Chemistry Organic chemistry
News
21 Apr 2026
For many years, designing synthetic polymer systems has been inspired by the hierarchical self-assembly of folded proteins into functional nanostructures. However, extending folding-based design principles to small synthetic molecules has remained elusive. In particular, luminescent molecules with complex three-dimensional structures were considered difficult to assemble. Now, researchers from Japan demonstrate that such molecules can undergo folding-mediated self-assembly to form highly ordered nanotubes. These structures exhibit unique multidirectional energy transport, highlighting their potential for advanced optoelectronic applications.
03 Mar 2026
Diastereomers are molecules with identical structures that are not mirror images of each other, described as anti or syn for molecules without rings. Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a strategy for using a rigid cage-like molecule to produce an anti-diastereomer in high yield. This diastereomer can only be obtained as a minor byproduct by traditional methods. The strategy is expected to become a key technology for making medicines and other bioactive substances.
22 Oct 2025
The University of Osaka researchers developed a world-first sustainable method for synthesizing pharmaceutical-grade NOBIN. By cooperatively utilizing a vanadium catalyst and energy-efficient LED light, the process eliminates byproducts, reduces waste, and allows for ideal raw material ratios, paving the way for greener and more efficient chiral molecule production.
14 Oct 2025
The University of Osaka scientists have developed a safe, efficient “dump-and-stir” method to introduce ortho-carborane into various aromatic compounds using a newly designed lithium–copper reagent. This innovation overcomes the complexity and hazards of previous methods, paving the way for new applications in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), three-dimensional aromatic materials, and bioisosteric drug design.
06 Oct 2025
Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a polymeric adhesion system by introducing reversible bonds at the adhesion interface based on the formation and dissociation of host–guest complexes. The adhesive can be decomposed on demand using temperature or chemicals and reused multiple times. Visualization of the interface using neutrons revealed the mechanism underlying repeatable sticking and peeling. This technology can be used for sustainable material applications.
27 Jun 2025
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have developed nanoscale ‘molecular flasks’ based on single molecules of bottlebrush polymers to carefully control polymerization reactions in extremely small spaces
21 May 2025
Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a non-precious metal catalyst for the efficient hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural to valuable tetrahydrofuran-based compounds under mild conditions. The catalyst, consisting of nickel carbide nanoparticles supported on alumina, achieved 90% furfural conversion under ambient hydrogen pressure. This result will help advance the development of energy-efficient, cost-effective processes for the conversion of biomass to valuable materials.
21 Feb 2025
Mechanochemistry using a ball mill demonstrates versatility for generating academically and industrially significant organolithium compounds.
24 Jan 2025
A new theory predicts one of the effects of macroscopic mechanical forces on mechanochemical organic synthesis by a ball mill.
06 Dec 2024
Venice of the Pacific, Membrane transformers, Diverse meals, Nano dots and spirals & Extinct swimmers. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.
15 Nov 2024
A new method streamlines the design and effectiveness of ligands used in chemical reactions in catalysis and drug delivery.
14 Nov 2024
Sometimes the holes, or pores, in the molecular structure of a chemical only appear in the presence of certain conditions or other ‘guest’ molecules. This affects the field of separation—one of the most important processes in industry—but researchers have only just begun to unravel this phenomenon
13 Nov 2024
Phase-transformable membrane featuring liquid-glass-crystal states achieves precise CO₂/H₂ selectivity and enhanced gas permeability through modular design with metal-organic polyhedra
10 Oct 2024
An organic catalyst offers chemists precise control over a vital step in activating hydrocarbons.
07 Oct 2024
Mirror, mirror, in my tank, who’s the biggest fish of all? Sigma bond spotted, Balancing cell membrane, Exploring quantum squeezing and Outbreak preparedness. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.
25 Sep 2024
The discovery of a stable single-electron covalent bond between two carbon atoms validates a century-old theory.
02 Sep 2024
A re-analysis of early gas storage materials shows that they could adjust their shape to hold more gas, a property generally associated with newer, more advanced materials
11 Jun 2024
The selective bond-breaking powers of enzymes bring new versatility for building nanoparticles with a wide range of technical and medical potential.
28 Feb 2024
Molecules that are induced by light to rotate bulky groups around central bonds could be developed into photo-activated bioactive systems, molecular switches, and more.
15 Jan 2024
Unleashing stem cells from dog urine, Electronic Tongue, Tapping into human motion energy, How neurons network, and A radical use for plastic bags. Plus Communicating science two decades on. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.
09 Jan 2024
Transmitting an effect known as a domino reaction using redox chemistry has been achieved for the first time.
25 Dec 2023
Researchers employ common plastics to kickstart radical chain reactions, creating a way to reuse plastic waste while improving process safety and efficiency.
30 Nov 2023
Researchers at Kanazawa University report in Nature Communications how they can control chirality inversion in α helical peptides.
08 Sep 2023
Capturing carbon dioxide, Shells go nuclear, Worms surf electric fields, Brain repair & Creating matter from light. Plus from our blog: Monitoring research for further impact. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.
02 Aug 2023
Soft metal-organic polymer networks can adsorb selected molecules from gas mixtures by opening pores when the molecules bind.
01 Jun 2023
Fragments of spherical ‘Buckyball’ molecules have stable electron-accepting ability with great practical potential.
19 May 2023
Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, use artificial intelligence to help interpret data generated by material science spectroscopy experiments, which can aid in the development of new drugs and organic conductors.
16 May 2023
Researchers at Osaka University discovered a new class of photo-responsive crystal compounds, heteroaromatic 1,2-diketones. Certain light irradiation causes the crystals in these materials to melt, dramatically changing the materials’ properties. One member of this class, SO, shows luminescent changes while melting, which enabled the research team to visualize the crystal-melting process at the molecular level. These findings provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms behind crystal melting and will enable future designs of light-responsive materials.
10 Mar 2023
The first-ever molecular catalyst specifically tailored for mechanochemical reaction conditions enables high-efficiency transformations at near room temperature.
24 Feb 2023
Researchers at Kanazawa University report in Angewandte Chemie International Edition how the formation and deformation speed of interlocked molecular structures called rotaxanes can be tuned — a discovery that may lead to an enhanced functionality of rotaxanes as building blocks for molecular machines.
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Researchers
Dr. Yasser, Professor in Biochemistry, Dean of the Center for Research and Strategic Studies at Hajjah University, Yemen. HOD of Pharmacy Department. College of Medicine and Health Science, Hajjah University, Yemen. [email protected]. focuses on drug development, biochemical mechanisms of disease, and drug interactions, with a specific interest in the biological activity of compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic properties. I utilize laboratory techniques, data analysis, and potentially clinical studies to advance understanding and improve drug efficacy and safety. My work involves student mentorship and collaboration
Associate Prof. Yusuke Ishigaki is a chemist at Hokkaido University, Japan. He works on the creation of fundamental chemistry based on original molecular design.
Dr. Omachi is Associate Professor, Research Center for Materials Science, Nagoya University
Giants in history
Osamu Shimomura (27 August 1928 – 19 October 2018) was a Japanese organic chemist and marine biologist who dedicated his career to understanding how organisms emitted light.
Indian organic chemist Asima Chatterjee (1917 to 2006) studied the medicinal properties of plant products, especially compounds known as vinca alkaloids.