NEW METHODS FOR ELEMENTAL SULFUR ACTIVATION IN WATER: DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROPHOBIC SYSTEMS FOR SULFANE SULFUR UTILIZATION
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Date
2025-02-24
Authors
Garcia, Arman
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Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Elemental sulfur (S8) is an underutilized source to study the role of sulfane sulfur, which primarily is a result of the low solubility of S8 in water (< 20 nM). However, a few examples in nature have demonstrated elemental sulfur can be stored within sulfur granules and hydrophobic pockets. To further understand the role and impact of S8 and sulfane sulfur related species this dissertation investigates new systems to increase the availability of S8 in water. The research presented in this dissertation is aimed to 1) develop systems to solubilize S8 in water, 2) investigate the thiol-activation of S8, and 3) further understand the rules to study S8 in water. Chapter I is a broad overview of reactive sulfur species and the role of sulfane sulfur in chemical biology. Chapter II is an initial investigation into applying surfactants to solubilize S8 in water and subsequent activity of the micelle/S8 system. Chapter III delves into applying cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) and develop a discreet host-guest system to solubilize, activate, and deliver S8. Chapter IV reports the development of ElliptiCB[n], a collaborative project that measures the ellipticity of solid state CB[n] hosts and host-guest complexes. This dissertation includes previously published and unpublished co-authored materials.
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Keywords
cucurbiturils, reactive sulfur species, sulfane, sulfur, thiols, water