Prof. Fujita has pioneered a novel principle of metal-directed self-assembly and developed their functions. He is undoubtedly an outstanding scientist who has brought molecular chemistry toward the next generation. The spectacular aspect of Fujita’s chemistry has also an important impact on the way molecular chemists can present their field and make it attractive to a general audience. Citation is an important indicator for his scientific achievement. According to ISI Web of Knowledge, Pfof. Fujita is a “Most-Cited Scientists in Chemistry” (around 19,000 citations).
Prof. Chang group research have ranged in the developemnt of new useful synthetic methodologies based on organotransition metal chemistry, synthesis of biologically important products, organic catalysis, chirality amplification and molecular mechanics based on molecular assembly. Research goals include catalytic C-H bond activation for the C-C bond formation, development of useful catalytic organic transformations for organic synthesis, highly efficient asymmetric induction based on organic chiral catalysts, elucidation of origin of chirality amplification, magnetic impact on chirality, and development of organic molecular mechanics based on molecular assembly, crystal engineering, and metallodendrimers.
The research of Prof. Bach (b. 1965) is focused on organic synthesis chemistry, in particular stereoselective transformations. He has developed new methods using, among others, photochemical processes, the research into and use of new catalytic reactions (C-H activation, oxidation catalysis, Lewis acid catalysis) and the total synthesis of complex natural products (including GE 2270 A, meloscine, podophyllotoxin, punctaporonin C).
Research in the Feng Group is centered on the field of organic synthesis and catalysis. He is inspired by the pursuit of new concepts in synthetic organic chemistry involving designation of new chiral ligand and organocatalyst, metal-mediated catalysis, organocatalysis, and total synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
Enzymology of oxidative sulfur transfersSulfur containing secondary metabolites are prime modulators of the redox and metal homeostasis in microbial as well as human cells and therefore play important roles in many medical disorders. The identification of novel biothiols and investigation of their biosynthesis physiological functions has gained much interest in the last few years.The enzymology of sulfur incorporation for many of these compounds is not clear and suggesting that much of C-S bond forming biocatalysis is yet to be discovered. In this proposal we focus on a recently discovered class of iron (II) dependent enzymes which affords oxidative sulfur insertion into unactivated C-H bonds. One of these enzymes is responsible for ergothioneine biosynthesis – a 2-thiohistidine derivative which has gained much recent interest due to its potential role in Crohns desease, and in the redox homeostasis in human tissue. We plan to investigate the catalytic mechanism of these enzymes that we termed sulfoxide synthases. Identification of the critical catalytic steps of this unprecedented enzymatic reaction would make important contribution to the general understanding of biocatalysis. This research is funded by an ERC starting grant. Biocatalysis for solid substratesAnaerobic microbial activity combined with geothermal forces transformed prehistoric lignocellulose to fossil fuel. Because this conversion requires millions of years, fossil fuel is not a sustainable resource for our economy. In contrast, aerobic microbes can metabolize cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin at a rate of some 50 billion tons per year. Recruitment of this process may therefore be a key technology to utilize biomass as a sustainable feedstock for the production of fine chemicals or advanced materials and liquid transportation fuel. The principle challenge in this quest is posed by the heterogeneous and solid nature of lignocellulose. Biocatalyst design for solid substrates is mostly unchartered territory but is an exciting frontier for enzyme engineers. This research is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation through the National Research Programme 66
Prof. Crudden’s research program at Queen’s has expanded to include chiral materials and the development of metal sensors, but it still has a strong emphasis on catalysis and organic chemistry.
- Past speakers