About Us – Fine Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory

Research

We develop novel organic reactions based on organometallic chemistry and try to use them for natural product synthesis.

この画像には alt 属性が指定されておらず、ファイル名は Carboxylation.png です — Carbon dioxide is an ideal synthetic reagent due to its abundance and non-toxicity. However, utilization of carbon dioxide as a C1 source is hampered by its low chemical reactivity. We have been developed carboxylation reactions using carbon dioxide in the presence of transition-metal catalysts such as nickel, cobalt, and palladium. Our methods were applicable to synthesis of amino acids, natural products, and drug precursors.

We have been focused on unique catalytic activity of rhodium, a transition-metal located at the center of the periodic table. As a result, we have developed a variety of ring-forming reactions, especially in an enantioselective manner, by using activated rhodium catalysts.

この画像には alt 属性が指定されておらず、ファイル名は Palladiumenolate.png です — Enolate is one of the most important nucleophilic reagent in organic synthesis. We have discovered a novel method to generate palladium-enolate species via C-O bond activation strategy. Currently, we are trying to reveal the reactivity of palladium enolate complex and to apply to organic synthesis.

You can find some of our equipments to conduct organic chemistry research here.

Education

We provide training programs
to cultivate skills and knowledge as organic chemists.

Research Seminar

Your task is not only conducting experiments, but also talking your results in front of all lab members by using PowerPoint. Presentation and deep discussion will enhance your skills to communicate research outcomes correctly in an fascinating manner!! If you get enough data, you can attend and have a presentation at national or international conference.

Monthly Literature

Once a month, you have a ppt presentation and discussion about a latest paper. This is a good opportunity to read a paper which is not directly related to your research theme, because you can hear opinions about the paper you choose from staffs and colleagues.

Literature Seminar

You make a 0.5~1 hour presentation on a topic which is not directly related to your research theme. This seminar helps you to build up knowledge as a chemist. In addition, you can re-consider your research theme from the view point of other research field.

Small Group Lesson

Dr. Oonishi and Dr. Doi teach organic and organometallic chemistry to undergrad students. As this is a small group class (2~4 students per one teacher), you can ask anything until you understand. If you are not very familiar with organic chemistry, we provide lessons even if you are a graduate student.