Department of Organic Chemistry

Department

Professor Makoto Nakajima

Research themes

[Names and Summaries of Research Projects]

  1. I. Development of New Organic Catalysts
    1. Creation of Chiral N-Oxides and Their Applications in Asymmetric Catalysis
    2. Creation of Chiral Phosphine Oxides and Their Applications in Asymmetric Catalysis
  2. II. Development of Asymmetric Catalysis Using Higher-Coordinated Silicon Complexes
  3. III. Development of Asymmetric Synthesis Reactions Using Lithium Binaphtholate Catalysts

The 100% optical purity of chiral bioactive substances is in high demand in fields such as medicine. Asymmetric synthesis is the most efficient way to synthesize optically active compounds. Typically, metallic complexes are used as the catalyst for the synthesis. At this research laboratory, however, we use absolutely no metals, instead favoring highly stereocontrolled synthesis using organic catalysts (such as N-oxides, phosphine oxides, etc.). Based on this innovative concept, we continue to develop new chemical reactions.