Division of Applied Chemistry,
Graduate School of Engineering,
The University of Osaka

Our research target is developing novel and challenging organic reactions based on molecular catalysis, with structural modification of transition metal catalysts and organocatalysts, We have achieved (1) selective synthesis of chiral molecules using asymmetric catalysts, (2) efficient construction of functional molecules through C-H bond activation, and (3) direct transformation of unactivated aromatic compounds using designed sulfide catalysts.

Our research is targeting toward designing unique and original metal complexes as catalysts for new organic transformations and clarifying their roles during the catalytic reactions. We especially focus on the development of transition metal complexes that utilize readily available starting materials for complexes molecular synthesis with short reaction sequences and transform a targeted functional group within multi-functionalized organic molecules by using not only thermal energy but also light and electric energy. We are also working on the catalyst development by combining both experimental and computational methods to optimize catalyst structures and elucidate substituent effects for developing high reaction selectivity.

We create functional materials that are useful for environmental protection and medical care and are friendly to humans and the environment, by using an appropriate combination of organic synthesis and molecular interactions. Currently we focus on (i) the development of molecular recognition materials that can efficiently remove harmful substances from water and oil, (ii) the development and application of micro- and nanostructures using self-organization of molecules, and (iii) the control of chiral photoreactions using weak molecular interactions.

In our laboratory, we design and create high performance compounds on the basis of synthetic organic chemistry in consideration of developments at an industrial level. We promote the development of environmentally-benign high performance materials, which are safe for internal and surrounding living environments, by the chemical modification of oligomers, polymers, their assemblies, and synthetic macromolecules derived from biomaterials such as saccharides, amino acids, protein, and lactic acid.

Our research is currently focused on designing a methodology for organic synthesis using novel organometallics and catalyst systems. Novel reactive organometallic species have been isolated and characterized based on spectroscopic methodology and X-ray crystallographic analysis. These species have been applied to the synthesis of functionalized organic compounds. Our group also focuses on utilizing characteristic Lewis acids in the conversion of carbon resources to valuable organic compounds. Metal complexes that have cage-shaped organic ligands are synthesized and used for new types of selective reactions for practical organic syntheses. We also target functionalized materials that are based on organic compounds with novel physical properties and special intramolecular interactions. All projects are supported by organic synthetic approaches that extend to various fields of chemistry.

Our group studies the development of functional metal complexes toward the realization of artificial photosynthesis. Specific areas of research include (i) creation of cluster catalysts for multi-electron transfer reactions, (ii) development of novel photo-induced electron transfer systems, and (iii) development of framework catalysts for small molecule conversion via the self-assembly of catalyst modules.

One of the major interests of our research is focused on the development of a transition metal-mediated selective transformation of polyfluorinated compounds such as tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). We have also been focusing on nickel-catalyzed transformation reactions via a hetero-nickelacycle intermediate as well as on their reaction mechanisms.

Our laboratory focuses on the interdisciplinary researches, which permit the creation of redox systems for synthetic reactions, π-conjugate systems, and bio-inspired systems.

Chemical biology is an interdisciplinary research field, which focuses on elucidation of biological phenomena by utilizing "chemical tools". These chemical tools are developed by the combinatorial use of organic chemistry, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering. In our group, we design and synthesize novel fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes that are applied to answer various biological questions. The representative examples of our chemical tools are fluorescence probes for detection of protein localization and enzymatic activity and MRI probes for in vivo imaging of cancer and gene expression. We develop new tools to give new findings that are not verified by conventional biological methods. By using these tools, we are currently studying various biological fields such as epigenetics, immunology, and cancer biology.

Chemical biology is an interdisciplinary research field, which focuses on elucidation of biological phenomena by utilizing "chemical tools". These chemical tools are developed by the combinatorial use of organic chemistry, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering. In our group, we design and synthesize novel fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes that are applied to answer various biological questions. The representative examples of our chemical tools are fluorescence probes for detection of protein localization and enzymatic activity and MRI probes for in vivo imaging of cancer and gene expression. We develop new tools to give new findings that are not verified by conventional biological methods. By using these tools, we are currently studying various biological fields such as epigenetics, immunology, and cancer biology.

"Beam-induced molecular chemistry" based on photo- and radiation-induced chemistry of organic compounds has been investigated from both basic and beam-functional points of view. The research topics are underway with respect to developments of new beam-controlled chemistry, new synthetic chemistry, and new molecular devices and functional materials including photofunctional surface and biomolecular systems.

Our main subject is the development of novel molecule-based materials with promising electronic and photoelectronic properties for organic and molecular electronics. The research is based on the elucidation of the relationship between molecular structures and physical properties to control and improve the functions. We conduct integrated research: molecular design/synthesis, physical/chemical properties, and application to electronic devices such as organic field-effect transistor (OFET), organic solar cells (OSC), and single-molecule electronics.

In this course, we are engaged in research on "Chemistry of Excited-State Chirality and Intermolecular Interactions." This study represents an integrated experimental and theoretical approach grounded in the principles of physical organic chemistry. The primary objectives of this research are twofold: (1) to elucidate the fundamental nature of molecular chirality and its application in the development of novel chiral luminescent materials, and (2) to construct chiral photoreaction systems predicated on a new paradigm of excited-state control, thereby advancing the field of excited-state chirality and intermolecular interactions.