Chemistry thesis and dissertation collection
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Presented here is a selection of research from the School
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Investigations into novel enantioconvergent reactions and the bioinspired synthesis of pyrroloquinoline alkaloids
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-05-24)This thesis describes work towards two discrete projects; Chapter 1: Novel enantioconvergent reactions, and Chapter 2: Bioinspired synthesis of pyrroloquinoline alkaloids.Chapter 1: In asymmetric synthesis, kinetic resolutions ... -
Fibroblast heterogeneity in non-small cell lung cancer and optical imaging targeting fibroblast activation protein
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-05-19)Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the predominant cell types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumour stroma. This thesis will investigate fibroblast heterogeneity in NSCLC; defining their phenotype by ... -
Multiple bonds with group 13 elements: synthesis and reactivity
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-05-15)This thesis describes the synthesis and reactivity of a number of group 13 compounds, including the synthesis of those containing heteroatomic double bonds. An overview of fundamental main-group and group 13 chemistry ... -
Applications of artificial intelligence to alchemical free energy calculations in contemporary drug design
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-05-02)The work presented in this thesis resides at the interface of alchemical free energy methods (AFE) and machine-learning (ML) in the context of computer-aided drug discovery (CADD). The majority of the work consists of ... -
New approaches for the analysis of dyestuffs in historical textiles by liquid chromatography and desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) mass spectrometry: applications to Renaissance embroideries and late nineteenth century textiles
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-04-25)The analysis of historical dyestuffs plays a central role in the understanding of the socioeconomic context of textile production while also informing strategies for the display and preservation of museum objects. ... -
Identification and characterisation of novel sphingosine-1-phosphate lyases in Burkholderia ssp.
(The University of Edinburgh, 2017-07-07)Sphingolipids (SLs) are ubiquitous elements in the membranes of eukaryotes and are also found in some bacterial and viral species. As well as playing an integral structural role, SLs act as potent signalling molecules ... -
Modelling of global atmospheric reactive nitrogen and sulfur and their mitigation strategies
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-04-20)The reduction of atmospheric reactive N (Nr) and S (Sr) species is a key objective for air quality control policies because they contribute to the formation of PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm), ... -
Development of RNA aptamers as super-resolution imaging tools to study TDP-43 aggregation in ALS
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-04-20)It is commonly recognised that mislocalisation and aggregation of Transactive response DNA- binding protein-43 (TDP-43) occurs in over 97% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and around 50% of fronto-temporal ... -
Structure, stability, and synthesis of copper autunite minerals with implications for uranium remediation
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-03-13)The copper-containing autunite minerals zeunerite [Cu(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂•12H₂O], metatorbernite [Cu(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂•8H₂O] (CuUP), and metazeunerite [Cu(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂•8H₂O] (CuUAs) are promising remediation materials for environmental ... -
Towards understanding the catalytic properties of lead-based ballistic modifiers in double-base propellants
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-03-01)Double-base propellants, derived from nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin, are a combined solid fuel and oxidiser system. They present smokeless combustion, and are typically utilised for small rocket motor applications. ... -
Protein nanopores as a platform for transmembrane nanodevices
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-03-01)Nanopore sensing has seen vast development over the past four decades. The technique originally looked to use electrophysiological methods to study native protein channels. However, it is now possible to exploit these ... -
Electronic spectroscopy of ions of interest to astrochemistry
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-02-28)The Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIBs) are a well known conundrum amongst astronomers and those interested in the constituents of astronomical environments, such as astrochemists. These absorption features, first discovered ... -
New NMR methods and their applications in mechanistic studies
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-02-20)Tracing the fate of fast irreversible chemical reactions remains a challenging and intriguing task in chemistry. While slow reactions can be monitored by routine NMR techniques at ease, real-time monitoring of fast ... -
Repurposing a megasynthase biocatalyst towards the production of industrial surfactants
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-02-14)In Nature, thousands of diverse, bioactive polyketides are assembled by a family of multifunctional “assembly line” enzyme complexes called polyketide synthases (PKS). Since the discovery of 6-deoxyerythronolide B ... -
Application of broadband, time-resolved magneto-optics to problems in ultrafast photophysics
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-02-06)Ever faster computers require ever more efficient data storage technologies. A major bottleneck for faster data storage in magnetic media is the speed at which magnetisation can be manipulated. To circumvent this, a ... -
Linking the molecular composition with peatbog status
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-01-30)Peatlands are organic matter rich soils that provide many ecosystem services from carbon storage to water filtration and flood management. Unfortunately, peatlands are fragile systems and as a result of human activities, ... -
Group 13 exchange for catalytic turnover
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-01-25)Transition metals are able to undergo redox-active processes, such as oxidative addition and reductive elimination with carbon-element bonds. These two fundamental steps have allowed for the majority of metal-catalysed ... -
Water treatment in rural India using sunlight and low-cost materials
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-01-24)Access to safe drinking water is essential yet threatened for many, with the United Nations highlighting the importance of providing clean water for all as one of their Sustainable Development Goals to be met by 2030. ... -
Kinetics of a dual nickel and iridium photocatalysed cross-coupling
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-01-24)Over the past decade, photoredox catalysis has developed into an important tool for synthetic chemists. Of particular importance has been the dual photoredox/nickel catalysis technique pioneered by the Doyle, MacMillan and ... -
Transborylation as a general turnover strategy for main-group catalysis
(The University of Edinburgh, 2023-01-20)The use of organoboron reagents was once widespread in chemical synthesis due to the range and versatility of reactivity offered. These transformations include asymmetric reduction, hydroboration of alkenes and alkynes, ...