About us

Nature is full of molecules that are mirror images of each other but that are not equally used. This is because, DNA and RNA are composed of D-sugars, while proteins are made up mainly of L-amino acids. Much like how putting your gloves on the wrong hands can be extremely uncomfortable, this seemingly small change in structure—known as chirality—can make a huge difference in how a molecule functions and reacts with other molecules.

Drawing inspiration from enzymes—nature's most efficient catalysts—we are designing new catalytic processes to make possible the creation of novel molecular architectures that have thus far eluded synthesis through current methods. Our quest extends beyond conventional boundaries as we also delve into the realm of Chemical Biology, in which we harness these unique molecules to modulate and control biological processes.

Central to our mission is the relentless pursuit of a deeper and more complete understanding of the complex mechanisms behind each reaction by using state-of-the-art analytical methods including spectral analysis, computational chemistry, and comparative quantitative analysis. By illuminating the intricate details of how molecules transform during a reaction, we are not only advancing fundamental knowledge but also exploring interdisciplinary chemical science.

Representative achievements

Synthetic organic chemistry

Dynamic organocatalysis

Dynamic organocatalysis

Transition metal catalysis

Transition metal catalysis

Persistent radical

Persistent radical

Chemical biology

Detector for protein methylation

Detector for protein methylation

Inhibitor for protein methylation

Inhibitor for protein methylation

News

25/11/2024

Nine new members (third-year students) joined us.

03/10/2024

Research News - Research Highlight published "What goes up, must come down for complex organic synthesis"; an overview of recently published research concerning on aerobic oxidation.

08/09/2024

Our collaboration work with RIKEN CPR, Plant Epigenome Regulation Lab, is accepted in J. Plant Growth Regul. 

27/08/2024

Prof. Sohtome gave an oral presentation in 34th International Symposium on Chirality.

01/08/2024

Prof. Sohtome gave an invited lecture in 第44回有機合成若手セミナー.

19/07/2024

We organized two lectures by Prof. Yamatsugu (Chiba Univ.) and Dr Shimazu (RIKEN CPR). Thank you for your participation. 

26/06/2024

RIKEN and RITS published a press release.

20/06/2024

Our new paper is now on Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.

03/06/2024

Ms. Tominaga joined us as an Assistant Researcher.

01/04/2024

Professor Yoshihiro SOHTOME launched Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Laboratory.

View more