternative energy storage devices is gaining attention in academia and industry R&D. Sodium has become a topic of interest in recent years due to sodium’s …

Biomimetic Synthesis Of Palladium Nanoparticles For Catalytic Application, Emily A. Groover

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) using materials-directed peptides is a novel, nontoxic approach which exerts a high level of control over the particle size and shape. This biomimetic technique is environmentally benign, featuring nonhazardous ligands and ambient conditions. Nanoparticles are extremely reactive catalysts, boasting a large surface-to-volume ratio when compared to their bulk counterparts. The rational design of these nanoparticles using peptides has been very successful in aqueous environments, but no research has been done to apply it in organic systems. As such, the biomimetic synthesis of Pd NPs in an organic system is here investigated, with ethanol …

Characterization Of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes And Polystyrene/Cnt Composites Prepared With Microwave-Induced Polymerization, Allen Hulette

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of carbon nanotubes in polymer composites can increase the mechanical properties of the resulting product. Carbon nanotubes are known to have chemical interactions that make them attracted to one another and fall out of solution. To reduce this agglomeration and disperse the mechanical properties throughout the composite, functional groups are covalently added to the carbon nanotubes. Another known property of carbon nanotubes is their ability to absorb microwaves and convert it into other forms of energy. This research investigates the effects of carbon nanotube absorption of microwaves and initiation of styrene monomer polymerization. Grignard reactions are used to …

The Synthesis And Biocatalytic Reduction Of Beta-Keto Alkynes, Rhema M. Francis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The preparation of enantiopure homopropargyl alcohols (but-3-yn-ols) is of high importance to the scientific community. They are employed as valuable pharmaceutical intermediates and are opportune to generate antiviral nucleoside analogues. Chiral inducement of these molecules thus far has been poor (low ee) and has constituted a key challenge for asymmetric synthesis in the last few decades. Enzyme-catalyzed enantioselective reductions of ketones have become popular to produce thus-prepared synthons on an industrial scale. Among them, biocatalysts (dehydrogenases, reductases) emerge as a biodegradable option for chemical transformations, in comparison to chiral catalysts that employ highly toxic metals. This research investigates the catalytic …

Investigation Of Intramolecular And Intermolecular Aza-Michael Reactions, Nadia Z. Singleton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The hydroamination of dimaleimides with diamines has been accomplished to access novel polymers. Various dimaleamides and dimaleimides were synthesized from commercially available diamines and maleic anhydride. The resulting dimaleamides were then ring-closed to their respective dimaleimides either directly in the presence of acid or via the synthesis of mixed amide-esters which then ring close in the presence of acid under heat. Hydroamination of the dimaleimides with piperazine was accomplished in bulk at room temperature. The reaction is spontaneous thus leading to the formation of polyimides with high functional group conversion within minutes. The kinetics of the maleamides and maleimides was …

Synthesis Of Functionalized Aromatic Heterocyclic Compounds And Its Applications In Organized Self-Assemblies, Emmanuel T. Fasusi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

1,2,3-triazoles due to their structure, possess good optical properties and are capable of molecular recognition by their supramolecular capabilities of utilizing weak forces of interaction (such as hydrogen bonding, dipole interaction) in establishing a close association with targets. They are easy to synthesize, which opened the opportunity for a wide pharmaceutical application, mostly as pharmacological scaffolds. However, challenges such as poor water solubility, inefficient drug delivery and increased toxicities due to frequent dosing of drugs are commonly faced which reduces the efficacy of the drugs. It is therefore important to have “delivery vehicles” which could help transport the drugs to …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Multimetallic Clusters Featuring Iron, Cobalt, And 2,6-Bis(Trialkylsilylamino)Pyridines, Lynn Nguyen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Extended metal atom chain (EMAC) complexes are multimetallic complexes of three or more metals, often containing M-M bonds, with the metal ions arranged linearly. These complexes have significant potential as molecular wires. They can elicit unique physical properties and reactivities, sometimes a result of direct magnetic exchange between metal centers, especially when incorporating first row transition metals. The synthesis of the first linear, triiron (II) complex with 2,6-bis[(trimethylsilyl)amino]pyridine (H₂L^Me) featuring Fe-Fe bonding from our group, Fe₃L^Me₃, motivated the expansion of linear multimetallic EMAC complexes with Fe and Co, incorporating M-M bonds. …

Chemistry And Biochemistry News, Georgia Southern University

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry News (2015-2023)

• Dr. Rafael Quirino awarded NSF-IRES grant

• Dr. Arpita Saha wins 2021 Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award

The Effects Of Nacl On The Triple Helix Structure Of Collagen And The Reinforcement Of Tung Oil-Based Polymers With Collagen Peptides, Christopher Dzorkpata

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this research, a collagen-reinforced bio-composite from tung oil was prepared using free radical initiation and thermal polymerization, leading to polyolefinic tung oil-based matrix. Two peptides (long and short) were synthesized and their secondary features were analyzed using circular dichroism spectroscopy. After this analysis, the long peptide exhibited more triple helix characteristics as compared to the short peptide. The full protein will ultimately have a better interaction with the tung oil, was used in the synthesis of the collagen-reinforced bio-composite. The presence of NaCl in the triple helix and its overall effect on the thermal and mechanical properties of the …

Advancements In Bio-Based Novel (Co)Monomers For Polymeric Materials, Khristal Anne Monroe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Most current research in the area of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials relate to the use of renewable sources for the fabrication of bio-based polymers and composites. Using plant-based derivatives is a common strategy. Pine sap can be distilled into turpentines (light fraction) and pine rosin (heavy fraction). Pine rosin is obtained as a brittle solid and its major component is abietic acid. This project aims at investigating a synthetic approach for the synthesis of a pine rosin-based polymer that can be potentially used for manufacturing a collection device for pine sap. The synthetic strategy consisted in the preparation of …

Design, Synthesis And Applications Of Nanoparticles In Suppression Of Mosquito-Born Flaviviridae Viruses, Maria R. Blahove

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recently, nanoparticles have become an origin of exploration in the chemistry field due to their unique medical uses. The current drug delivery models of nanoparticles often include a metal base with a drug conjugated to its surface. However this raises concerns regarding toxicity. A novel approach to solving this dilemma is the development of nanosized biocompatible polymer-based micelles, created from PEG-PCL-PEG triblock polymer, and formed around a drug of choice. The goal is to create a drug carrier nanoparticle system that is labile at a specific intracellular pH, without undue toxicity to the cell. This creates a drug-loaded nanoparticle that …

Hydroamidation With Acetamides And Trifluoroacetamides, Gordon H. Whitetree

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The hydroamidation reaction is an attractive methodology for the construction of larger functional molecules. In our research, a baseline reactivity was established for the hydroamidation reaction using a set of N-alkyl and N-aryl (trifluoro)acetamides with methyl acrylate and acrylonitrile, various bases and varying reaction conditions. The combination of alkenes, acetamides, and trifluoroacetamides with base was crucial for reaction rate. N-aryl trifluoroacetamides exhibited near quantitative conversions in neat alkene with Diazabicycloundecene (DBU) as base. The less acidic N-aryl acetamides performed much faster in the presence of KOtBu and conversions of >95% were accomplished regularly but contained a large presence …

Designing Peptides To Bind Kappa B Dna And Mimic Nf-Kappa B Protein Complexes, Nicholas A. Markowich

Honors College Theses

Transcription factors are important proteins that regulate gene expression and protein synthesis. Transcription factors can either boost the gene’s transcription rate by helping RNA polymerase activate transcription or restrict it by interfering with RNA polymerase, thereby repressing transcription. Nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) transcription factors are a family of proteins that control the synthesis of proteins involved in many cellular processes such as inflammatory and immune responses, cell growth, and apoptosis. However, the overexpression and activation of these transcription factors is linked to deadly conditions such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases which currently have few safe cures. The goal of this research …

Structure Activity Relationship (Sar) Studies Of Neurotoxin Quinoline-Derivatives, Dylan Smeyne

Honors College Theses

Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies are performed in order to identify the core structure that is responsible for the biological activity of an organic molecule. Recently, we have synthesized a drug prototype which contains several functional groups, such as an alcohol, an ester, a fluorine, and an aromatic ring. While studying in vivo toxicity of this molecule in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo, we observed that it has a unique biological activity that causes a sudden inactivity in embryo movement. Continued investigation revealed that this molecule blocks sodium channels in neurons causing a temporary anesthesia in Danio rerio embryo. The biological …

Synthesized Tripodal Amine As Potential Anti-Cancer Therapeutic, Abigail G. Mcnamee

Honors College Theses

Cancer remains a prevalent disease today. This disease may manifest itself in many different ways and affect a variety of tissues with everything from the brain to the blood. With this wide diversity of cancer types, treatment can be complicated since there is not a “one size fits all” treatment for the disease. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all options that must be weighed with their benefits and side effects. Ultimately though, there are not enough effective treatment options available for every type of cancer. This leaves many with the grim prognosis of never being cured. With this clear need …

Electrolytic Oxidative Coupling Of Alcohols With Aldehydes To Form Esters, Katherine L. Verboom

Honors College Theses

There are copious amounts of naturally occurring and synthetic esters known that have a wide range of applications in industry to produce fine chemicals. Traditional methods of ester synthesis involve a reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol in the presence of a Bronsted acid catalyst. The primary objective of this research project was to carry out the ester synthesis using the electrochemical coupling of aldehydes with alcohols instead of with a Bronsted acid catalyst because the electrochemical coupling would be an all-around better alternative of ester synthesis than the traditional method of using the catalyst. Electrochemistry has long …

Chemistry And Biochemistry News, Georgia Southern University

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry News (2015-2023)

• SERMACS 2019 - Chemistry on the Coast

Chemistry And Biochemistry News, Georgia Southern University

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry News (2015-2023)

• Chemistry at STEMFEST-2019

Chemistry And Biochemistry News, Georgia Southern University

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry News (2015-2023)

• Dr. Carpenter receives COSM Excellence in Teaching Award-2019