Research & Faculty

• Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry
• Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Research support organization

Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry

Coordination Chemistry [website]

　Metal complexes comprise metal ions with various electronic and spin states and organic ligands with high design flexibility. These complex-based materials exhibit unique properties and functions that cannot be achieved with inorganic or organic materials alone. Furthermore, by modifying the ligand’s structure, it is possible to design nanomaterials with one-dimensional to three-dimensional arrays and their supramolecular systems in which multiple metal complex units interact at various distances and orientations. In our laboratory, we are conducting research with the aim of clarifying novel optical, redox, and magnetic properties of functional materials based on metal complexes.

1. Synthesis and characterization of photo-functional metalloporphyrins
2. Design of novel near-infrared molecular dye materials
3. Photophysical dynamics of metal complexes and their supramolecular systems
4. Circularly polarized luminescences of molecular materials with axial chiralities

Environmental Geochemistry [website]

　Aerosol is a collection of solid or liquid particles suspended in air. The sizes of aerosol particles range from a few nm to 100 μm, and the chemical compositions of aerosol particles show large variability depending on the emission sources and formation processes. Aerosols significantly affect air quality in urban air as they have adverse effects on human health. Aerosols can also affect the regional and global climate by altering the radiative balance of the Earth’s atmosphere. We have developed novel aerosol composition analyzers and investigated the formation processes of aerosols in the atmosphere.

Inorganic Chemistry [website]

　In the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, we are conducting research on the development of functional materials centered on clusters and research on elemental analysis of inorganic substances such as space and earth substances. In the development of functional materials, we newly synthesize metal and metal oxide clusters composed of 100 or less metal atoms, clarify their geometric structures, optical properties, and thermal properties, and apply these materials to catalysts and devices. ing. In addition, by synchrotron spectroscopy centering on X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we are clarifying the functional expression mechanism of these cluster materials from the viewpoint of geometric structure and electronic state. In research on elemental analysis of inorganic substances, through elemental analysis using activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry, and ICP atomic emission spectrometry, we are investigating the cosmic and geochemical aspects of the earth from its birth to the present. , and environmental chemical processes.

Isotope Chemistry [website]

　The Isotope Chemistry Laboratory consists of the Mössbauer Group and the Fullerene Group. Both groups undergo the necessary training in handling Radioisotopes (RI) and then conduct experiments at the RI research Center. The Mössbauer Group mainly uses iron Mössbauer spectroscopy to investigate the correlation between the composition, properties, and structure of functional glass ceramics. Recent research topics include 1) development of highly conductive vanadate glass and its application to the cathode material of high-performance secondary batteries, 2) development of new silicate containing iron ion and elucidation of the correlation between the structure of these silicate and visible-light-driven photocatalytic effect, and 3) development of synthetic methods for the nanoparticles of metallic iron and iron oxide and elucidation of their organic matter decomposition mechanism. The Fullerene Group conducts research on metallofullerenes using radiation emitted by nuclear decay, and its research topics include 1) basic research on endohedral metallofullerenes using radiochemical methods, and 2) research on endohedral metallofullerenes for nuclear pharmaceutical applications.

Organic and Biological Chemistry

Organic and Structural Biochemistry [website]

Research theme 1：Study of intracellular protein molecular dynamics using in-cell NMR method

　It is very important to directly observe how proteins and nucleic acids behave in living cells. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method is suitable for such analysis because it is highly non-invasive to living organisms and can observe the inside of opaque samples. At the Structural Organic Chemistry Laboratory, we focused on the “in-cell NMR method”, a method that applies NMR to living cells. We aim to establish a direct observation method for three-dimensional structures and their changes, post-translational modifications, interactions, etc.

Research theme 2：Methodological study for NMR analysis of high molecular weight proteins

　Elucidating the mechanism of protein activity expression and protein interaction from the viewpoint of higher-order structure at atomic resolution is extremely important from the viewpoint of drug discovery and medical applications. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray crystallography are methods for analyzing the three-dimensional structure of proteins, but it is still difficult to analyze high-molecular-weight proteins using NMR. Structural information in aqueous solutions obtained by NMR and information on crystal structures are complementary and should be discussed comprehensively, but to that end, great qualitative progress is also required in the NMR method.In the Laboratory of Organic Structural Biochemistry, various methodological development studies are being conducted with the aim of analyzing the higher-order structures of high-molecular-weight proteins by NMR.

Organic Chemistry [website]

　Based on organometallic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and molecular catalyst chemistry, our laboratory designs and synthesizes high-performance molecular catalysts that enable the construction of environmentally friendly, low-load precision synthetic processes, and organic We are engaged in research aimed at creating highly functional materials. In addition, research on the synthesis and reaction chemistry of highly reactive organometallic species, which hold the key to achieving precise synthetic reactions such as carbon-carbon bond formation, and new approaches to construct light-driven synthetic processes. We are also working on the development of organometallic photocatalysts and the synthesis and characterization of new π-conjugated compounds that exhibit excellent optical and electronic functions.

Specific issues include

1. development of environmentally benign and efficient synthetic methods using high-performance molecular catalysts and precision synthesis of highly functional materials
2. design, synthesis, and functional evaluation of new π-conjugated compounds
3. Development of photosensitizing organometallic catalysts driven by light
4. creation of unusual organic molecules based on typical elements and elucidation of their properties

Contents: Organometallic chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, structural organic chemistry, reactive organic chemistry, molecular catalyst chemistry, organometallic photocatalysts, organic main group element chemistry, development of new high-performance organic materials, new precision synthetic reactions utilizing the characteristics of molecular catalysts Development and Mechanism Analysis of , Synthesis and Reaction Chemistry of New Organometallic Species

Biochemistry [website]

　DNA molecules are stored in the nucleus as a structure called chromosomes. Chromosomal DNA is like a blueprint of life that is inherited from generation to generation and directs proteins that functioning in living organisms. Since recent analyses have revealed a significant correlation between malignant tumor progression and DNA instability or mutation, the mechanism of DNA maintenance is becomes an important issue to be elucidated. In this laboratory, we are investigating these mechanisms. you You can learn molecular cell biology using techniques in fission yeast and animal cells (chicken and human cells), as well as and biochemistry methods using purified biomolecules, chemicals, and synthetic DNA. In addition, based on our experience in establishing proteomics techniques, we are developing mass spectrometry methods that allow direct analysis of the actual state of functional RNAs in various intracellular devices.

• Analysis of chromatin remodeling coupled with non-coding RNA transcription
• Analysis of DNA replication, repair, and segregation mechanism
• Analysis of the molecular mechanism of chromosome loss
• Comprehensive analysis of RNA-protein complexes using mass spectrometry
• Comprehensive analysis of RNA modifications using mass spectrometry

Synthetic Organic Chemistry [website]

　In the Synthetic Organic Chemistry Laboratory, we are conducting research to realize novel molecular structures, electronic states, and reactivity by exploiting the attractive properties of heavy main-main group elements and transition metal elements.

　In particular, we focus on the multiple bonding and electron transfer between carbon and heteroatoms and between metals and heteroatoms to develop new molecules and reactions. Recent research topics include.

1. Development and properties of Lewis acidic diborylcarbenes
2. Stabilization of low-coordinated main-group elements using p-donating ligands
3. Development of metal-ligand cooperative bond cleavage and formation reactions

　We are engaged in research that contributes to the world through the development of functions and reactions based on orbital, bond, and molecular design.

Physical Chemistry

Solid State Physical Chemistry [website]

　In our research group, functional inorganic solid-state materials are synthesized using thin film growth techniques such as pulsed laser deposition, sputtering, and mist chemical vapor deposition. These techniques have unique features beneficial for synthesizing a compound with metastable structure and/or chemical composition; crystal growth at low temperatures under non-equilibrium conditions, structural stabilization and application of biaxial stress through chemical bonding with substrates, control of stacking structures etc. After synthesizing a compound, its physical properties are investigated to understand mechanism of the function and finally utilized in thin film devices for electronics and energy conversion. The main targets are metal oxides and metal nitrides, as well as mixed-anion compounds such as oxypnictides, oxychalcogenides, and oxyhalides. Recent research topics are as follows:

1. Electronics applications of transparent oxides
2. Exploration of electronic functions of mixed-anionic compounds
3. Controlling atomic arrangement in inorganic crystal

Physical Chemistry of Molecular Structure and Reaction [website]

　Various elementary processes such as elementary reactions, collision processes, excitation processes, and relaxation processes are the basic elements that describe chemical reactions, and for fundamental understanding of chemical reactions, it is essential to elucidate detailed mechanisms of the elementary processes. In the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Molecular Structure and Reaction, in order to construct a new reaction physical chemistry of molecular elementary processes by elucidating how electron and nuclear distributions in molecules change from moment to moment in various elementary processes, we have developed original experimental methods and equipment using electron beams, laser beams, ion beams, and X-ray beams. By the developed methods which “make visible what was previously invisible,” we are trying to get to the essence of chemical reactions. Examples of recent research are shown below.

1. Filming of molecular movies by ultrafast electron diffraction.
2. Development of scanning ultrafast electron microscope for imaging of nanostructures.
3. Construction time-dependent electron collision physics.
4. Structural determination of molecular ions by trapped ion electron diffraction.
5. Molecular dissociation processes induced by collisions of highly charged ions.
6. Molecular cooling processes studied by a tabletop electrostatic ion storage ring.
7. High resolution X-ray spectroscopy by a superconducting transition-edge sensor microcalorimeter.

Theoretical and Computational Chemistry [website]

1. I. Electronic structures of metal complexes, molecular clusters, and solid surfaces consisting of transition metal elements are theoretically investigated based on quantum chemical calculations to reveal catalytic mechanisms or origins of molecular properties, with which designs of new catalysts and materials are proposed.
2. II. Relationship between evolution of molecules and planetary environment are theoretically investigated based on computational simulations of chemical reactions at extremely low temperature, to access the origin of our lives.
3. III. We focus on the electron correlation methods and wave function analysis methods based on the electron pair concept for understanding various molecular properties and chemical reaction processes from the perspective of bonding.

Research support organization

Student Laboratory/Preparation Room

　Chemistry experiments are classes in which students can experience the principles learned in lectures, textbooks, and reference books through direct contact with substances and their properties and reactions. Although it is very rudimentary, experiments that can be done by one person are conducted as individual experiments as possible by giving each person a laboratory instrument. First-year students will study qualitative analysis, volumetric analysis (analysis of mineral water), extraction of natural organic matter (caffeine), organic synthesis (azo dyes), and physical chemistry (4 themes).

　Specialized experiments include analytical chemistry, complex synthesis, radiochemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and organic synthesis. In addition to performing measurements using various spectrometers such as ultraviolet, visible, and infrared, ESR, NMR, and X-ray diffractometers, students will also have hands-on practice in building their own IC circuits in electronic circuit experiments.

Elemental analysis room [website]

　In the elemental analysis room, we measure the five elements C, H, N, S, and O contained in chemical substances that are mainly composed of organic compounds. Many organic compounds are mainly composed of C, H, and N, and the element composition ratio in the chemical substance can be known from the measurement results of these constituent elements and the remaining weight distribution. The compositional formula of the compound can also be estimated from the elemental composition ratio and molecular weight. Submission to major academic papers requires the description of elemental analysis values of C, H, and N for specific and novel compounds. The advantage of being able to process the elemental analysis of compounds within the university is that it is possible to quickly determine the composition of unstable compounds, such as intermediate products of reactions, which is very advantageous in synthesizing organic substances and complexes. is. The university’s equipment is equipped with an autosampler for 64 samples, so many samples can be analyzed at once. In addition to C, H, N, S, and O, elemental analysis requires analysis of halogens and other metallic and non-metallic components.

Office

※1 Unless otherwise specified, your room number will be in Building No. 8.
※2 If the direct dial number is not listed, please tell the extension number to the exchange through the representative (042-677-1111).

Minami-Osawa Campus Building No. 8 or Radioisotope Research Center Location

1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397 FAX 042-677-2525 (Chemical Office)