Development of an organocatalytic method for the enantioselective synthesis of rivastigmine

The focus of this thesis was the study of a recently developed class of picolinamide cinchona alkaloid derivatives for the synthesis of Rivastigmine, a biologically active compound used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Six 9-picolinamide-cinchona alkaloid derivatives were successfully synthesized through simple and effective methods. These catalysts were then applied in the enantioselective reduction of O-protected ketimines (intermediates of Rivastigmine). The hydrosilylation of the N-phenyl ketimines afforded good results with excellent yields and high enantioselectivities, while much lower values, in terms of both enantioselectivity and yield, were obtained in the reduction of N-benzyl ketimines. Preliminary studies on the immobilization of these organocatalysts to different solid supports were conducted, with the purpose of applying them in continuous flow systems, which to date has never been reported; RESUMO: No âmbito deste trabalho, foi estudada a síntese de um composto biologicamente ativo usado para o tratamento da doença de Alzheimer, Rivastigmina, usando uma classe de picolinamidas derivadas de alcaloides de cinchona recentemente desenvolvida. Seis 9-picolinamida derivados de alcaloides de cinchona foram preparados com êxito através de metodologias simples e eficazes. Os organocatalisadores foram posteriormente aplicados na redução enantiosseletiva de cetiminas O-protegidas (intermediários de Rivastigmina). Foram obtidos bons resultados na hidrossililação de N-fenilo cetiminas, com rendimentos excelentes e elevadas enantiosseletividades, enquanto a redução de N-benzilo cetiminas proporcionou valores muito mais baixos, tanto em termos de rendimento como de enantiosseletividade. Com o objetivo de serem aplicados em sistemas de fluxo contínuo, realizaram-se estudos preliminares sobre a imobilização destes organocatalisadores em diferentes suportes sólidos, a qual, ate à data, ainda não foi descrita na literatura.

Survey of demographic and phenotypic data of local pig breeds of Treasure Project

Local genetic resources represent an important reservoir of biodiversity in the animal sector. Sustainable use of these resources can be an important source of income for farmers taking advantage of the peculiar characteristics of their products. The different European local pig breeds have a different level of knowledge of their characteristics both at demographic and phenotypic level. This information, however, is fundamental to the management of the breeds and represent one of the first steps in a project for the enhancement of production. This paper reports the results of a survey on the demographic and phenotypic characterization of the 20 European local pig breeds involved in the TREASURE* project. The first part of the survey shows, for all populations involved, the available demographic parameters, the structure of the breed (i.e. number of males, females and replacements), the main morphological features, the reproductive information as well as some additional information collected at herd-level (i.e. temperament, holding, mating practices). A second module reports the results related to the origins and development of the breeds, to market characteristics and the presence and distribution of niche products. The survey concludes with a module related to the specific characteristics of each breed and the management of the same in relation to food and the environment. The survey is the starting point of the genetic and productive characterization of the breeds involved that are future actions of the TREASURE project.