Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science,
Nagoya University

Creating Value by Connecting Molecules: Synthetic Chemistry

Our dream is to harness the power of synthetic chemistry to bring groundbreaking functional molecules into the world. With this ultimate goal in mind, we conduct research in materials synthesis based on new synthetic chemistry catalyzed by catalysts.

Challenging the Creation of Innovative Functional Molecules

In molecules, σ electrons play a fundamental role in connecting atoms and forming the molecular framework, while π electrons determine the electronic properties of molecules such as color, luminescence, electronic properties, and magnetism. Many functional molecules in nature are accompanied by π electrons, creating diverse functions such as bioluminescence, photosynthesis, and color perception.

Development of nucleic acid drugs based on chemistry.

I am researching the design principles of bioactive molecules and functional molecules that influence biological phenomena from both organic chemistry and molecular biology perspectives. Specifically, I am synthesizing nucleic acid derivatives and developing methods for controlling protein functions and gene expression with a focus on drug discovery. The synthesis by organic chemistry and functional evaluation by molecular biology are unique aspects of research in our laboratory, which is well-versed in both fields.

Challenging the Achievement of “Perfect Chemical Reactions”

Achieving a “perfect chemical reaction” with a 100% yield and 100% selectivity is not only academically significant but also lays the foundation for future chemical industries. Furthermore, transitioning industrial processes from immature chemical reactions that have continued to erode the Earth’s environment to perfect chemical reactions is a societal demand for chemistry.

In our special laboratory, we are working towards achieving perfect chemical reactions by exploring new reagents and catalysts based on organometallic chemistry.

Research in Organic Electronics

In the Physical Chemistry Laboratory, we propose organic electronics incorporating new structures such as interface electric double layers using distinctive molecules like organic radicals cultivated in molecular property studies. Additionally, we are advancing research to extract novel molecular properties by utilizing device structures.

Exploration of Novel Phenomena and Material Control Using Extreme Light

In the Optical Physical Chemistry Laboratory, we aim to visualize femto- to attosecond molecular dynamics in the visible region using cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques, harnessing the properties of coherent light. We are also advancing research towards the exploration and control of novel chemical reaction processes using high-intensity laser pulses with controlled waveforms as reaction fields. Our goal is to pave the way for new developments in material science.

Theoretical Chemistry Using Computers and Its Digital World

In our laboratory, we advance theoretical research utilizing state-of-the-art quantum chemical computational methods. We conduct research and development on advanced theories, algorithms, and high-performance software with higher adaptability for challenging problems in chemical electron theory. We aim to maximize the power of computation to tackle the problems faced by experimental researchers and unravel the mysteries of unknown chemistry and biochemistry, ultimately aiming to derive principles and theories.

Creating New Molecular Functions by Organizing Molecules into Structures

In the Molecular Organized Chemistry Laboratory, we aim to construct new artificial functional molecular systems by organizing various molecules such as organic molecules, metal complex molecules, polymers, and biomolecules. For example, we are challenging the creation of a liquid with countless small pores of molecular size to create a new reaction field and organizing metal complexes at a higher order to create new catalysts for energy conversion.

Creating Catalysts and Observing the Form and Function of Catalysts

The substances used in our daily lives are made from limited resources on Earth, and catalysts play a significant role in their synthesis. In the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, we focus on the keyword “catalyst” to create new inorganic compounds and develop new materials with excellent catalytic properties. In particular, we are advancing the development of new catalyst materials for fuel cells, which are essential for electrode catalysts in fuel cells, while elucidating various phenomena and issues that occur in fuel cell cells during power generation from the basics.

Aiming to Understand and Apply Proteins that Govern Biological Activities

In the Biological Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, we are developing new material conversion systems and molecular recognition methods using metal proteins and artificial nucleic acids. Our laboratory is developing methods to incorporate fake substrates targeted by metal enzymes as enzyme activation molecules and to significantly change the function of naturally occurring metal proteins by replacing the metal complexes that are essential for their function with synthetic metal complexes.

Diverse Material Conversion and Function Creation by Organic Molecules and Metals

Organometallic chemistry is a field that merges the characteristics of organic molecules and metal elements, holding the potential to create entirely new functionalities. In our research group, we aim to achieve truly efficient molecular construction by developing innovative catalysts and reagents based on organometallic chemistry, enabling revolutionary molecular transformations. Additionally, we are leveraging our expertise to collaborate with biologists in developing new molecular tools through fusion research.