Synthesis and reactivity of new phenolic and/or heteroaromatic systems of potential practical interest

My research project has been directed to the synthesis and characterization of a number of selected phenolic and/or heteroaromatic systems and their derivatives for preparation of new molecular scaffolds of potential practical interest. Most of the activity has therefore been directed to the preparation of new derivatives from 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI), the fundamental monomer precursors of eumelanins, and 17?-estradiol, an important human and mammal steroidal hormone, selected as biologically relevant building blocks. In particular Chapter 1 of this thesis is devoted to the synthesis of 5,6-dihydroxyindole oligomers, Chapter 2 to the synthesis and reactivity of new alkynyl-derivatives of DHI, Chapter 3 to the synthesis of new alkynyl-derivatives of 17?-estradiol. The last chapter of this thesis, Chapter 4, concerns the results of experiments started during my Master thesis and regarding the synthesis and reactivity of 9- and 10-nitrolinoleic acids, two important nitrated derivatives of linoleic acid, under physiologically relevant conditions.