Studies towards the total synthesis of penicillipyrone b via a biomimetic approach

Pennicillipyrone A and B are two novel meroterpenoids isolated from the marine-derived fungus Penicilliump sp. Although a preliminary toxicity studies demonstrated the bioactivity of penicillipyrone A to be far superior to that of its congener penicillipyrone B, we were intrigued by its structure. Moreover, it appeared as though one could design an efficient total synthesis based on chemistry that was familiar to our laboratory. The purpose of this project was the study of a new synthesis of Pennicillipyrone B by way of a doubley-biomimetic approach. The intended approach proceeds through a polyene cascade reaction terminated by a nucleophilic pyrone - a reaction not yet known in the literature for the construction of this type of scaffold. During the course of this study we have learned about the unanticipated reactivity of C2 substituted keto-dioxinones with regard to self-condensation. In addition, four new compounds were synthesized and two synthetic routes to the target molecule are presented.

Proposta di traduzione del fumetto Dodici di Zerocalcare

ABSTRACT The aim of this dissertation is to provide a translation from Italian into Russian of the graphic novel Dodici by Zerocalcare. The book is a comic horror story set in Rebibbia, a district of Rome. The plot revolves around the adventures of a group of friends as they attempt to save themselves from the zombie epidemic that has affected their neighborhood. This thesis consists of three chapters. The first chapter provides an insight into the history of comics, starting with its precursors and ending with modern times. Then it proceeds to carry out an analysis of the language of the comics and to list the different types and genres of comics. The chapter ends with a brief walk through the history of comics in Italy and Russia. The second chapter opens with an introduction to the author and his works, followed by the plot of the comic book and its analysis. The main part of this chapter concerns the proposed translation of the first 52 pages. Finally, the third chapter gives a commentary on the translation that was carried out, analyzing the major difficulties encountered during the translation process and suggesting some suitable translation strategies to solve these problems.