三ツ沼研究室 神戸大学大学院 理学研究科化学専攻

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Molecular System Chemistry Group

Our laboratory aims to create unprecedented functions by designing molecular networks and assembling them into sophisticated molecular systems. Functions that cannot be achieved by a single molecule can emerge when multiple molecules interact and operate cooperatively. By designing such molecular networks, we seek to develop new methodologies for organic synthesis, create unexplored functional materials, and construct artificial molecular systems that exhibit life-like properties. Through the power of chemistry, we connect, activate, and organize molecules to open new directions in molecular transformation, materials creation, and the understanding and synthesis of life-like systems.

RESEARCH

Designing “molecular systems”

We focus on network-based functions that emerge only when molecules assemble and interact with one another. Our goal is to understand the underlying principles through chemistry and to design and construct such systems artificially. Building on precision organic synthesis, we aim to create reaction environments and molecular systems in which molecules operate cooperatively, thereby developing new molecular transformation science and molecular functions beyond conventional frameworks.

theme
1

Development of Bioinspired Precision Organic Transformations

Inspired by the sophisticated molecular systems found in biomolecules, we aim to realize challenging chemical transformations and highly selective molecular conversion processes that have been difficult to achieve by conventional approaches.
theme
2

Development of Synthetic Methodologies for Functional Polymers

Building on precision organic synthesis, we develop methodologies for creating new functional polymers that have previously been difficult to synthesize. Through this approach, we aim to uncover unexplored functions and establish new systems for controlling molecular information.
theme
3

Total Synthesis of Life

Living systems generate sophisticated functions through complex molecular networks formed by the assembly and interaction of organic molecules. We aim to reconstruct such life-inspired molecular networks through organic synthesis and thereby understand the fundamental nature of biological phenomena at the molecular level.
Research

PUBLICATION

Electron Donor–Acceptor (EDA) Complex Formation via Spatial Control of Donor–Acceptor Interactions
Toyobe, M.; Matsumoto, N.; Nishimura, K.; Yanai, N.; Mitsunuma, H.*; Kanai, M.*
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2025, 90, 16923–16933.
*Invited to Special issue “Chemistry and Biology of Peptides”, Featured article.

Photocatalytic phosphorylation of alcohols via oxidative activation of 1,4-dihydropyridine-N-phosphoramide
Fujiyoshi, K.; Arii, S.; Yamatsugu, K.; Mitsunuma, H.; Kanai, M.*
Tetrahedron 2026, 189, 135008.
*Special Issue on H-Atom Transfer Chemistry edited by M. Kanai and T. Ooi (Invited).

Azaanthraquinone PCET Catalysis Enables Chemoselective Decarboxylative Functionalization of Diverse Carboxylic Acids
Inoue, T.; Tomiya, D.; Fuki, M.; Kobori, Y.; Higashi, M.; Uesaka, K.; Yamakata, A.; Kawashima, S. A.; Yamatsugu, K.; Mitsunuma, H.*; Kanai, M.*
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 6349-6354.
*Highlighted by Department News Release, Chem-station and Chem (Chem 2025, 11, 102871).

Publication

NEWS

  • 2026/5/1
    news
    Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Nakao has joined the laboratory.
  • 2026/4/7
    award
    Associate Professor Mitsunuma received the Young Scientists’ Award in the 2026 Commendation for Science and Technology by MEXT.
  • 2026/4/1
    award
    Associate Professor Mitsunuma received the 2026 Nagase Research Promotion Award.
  • 2026/4/1
    news
    The Mitsunuma Laboratory has been launched at Kobe University.
Archive