Research
Twentieth-century chemistry advanced significantly by focusing on the structures and properties of individual molecules and by developing methods to synthesize and transform them with precision. Molecule-centered chemistry has brought numerous benefits to science and society, including molecular-level understanding of natural phenomena and the creation of new pharmaceuticals and functional materials. In the twenty-first century, however, chemistry is expected to move beyond the synthesis of single molecules. It is becoming increasingly important to understand, design, and construct molecular systems in which multiple molecules interact and function as an integrated whole. A central challenge is to understand, in chemical terms, how new functions emerge only when molecules assemble and form networks, and to reconstruct such functions artificially. We have applied this concept to synthetic organic chemistry by developing catalytic systems in which multiple catalysts operate cooperatively. Through this approach, we have addressed the activation of sp³ C–H bonds, one of the most challenging transformations in organic synthesis (Chem. Pharm. Bull. 2026, 74, 294). As a result, we have generated new reactivity and selectivity that cannot be achieved by a single catalyst or molecule alone, demonstrating that the design of molecular systems can bring new functions to synthetic organic chemistry. Nevertheless, the design and application of such molecular systems are still at an early stage. Living systems represent the most sophisticated examples of molecular system chemistry. In cells, enzymes, small molecules, metal ions, and biopolymers form complex networks and create specialized reaction environments. These networks enable highly selective molecular transformations, information transfer, self-organization, responsiveness, and other advanced functions. Our laboratory aims to design and construct artificial molecular systems inspired by the principles of life, with precision organic synthesis as our foundation. Building on our expertise in catalytic reactions and cooperative catalytic systems, we seek to develop new organic reactions, molecular transformation processes, and functional molecules and materials inspired by biological systems. Furthermore, by reconstructing the principles by which molecules assemble, interact, and function as networks through the power of synthetic organic chemistry, we aim to create artificial molecular systems that exhibit life-like functions.
Theme 1: Precision Molecular Transformations Using Molecular Systems
In living systems, multiple molecules work together with remarkable precision to achieve chemical reactions with exceptionally high selectivity and efficiency. Inspired by such biological molecular systems, we aim to control highly reactive chemical species that have traditionally been difficult to generate or manipulate, thereby enabling highly selective molecular transformations. In particular, building on our expertise in single-electron-transfer chemistry, we develop new molecular transformation systems that can be applied to complex and multifunctional molecules.
Theme 2: Creation of Unexplored Functional Polymers
Living systems create biopolymers such as proteins, DNA, and oligosaccharides by precisely connecting simple molecular building blocks, including amino acids, nucleic acids, and sugars. Through these molecular architectures, life controls function and information with remarkable sophistication. Inspired by this principle of sequential molecular construction, we aim to extend synthetic organic chemistry toward the creation of new functional polymers that have previously been difficult to synthesize. We have developed an artificial stereoselective chain-extension method for constructing polypropionate frameworks from butene, a simple hydrocarbon resource (Science 2025, 390, 272). Building on this achievement, we seek to establish methodologies for synthesizing artificial polymers with unexplored structures and functions beyond those found in nature, with potential applications in materials science and medicinal chemistry.
Theme 3: Toward the Total Synthesis of Life
Living systems exhibit flexible and complex functions through networks formed by the assembly, interaction, and communication of diverse organic molecules. Using the power of synthetic organic chemistry, we aim to design and construct such life-inspired molecular networks artificially. Through this approach, we challenge the creation of life-like systems by chemical synthesis.