Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry Division

Introduction
Chemistry is a science dealing with the structure, synthesis,
and properties of substances, particularly at the molecularlevel. We are surrounded by chemical products; e.g., food,clothing, housing, drugs, and so on. In addition, newmaterials such as those supporting computer memorystorage andsuperconductivity have been playing anessential role in the recent progress of technology andculture. Some chemicals, on the other hand, tend to giverise to serious environmental problems, whose solutions
will depend upon chemistry research and education in future.
Thus, chemistry and related sciences are much closer to us
than one imagines, extensively contributing tothedevelopment of science and human society.
The department of chemistry, graduate school of science,
Osaka University, comprises the following four divisions
covering inorganic, physical, organic, and interdisciplinary
chemistry. In addition, the department has cooperative withthirteen research groups of other research institutes.

Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Coordination
Chemistry and Radiochemistry laboratories are included inthis division.
Analytical Chemistry laboratory is developing nanochemistry of liquid-liquid interfaces to elucidate specific roleof the interface in chemistry. The diffusion dynamics of
single molecules and the reaction mechanisms of metalcomplex aggregations at the interface are investigated inrelation to the separation mechanisms. New principles for
migration analysis of biological micro-particles are also
developed utilizing specific forces generated by a laser, anelectric field and a magnetic field.
The main subject in both laboratories of Inorganic
Chemistry is to explore novel transition metal complexes
showing unique structures and properties. Various new typesof mononuclear and polynuclear metal complexes have beensynthesized and the relationship between their structures andchemical properties is elucidated in solid and solution statesby means of electronic spectroscopy, NMR, X-ray
diffraction, and magnetic measurements. Furthermore, newspectroscopic phenomena induced by a magnetic field arealso investigated.
In the Radiochemistry laboratory, superheavy elements andactinide elements are synthesized and their chemical
properties are studied by some unique techniques. A new
chemistry on artificial atoms composed of pion and muon,
called an exotic atom, is developed in this laboratory. Nuclear
reaction mechanisms of heavy ions and a finding of new
nuclear phenomena, together with their application tophysical and chemical researches, are also of their subjects.
In the Laboratory for bioinorganic chemistry, they study on
relationships between structures and functions ofmetalloproteins, playing important roles in the biologicalsystems. Furthermore, metal complexes are synthesized as a

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistrybiomimetic model compound of the active site ofmetalloproteins, and the model complexes are structurally
and functionally compared with the active site of proteins.
The purpose of Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry is topreparenovel
mononuclear,
polynuclear,andmetallosupramolecular complexes and to elucidate theirmolecular structures, electronic states, and functionalities. In
particular, our current interest is directed toward thedevelopment of fundamental coordination chemistry byutilizing multifunctional metalloligands instead of classicalinorganic/organic ligands.
Physical Chemistry Division
In the physical chemistry division, our research andeducational activities cover experimental studies of structure,properties and reactivity of molecules and condensed matterand their theoretical analysis.
In the Condensed Matter Physical Chemistry Group,
electronic properties of molecular conductors, molecularmagnets, metal complexes and their network magnetic
systems are studied by calorimetry, transport, and magnetic
measurements. Novel features originated from thecooperative effects of spins, charges and molecular motions
are discussed.
Surface Chemistry Group is aiming to create molecularfunctions by controlling the reactions of molecules on thesurface and in nano-sized devices. The research will utilize
various surface science technique, such as scanning probe
microscopy, electron spectroscopy, and the device
fabrication and characteristic measurement technique.
Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics Group aims at
understanding chemical reactions at single molecule or
nano-level using novel methods of scanning probe
microscopy. The investigation for devices consisting of small
number of molecules based on single molecular reaction
and/or properties develops novel features differing from thatof bulk molecular materials.
The Molecular Adsorption Group focuses on molecules
confined in nanospaces, which exhibit physical properties
and intermolecular interactions different from those in bulk
phases. Our aim for this research is to elucidate themolecular theory behind physical adsorption on various
porous solids by analyzing molecular motion throughnuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
In the Quantum and Theoretical Chemistry Group,
Computers
are utilized for theoretical analysis andprediction of properties
and reactivity of chemical
substances, design of functional materials. Development of
new methodologies for computation is also the subject inthis group.
The The Research Center for Thermal and Entropic
Science is devoted specifically to chemical thermodynamics
dealing with various types of condensed matter, including
hard materials such as high-TC superconductors, soft
materials such as liquid crystals, and rather complex
systems such as adsorbed monolayers. We are particularlyinterested in “Order and Disorder” created by subtle
balance of various intermolecular interactions.
The group in Institute for Radiation Sciences mainly
focuses on surface chemistry explored with newly developed
original experimental techniques and their related
equipment. Particularly, the group is developing molecularbeam and ion-beam facilities for the studies of theelementary

processes of surface-chemical reactions and of the surface
modification including sputtering.

Organic Chemistry Division

In the Division of Organic Chemistry, we observe natural
phenomena through the structures and chemical behaviors oforganic molecules, and try to discover the underlying
principles operating in the life systems. We also actively
extend our knowledge through theoretical considerations of
the structures and properties of molecules and molecularinteractions. These efforts will allow us to interpretate thesophisticated natural system and enable further creation offunctionally interesting organic compounds. Division ofOrganic Chemistry consists ofthe following four
independent research groups.
The research in Laboratory for Physical Organic
Chemistry is directed toward molecular design andsynthesis of artificial novel compounds with theoretical andfunctional interests in the solid state properties. Such efforts
may lead to an ultimate goal to realize self-organized single
molecular electronics.
Major research projects of Laboratory for Structural
Organic Chemistry are related to synthesis of novel extended
π-electron systems and artificial supramolecules. New
synthetic procedures for molecules with conjugatedelectronic systems are also investigated there. Systematicstudies of properties for such various synthetic compounds
are expected to result in discovery of novel classes offunctionally interesting and versatile compounds.
Marine toxins and other biologically active compounds
such as lipids and hormones are dealt with in Laboratory for
Biomolecular Chemistry. New methodologies based mainly
on NMR spectroscopy are being elaborated for investigationof three-dimensional structures and functions of complex
biomolecules.
The research purpose in Laboratory for Organic
Biochemistry is to clarify the functions of oligosaccharides
in the living cell. Chemical synthesis of glycoproteins,
glycopeptides and oligosaccharides are extensively
performed and then used it for several bioassays. Several
new reactions to construct such biomoleculars are alsostudied.

Interdisciplinary Chemistry Division

In this Division research works are oriented towards novel
fields of both Natural Product Chemistry and Biophysical
Chemistry. Laboratory for Natural Products Chemistry
mainly focuses on the functions of glycoconjugatesconsisting of carbohydrates linked to other structural units
such as fatty acids and phosphates. Isolation of unknown
bioactive compounds from natural sources, their structural,synthetic and functional studies are being intensively
undertaken.
Biophysical Chemistry Group maintains as its primary
focus the development and use of laser-based technologies
to measure atomic level features of the biological systems.
The results of these efforts are contributing to a deeper
understanding of the nature of proteins' motions andrelating the dynamics to biological function.
Home Page
http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/graduate/cheme/index.html

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

Research Projects

19. Center for Education in LiberalArts and Sciences

Inorganic Chemistry Division

20. Laboratory for Isotope Chemistry, Institute for Radiation Sciences

1. Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry
2. Laboratory for Radiochemistry
3. Laboratory for Inorganic Chemistry
4. Laboratory for Bioinorganic Chemistry
5. Laboratory for Coordination Chemistry
Physical Chemistry Division
6. Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physical Chemistry
7. Laboratory for Surface Chemistry
8. Laboratory for Molecular Absorption
9. Laboratory for Quantum Chemistry
10. Laboratory for Reaction Dynamics

21. Laboratory for Beam Chemistry, Institute for Radiation
Sciences
The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research(Cooperative Division)
22. Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology
23. Laboratory for Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry
24. Laboratory for Complex Molecular Chemistry
Institute for Protein Research (Cooperative Division)
25. Laboratory of Protein Organic Chemistry
26. Laboratory of Protein Profiling and Functional Proteomics
27. Laboratory for Computational Biology
Cooperative Adjunct Division

Organic Chemistry Division
11. Laboratory for Structural Organic Chemistry
12. Laboratory for Physical Organic Chemistry
13. Laboratory for Biomolecular Chemistry
14. Laboratory for Organic Biochemistry
Interdisciplinary Chemistry Division
15. Laboratory for Natural Product Chemistry
16. Laboratory for Biophysical Chemistry
17. Research Center for Thermal and Entropic Science

28. National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology(AIST) Nanomaterials Research Institute
29. National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology(AIST) Chubu Center
30. National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science andTechnology (AIST) Kansai Center
31. Peptide Institute, Inc.
32. Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Bioorganic ResearchInstitute

18. Laboratory for High-Technology Research for the
Analysis and Utilization of Materials

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry

Satoshi TSUKAHARA (Professor), Masayori SUWA (Assistant Professor), Shigeki YAMAMOTO(Assistant Professor)
Tel & Fax: +81-6-6850-5411

sxt

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/tsukahara/en/index.html[Research Interests]
1) Metal complex aggregation at liquid/liquid interfaces andits high sensitive spectroscopic analysis
2) Measurements of resonance oscillation of liquid/liquidinterfaces to determine the interfacial tensions3) Measurements of transport kinetics of substances throughliquid/liquid interfaces and development of high selective
interfaces
4) Development of nano-mechanical measurement utilizing
orientation behavior of magnetic nanoparticles underalternating magnetic field5) Development of analytical separation methods for
microparticles exploiting external field
6) Structural analysis of chiral molecules in solutions basedon Raman optical activity spectroscopy

aggregates formed at liquid/liquid interfaces with polarized
light; the thickness of the aggregates is only a few
nanometers. We also measured reversible adsorption ofproteins to hydrophobic interfaces by total internalreflection technique, and investigated the denaturation ofproteins there. We have also invented novel analyticalmethods for microparticles byusing magnetic field.
Magneto-optical imaging microscopy andanalyticalseparation method are being developed in order to detectparamagnetic compounds in microparticles.

Measurements of chemical reactions and phenomena
occurring at liquid/liquid interfaces and analysis of
nanoparticles and microparticles relating to biological andenvironmental systems are much important and attractive
subjects in Analytical Chemistry. We have invented new
methods to measure absorption spectra of metal complex

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Radiochemistry
Yoshitaka KASAMATSU (Professor), Masashi Kaneko (Associate Professor),
Kojiro Nagata (Assistant Professor)
http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/kasamatsu/index_e.html

Nuclear properties: Clear and large chemical effects on the[Research Interests]
1) Heavy and superheavy element chemistry
2) Chemistry related with radioactive elements and nuclear
properties
3) Radiochemical studies on radionuclides for medical use
Approximately 30% of elements in the current periodic table(Figure) have no stable isotopes; radioelements. In particular,
heavy elements with larger atomic numbers are all artificial
radioelements. Chemical researches on these elements needradiochemical techniques.
Heavy element chemistry: Our purpose is to investigate thechemical properties of heavy elements which might haveunique properties due to the influence of relativistic effects on
their orbital electrons. Development of apparatuses for “single

nuclear decays are investigated for ultra-low energy isomers:
229mTh and 235mU. Half-lives and decay modes are expected tovary by changing their chemical states.
Nuclear properties: It is very important to effectively use
radioisotopes for various application such as medical use. We
conduct fundamental researches on radioisotopes such as 211At
which appears promising for cancer therapy.
1

2

DepartmentofChemistry

4

5

3

4

2

Li

Be

11

12

3

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

He

Radioelements produced by
nuclear reactions

Na Mg

10

Ne

17

18

Al

Si

P

S

Cl

Ar

31

32

33

34

35

36

K

Ca Sc Ti

V

Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr

37

38

39

40

41

42

5

Rb Sr

Y

Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd In

6

Cs Ba Ln Hf Ta

55

56

72

57

58

73

59

74

75

46

47

48

51

52

53

54

Sn Sb Te

I

Xe

82

85

86

77

78

Ir

Pt Au Hg Tl

Pb Bi Po At Rn

60

63

64

68

65

66

81

50

76

62

80

49

W Re Os
61

79

30

9

F

16

24

45

29

8

O

15

23

44

28

7

N

14

22

43

27

6

C

13

20

21

26

5

B

19

4

25

18
2

RadioelementsHatom chemistry”, related chemical experiments using
radiotracers of homologues of heavy elements, and relativistic
quantum calculations are in progress.

3

1

1

67

83

69

84

70

71

La Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu
89

87

7

88

90

91

96

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

93

94

U

Np Pu Am Cm Bk Cf Es Fm Md No Lr

104

106

107

108

105

92

95

Ac Th Pa

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

Laboratory for Inorganic Chemistry
Naoto ISHIKAWA (Professor), Takamitsu FUKUDA (Associate Professor),
Anas SANTRIA (Assistant Professor)+81-6-6850-5408

iskw

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/ishikawa/［Research Interests］
1) Electronic structure and molecular magnetism of thesystems containing 4f electrons.
2) New molecular devises such as single-4f-ionic single
molecule magnets
3) Time-domain behavior of quantum states of the systems
containing multiple single molecule magnets
4) Chemical and physical manipulation of ligand fieldpotential, magnetic anisotropy and molecular magnetism“Metal complexes” and “supramolecules” can contain
unpaired electrons of several different kinds. The unpaired
electrons have magnetic moments which are responsible forvarious intriguing magnetic properties. Atomic nuclei also
have magnetic moments whose strength varies from nucleus
to nucleus. Such magnetic moments interact to constructcomplicated quantum states. One of our research aims is tounderstand such quantum states through experimental andtheoretical analysis. For some unsolved problems, such as

118

Fr Ra An Rf Db Sg Bh Hs Mt Ds Rg Cn Nh Fl Mc Lv Ts Og

sub-structure of the ground states of lanthanide complexes
having 4f-electronic systems, we develop computational
tools to solve them. Solving such unsolved problems sometimes leads to discovery of new properties of molecules. Oneof such properties is the “Single Molecule Magnet (SMM)”
behavior of mono-nuclear lanthanide-phthalocyanine
complexes, which had been considered possible only forpolynuclear metal complexes. At present the lanthanidephthalocyanine complexes are regarded as the mostpromising SMMs for future applications. Our research target
has been extended to understanding and controlling of timedomain behavior of 4f-electronic systems, including monoand multiple-nuclear SMMs.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Bioinorganic Chemistry
Yasuhiro FUNAHASHI (Professor), Masaki NOJIRI (Associate Professor), Tsubasa
HATANAKA (Assistant Professor)
funahashi

Tel: +81-6-6850-5767・Fax: +81-6-6850-5787

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/funahashi/en-index.html［Research Interests］

1) Synthesis of mono- and multi-nuclear metal
complexes activating molecules2) Synthesis of heterometallic multinuclear
complexes activating molecules
3) Synthesis of novel metal complexes as aphotosensitizer4) Development of artificial metalloenzymes
activating molecules5) Investigationofrelationships
betweenstructures and functions of metalloprotein
6) Synthetic and mechanistic study on metal
complexes with anticancer activity

The 1st transition metals are frequently essentialtrace elements for organisms, working at the active
sites in the proteins. The metal complexes
sometimes show pharmaceutical activity. We study
on metals in biology, and we newly develop
relevant metal complexes and metalloenzymes.

The energy transduction and metabolism involve
photo-excitation, electron transfer process, andactivation of substrates including small molecules
such as O2, N2, and so on.

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Coordination Chemistry
Members

Nobuto YOSHINARI (Associate Professor)

Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6850-5786・Fax: +81-6-6850-5766

Home Page

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/konno/index_e.html［Research Interests］

1) Stepwise construction of heterometallic
polynuclear and metallosupramolecular
structures based on multifunctional
metalloligands.
2) Creation of nanosized interstices by
aggregating spherical metal clusters for ion
migration and molecular adsorption.
3) Studies on the chiral recognition and selfassembly of metal complexes.
4) Studies on the control of structures andproperties of sulfur-bridged polynuclear
complexes.

e-mailnobuto@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

metallosupramolecular complexes and to
elucidatetheirmolecular
structures,electronic states, and functionalities. Ourcurrent interest is directed toward thedevelopment of fundamental coordination
chemistry by utilizing multifunctional
metalloligands by using simple ligands.

The purpose of our research projects is toprepare novel mononuclear, polynuclear, andGraduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for
Condensed Matter Physical Chemistry
Yasuhiro NAKAZAWA (Professor), Hiroki AKUTSU (Associate Professor)
Satoshi YAMASHITA (Assistant Professor)
http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/Nakazawa/［Research Area］
1) Phase Transitions and Low-Energy Excitations in
Molecular Superconductors.
2) Novel Quantum Behavior in Strongly CorrelatedElectron Systems.
3) Magnetic Behaviors of Molecular Magnets and Metal
Complexes.
4) Search for Novel Quantum Phenomena under Various
External Conditions.

fields up to 15 T is also performed. Throughout thethermodynamic research, we are aiming at solving themechanisms of many mysterious behaviors incondensed matter systems.

We are studying the physical and chemical properties ofcondensed matter systems which consist of molecules andatoms.
Especially we are interested in finding novel phenomena
and their possible mechanisms with regard tosuperconductivity and magnetism. Along this line, we
have
constructedouroriginal
low-temperaturecalorimeters for measuring heat capacities of small singlecrystal samples. To see the behavior induced by changing
the external condition, the calorimetry under external
magnetic

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Surface Chemistry
Megumi AKAI-KASAYA (Professor), Hiroyuki S. KATO (Associate Professor),
Seiya WATANABE (Assistant Professor)
Tel: +81-6-6850-6082・Fax: +81-6-6850-6777

akai@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/akai/englishindex.html[Research Interests](1) Photoemission microspectroscopy for organic films(2) Electronically excited states of adsorbed molecules(3) Dynamical molecular redox responses at heterointerfaces(4) Research of ionic novel functions on metal surfaces(5) Exploitation of protonic functions in two-dimensional molecular films[Research Area]
Materials surfaces are important in both basic andapplied science, because complex and special reactionsof atoms and/or molecules proceed on surfaces. Thesesurface reactions can yield various functions thatenable the exchange of energy and information.
In our laboratory, through focusing on the chemical
reactions of various molecules occurring on surfaces orwithin devices with nanoscale metal electrodes, we
intend to characterize new molecular functions.

Utilizing various surface analysis methods
such as scanning probe microscopy (SPM),
photoemission spectroscopy (PES), and nanoscale molecular devices with characteristic
measurements, we will elucidate thebasic
reaction mechanisms and physicalproperties of molecules.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Molecular Adsorption
Members Takahiro UEDA (Professor)
Tel・Fax

Tel/Fax:+81-6-6850-5778

Home Page

https://ueda-chem-adsorption.com［Research Interests］

1) Investigation of physical properties andintermolecular interactions ofmolecules confined in nanospace2) Structural and kinetic studies on
physisorption in porous materials3) Development of novel properties andfunctions by controlling moleculararrangement using nanospace4) Development of a bran-new method ofporosimetry based on NMR techniquese-mailueda

We elucidate the molecular theory behind
physical adsorption on various porous solids byanalyzing molecular motion through nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

We focus on molecules confined innanospaces, which exhibit physicalproperties and intermolecular interactions
different from those in bulk phases.

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Quantum Chemistry
Mitsutaka OKUMURA (Professor), Shusuke YAMANAKA (Associate Professor),
Takashi KAWAKAMI (Assistant Professor)+81-6-6850-5404 / +81-6-6850-5550

ok@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/guchi/［Research area］
1) Theoretical studies on molecular and electronic
structures for atoms, molecules and theirclusters.
2) Theoretical studies on chemical reaction.
3) Theoretical studies on electronic, magnetic andphoto properties.
4) Theoretical studies on functional, informatics
and mathematical systems.

Moreover, ab initio MO program packages based on
our own theory are developed to challenge cluster,
biological sciences and etc., which expand possibilities
of chemical subjects.
Accurate and huge calculations as well as
visualization of their results using super-computers arealso applied to the elucidation of intriguing chemical
phenomena before experimental studies.

In this laboratory the investigations depending on
only theory and calculation are performed for many
chemical subjects. We employ quantum mechanics,
statistics and informatics as fundamental theory forinvestigation of electronic and molecular structures.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Reaction Dynamics
Members

Takuya MATSUMOTO (Professor), Hiroshi OHYAMA (Associate Professor), Dock-Chil
CHE (Associate Professor), Takashi YAMADA (Assistant Professor)

Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6850-5400・Fax: +81-6-6850-5403

HomePage

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/matsumoto/index.html[Research Interests]
1)Time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy forelectron- transfer dynamics.
2)Molecular recognition force microscopy forreceptor-ligand reaction.
3)Molecular electronics based on redox-active
molecular array.
4)Multi-dimensional stereodynamics in themolecular-molecular reactions.
5)Stereodynamics in the molecular-radical reactions.

e-mailmatsumoto-t

We are studying molecular recognition andelectron transfer using scanning probe
microscopy in single molecule level, andinterested in finding novel phenomena which
differ from those of bulk molecular materials.
Along this line, the devices consisting of small
number of molecules are also developed from aperspective of molecular electronics.

The chemistry of individual molecules has been achemist’s dream for long time, but today, it isrealized by scanning probe
microscopy. The
method enables us to observe, measure, andmanipulate individual molecules in nano-scale.

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Structural Organic Chemistry
Members

Takashi KUBO (Professor), Tomohiko NISHIUCHI (Assistant Professor),
Yosuke TANI (Assistant Professor)

Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6850-5384・Fax: +81-6-6850-5387

Home Page

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/kubo/[Research Interests]
1) Synthesis and properties of open-shell molecules2) Development of proton and electron transfer system
3)Synthesis and functions of π-clustered molecules4)Physical properties of biradicaloids with reactive
metastable forms.
5)Fast & efficient organic phosphorescence6)Molecular solid/liquid with dynamic functions
π-Electrons in conjugated molecules play decisive roles forthe electronic and photo-physical properties of organic
compounds. We have been studying designs, syntheses,
structures, and physical properties of novel extended πconjugated systems, with particular emphasis on functional
properties such as electron-transport, magnetism, photoswitching, and chiro-optics. Work in these areas is highly
synthesis-driven, and is also strongly based on physicalorganic chemistry. Our wide variety of chemistry will lead to
discovery of new class of electronic- and photonic-materials
as well as of fundamental scientific ideas.

e-mailkubo@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp■Open-shell molecules■Proton-coupled electrontransfer
S S
HN

X

S
S

X

HN

■π-clustered molecules

N
H

M

M

NH

S
H
N

NH

S

■Metastable biradicaloids
Mes

Mes

Mes

Mes

■Phosphorescent molecules ■Dynamic mol. systems

S
Br

O
O

Br

Ar airhν

RTP

S

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024h ν RTPDepartment of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Physical Organic Chemistry
Members Ken-ichi YAMASHITA (Associate Professor)
Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6850-5394・Fax: +81-6-6850-5395

Home Page

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/ogawa/en/index.html

e-mailReversible aromartic-antiaromatic interconversion［Research Interests］
1. Systematic study of luminescence
properties of antiaromatic compounds
2. Chemistry of novel porphyrinoids andmetal complexes

NIR emission
Switching of structure and single-molecule-magnet properties

3. Development of the new chemistry ofstacked (anti)aromatic molecules.

+ H+

+ e-

- H+

- e-

Not SMM

Excellent SMM

Poor SMM

Single-molecule chemical reactions

Solid-state emissive organic
chromophores
Structurally well-defined porphyrin oligomers analogous to
Flexible & Lumi
polyanilines

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Biomolecular Chemistry
Michio MURATA (Professor)
murata@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp+81-6-6850-5774

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/murata/english/index.html［Research Interests ］

1. Action of drugs and natural products inbiological membranes
2. Dynamic lipid conformations in bilayer
membranes
3. Lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interaction at
lipid rafts
4. Synthesis of complex natural products

works out the channel structure of thepolyene antibiotics-lipids assembly, dynamic
lipid conformations and lipid interactions
occurring in bilayer membrane.

We are interested in the membrane active
drugs and toxins, as well as theendogenous lipids and sterols to elucidate
theactivemolecular
assemblages.
Chemical synthesis assisted NMR analysis

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Organic Biochemistry
Yasuhiro Kajihara (Professor), Ryo Okamoto (Associate Professor),
Yuta Maki (Assistant Professor)
kajihara@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

06-6850-5380
http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/kajihara/[Research Interests]1)Chemical synthesis of oligosaccharides2)Chemical synthesis of glycoproteins andglycopeptides3)Elucidation of oligosaccharide functions

Acids 40-76 residues), erythropoietin
analogue (amino acids 166 residues), and costimulate glycoprotein of T-cell (amino acids
120 residues). We have also evaluated theeffect of oligosaccharide during protein
folding process.

The oligosaccharides of protein have beenthought to concern with protein conformation,
dynamics, protein trafficking and glycoprotein
lifetime in blood. We have examined synthesisof homogeneous glycoproteins having human
complex type oligosaccharide in order toevaluate oligosaccharide functions. We havesynthesized several small glycoproteins (amino

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Natural Product Chemistry
Koichi FUKASE (Professor), Kazuya KABAYAMA (Associate Professor),
Atsushi SHIMOYAMA (Assistant Professor), Yoshiyuki MANABE (Assistant Professor)
Tel: +81-6-6850-5391・Fax: +81-6-6850-5419

koichi@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/fukase/［Research Interests］••••

Chemistry and function of immunomodulating substancesfrom microbes and hosts
Efficient and selective methods for glycosylation andoligosaccharide synthesis
Bio-imaging of glycans and proteins for the new functional
studiesTargeted α-radiation therapy for cancer

Bio-imaging study of glycans, peptides, andproteins have been investigated by using
fluorescent microscopy. Targeted α-particle
therapy for cancer is also important project.

We have studied the syntheses andbiofunctions of microbial and host-derived
molecules related to important biologicalphenomena such as immunity, infection,
allergy, cancer, and etc. In particular, wehave investigated glycans and glycoconjugates in order to identify the active
principle, elucidate the action mechanism,and control the biological responses.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Biophysical Chemistry
Yasuhisa MIZUTANI (Professor), Haruto ISHIKAWA (Assistant Professor)
Tel: +81-6-6850-5776・Fax: +81-6-6850-5776

mztn@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/mizutani/index.html[ResearchArea]
1)Structural chemistry on allosteric proteins.
2)Energy flow in proteins.
3)Creation of artificial proteins with allostery4)Allostery and functionality of proteins.
5)Development of techniques for time-resolved
spectroscopy.
Our research focuses on functionally-important protein
dynamics to elucidate mechanism how they function.
Protein dynamics are intimately connected to thestructure/function relationship of biological systems.
In numerous biological processes, the ensuing protein
structural changes accompanying a reaction at a
specific site must spatially extend to the mesoscopic
dimensions of the protein to achieve a biological
function. Protein dynamics span over a wide range oftime scales. To answer questions on protein dynamics,
we need the concatenation of experimental results

DepartmentofChemistry

recorded over many orders of magnitude of time. In
this regard it is important that a single experimental
technique can examine protein structures evolving fromthe earliest moments, such as the picosecond regime,
toward time scales that are highly relevant tobiological functions, such as the microsecond or
millisecond regimes. We are studying protein dynamics
in the wide time window by using various timeresolved spectroscopic techniques, such as resonanceRaman, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Research Center for Thermal andEntropic Science
Members Motohiro NAKANO (Prof.), Yuji MIYAZAKI (Assoc. Prof.), Daisuke TAKAJO (Asst. Prof.),

Ewa JUSZYŃSKA-GAŁĄZKA (Assoc. Prof., Cross-Appoint.)

Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6850-5525・Fax: +81-6-6850-5525

Home Page

http://www.chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/micro/index.html.en［Research Interests］
1) Thermodynamic investigation on molecule-based magnets.
2) Thermodynamic investigation on biomolecules andmacromolecules in aqueous solutions.
3) Thermodynamic approach to biological phenomena.
4) Thermochemical approach to chemical bonds.
5) Structure and thermodynamics of molecular monolayers.

Applicability of thermodynamics allows us to target at
hard samples including metals, ceramics, and molecular
crystals in addition to soft ones like biopolymers,
solutions, monolayers, and living things.

We are particularly interested in “Order and Disorder”
created by subtle balance of various intermolecularinteractions. Among many experimental techniques used inchemical science, our specialty is to measure the “Energy
and Entropy” very accurately by means of calorimetry. Our
goal is to combine all the information obtained from both themicroscopic and macroscopic investigations to uncover thenature of condensed matter, which leads us to harmonize“molecular” sciences and chemical “thermodynamics”.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for High-Technology Research for the
Analysis and Utilization of Materials (The Museumof Osaka University)
Members Jiro TOYODA (Associate Professor), Keisuke MIYAKUBO (Associate Professor)
Tel・Fax+81-6-6850-5779 · 6720

Home Page

https://www.museum.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/home-en/

e-mailmiyakubo.keisuke.museum@［Research Theme］

We are going to apply physical chemistry
methods to cultural heritage science, which
explores the identification of the date andplace, and method of production of cultural
heritages, conservation science, which seeks
to preserve materials through the study ofcellulose and other materials, and exhibition
science, which balances the exhibition andconservation of materials.
We are also conducting research of digital
databases of information on academic
materials stored in museums and otherdepartments, so that researchers of all over
the world can use of them.

DepartmentofChemistry

Center for Educationin Liberal Arts and Sciences
Kazuya YAMAGUCHI (Professor)
Tel: +81-6-6850-6963[Research Interests]
1)Effect of reaction field on the function of model
complexes for the active site of metalloenzyme
2)Function conversion of dinuclear metalloenzymes3)Preparation of new functional materials withbiological metal complexes

yamaguchi.kazuya.celas@osaka-u.ac.jp

Moreover, we challenge the function conversion of
metalloenzyme with the metal ion substitution andrecombinant DNA methods. We believe that thestudies will give the important information for
preparation of new functional materials withbiological metal complexes.

Metal ions play important roles to maintain structuresand functions in biological systems. Our current works
are focused on (1) studies of structures and functionsof metal proteins (Cu, Ni, Fe etc.) by various
spectroscopy, and (2) syntheses and structural andfunctional characterization of transition metal
complexes as models for the active sites ofmetalloproteins. Specially, we investigate the effect ofreaction filed on the function of metal complexes.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Isotope Chemistry(Institute for Radiation Sciences)

Members

Takashi YOSHIMURA (Professor), Kazuhiko NINOMIYA (Associate Professor),Kazuhiro OOE (Associate Professor)

Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6850-6101・FAX: +81-6-6850-6104

Home Page

http://www.irs.osaka-u.ac.jp/yoshimura/［Research Interest］

1) Synthesis
andphotoluminescent
properties of metal complexes2) Synthesis and properties of new chelate
agents and metal complexes for nuclear
medicine
3) Development of new analytical techniqueusing muons4) Environmental chemistry related to theaccident of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Power Plant

e-mailtyoshi@rirc.osaka-u.ac.jp

new complexes and to investigate theproperties. Moreover, we are developing
nondestructive analysis using muons, andresearchtrace
radioactivity
intheenvironment related to the accident ofFukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Our laboratory conducts inorganic chemistry
focusing on radioactive and related elements.
The purpose of our research is to synthesize

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Beam Chemistry
Michio OKADA (Professor)
Tel & Fax: +81-6-6850-6028
https://www.irs.osaka-u.ac.jp/okada/[Research Interests]
1) Stereodynamics of surface chemical reactions
induced by molecular beams
2) Surface chemical reactions explored withvarious surface-spectroscopy techniques
3) X-ray photoemission spectroscopy at SPring-8
for surface chemistry4) Surface phase transition induced by the low
dimensionality
5) Tuning of surface reactivity with surface
alloying
6) Development of new type of secondary ion
mass spectroscopy with very low-energy ions

Particularly, our group is developing
molecular-beam and ion-beam facilities forthe studies of the elementary processes of
surface-chemical reactions and of the surface
modification including sputtering.

We mainly focus on surface chemistry exploredwith newly developed original experimental
techniques and their related equipments.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology(The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)
Masateru TANIGUCHI (Professor), Makusu TSUTSUI (Associate Professor), Hiroyuki
TANAKA (Assistant Professor), Kazumichi YOKOTA (Assistant Professor)
taniguti@sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp

Tel: +81-6-6879-8445・Fax: +81-6-6875-2440
http://www.bionano.sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp/[Research Interests]
1）Electrical and thermal properties in single-molecule junctions2) Single-molecule electrical sequencing of DNA, RNA, andpeptide based on quantum chemistry3) Single-molecule fluid dynamics and its controlling method
4) Single-molecule observations with atomic resolutions
We are challenging biology through the development and use of
single-molecule science and technology based on chemical
physics. In an effort to explore single-molecule science, we are
studying electrical and thermal properties of single-moleculejunctions formed by metal electrodes and single molecules. In
addition, we are attempting to elucidate biological behaviors using
quantum-chemistry-based, single-molecule electrical sequencing
of DNA, RNA, and peptides because the central dogma of
molecular biology explains the genetic information flow within abiological system. Moreover, we are investigating single-molecule
fluid dynamics in solutions and developing methods for controlling

DepartmentofChemistry

fluid dynamics because biomolecules exist and function in thesolutions. Furthermore, to better understand single-moleculebehaviors deduced from electrical measurements, we observe
single molecules at atomic resolutions using optical and scanningtunneling microscopes. Our primary goal is to develop singlemolecule science and technologies, which are expected to
revolutionize molecular biology, medical sciences, and drug
development.

Fig. Shematic of
single-molecule
sequencing method.

Laboratory for Regulatory Bioorganic
Chemistry(The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)
Members

Kazuhiko NAKATANI (Professor), Chikara DOHNO (Associate Professor),Tomonori SHIBATA (Assistant Professor)

Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6879-8455・Fax: +81-6-6879-8459

HomePage

http://www.sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp/labs/rbc/english/index_e.html

e-mailnakatani[Research Interests]

themes. Two approaches, one is from synthetic chemistry and the1) Chemical Biology of trinucleotide repeatsother is from molecular biology were effectively combined to2) Regulation of gene expression by synthetic small molecule

launch creative studies on these projects.

3) Development of small molecule targeting functional RNAs
4) Development of really useful method for genetic diagnosis
With the technique of accurate synthetic organic chemistry andthe knowledge and sense for treating nucleic acids as organic
molecules, we focused our research attention on small molecules
targeting DNA and RNA that regulates biological functions. Most
part of human genome (76%) is transcribed into RNA that does not
encode any protein. These non-coding but functional RNAs areimportant targets for small molecules to regulate biological
function. With these studies, we may achieve to develop newtechnology for human society and to open a new ear in genome
science. Toward this end, we have set very challenging research

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Complex Molecular
Chemistry(The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)
Members

Takayoshi SUZUKI (Professor), Yukihiro ITOH (Associate Professor),
Yasunobu YAMASHITA (Assistant Professor), Yuri TAKADA (Assistant Professor)

Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6879-8470・Fax: +81-6-6879-8474

HomePage

http://www.sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp/labs/cmc/en[Research Interests]

e-mailtkyssuzuki@sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp

1) Development of epigenetic inhibitors and their applications

regulates epigenetic gene expression. We are trying to identify

2) Target-guided synthesis of enzyme inhibitors

small molecules that inhibit the function of the complexes and to3) Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry for refractorydiseases

discovery.

4) Medicinal chemistry using artificial intelligenceapply the small molecules to chemical biology studies and drug

Aiming to develop therapeutic agents and chemical probes,
medicinal chemistry and chemical biology studies are conducted inour group. The focused fields of computational molecular design,synthetic reactions, and biological action mechanisms of biofunctional molecules are studied on the basis of organic chemistry.
For example, we are working on the development of epigenetic
inhibitors and their applications. Epigenetic mechanisms including
DNA methylation and histone modifications are regulated byenzymes. The epigenetic proteins form complexes by proteinprotein interactions and protein-lncRNA interactions, which

DepartmentofChemistryFig. Cancer therapy by epigenetic modulators.

Laboratory of Protein Organic Chemistry(Institute for Protein Research)
Members Hironobu HOJO (Professor), Toshiki TAKEI (Assistant Professor), Shun Ito (Assistant Professor)
Tel・Fax

Tel: +81-6-6879-8601・Fax: +81-6-6879-8603

Home Page

http://www.protein.osaka-u.ac.jp/organic/english.html［Research Interests］

1. General studies on a chemical protein synthesis
2. Development of methods for ligation
3. Synthesis, structural and functional studiesof membrane proteins
4. Synthetic studies of post-translationallymodified proteins

Chemical methods enable the synthesis of proteins, which
can not be prepared by the recombinant method, such assite-specifically labeled, glycosylated and phosphorylated
proteins. Laboratory of Protein Organic Chemistry isaiming to promote new protein researches using thesesynthetic proteins. Thus, our laboratory is developing facile
methods for protein synthesis based on ligation chemistries.
In addition, the synthetic method is applied for thesynthesisof membrane proteins and their partial sequencese-mailhojo@protein.osaka-u.ac.jp

to elucidate the signal transduction mechanism bysolid state NMR and IR. Modified histones and their
partial sequences, glycosylated proteins are also
being synthesized for the functional analyses.

General procedure for chemical protein synthesis.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory ofProtein Profiling and Functional Proteomics(Institute for Protein Research)

Toshifumi TAKAO (Professor), Koki SAKURAI (Assistant Professor)
tak@protein.osaka-u.ac.jp

Tel: +81-6-6879-4312 Fax: +81-6-6879-4332
http://www.protein.osaka-u.ac.jp/rcsfp/profiling/[Research Programs]1) Development of chemical/analytical methods and soft-ware
for analysis of protein primary structure.
2) Hardware development for high-sensitivity MS.
3) MS analysis of post-translational modifications.
4) Development of a chemical derivatization method for highsensitive detection of sugar chains.
5) Development of chemical and separation methods forproteomics analysis.
6) Study on fragmentation of peptides and carbohydrates inMS.

indispensable for proteomics research. We also apply theabove developed methods to the structural analysis of micro
quantities of peptides, and their related substances.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a well acccepted technique forthe analyses of chemical structures of biological compounds.
We have been working to develop methods for determining
primary structures and post-translational modifications ofproteins by using MS. In conjunction with accumulation
protein and gene sequence databases, we are using state-ofthe-art MS for large-scare protein identification which is

DepartmentofChemistry

Laboratory for Computational Biology(Institute for Protein Research)

Kenji MIZUGUCHI (Professor), Kosuke HASHIMOTO (Associate Professor),
Chioko NAGAO (Assistant Professor), Reiko WATANABE (Assistant Professor)

Tel: +81-6-6105-6961 Fax: +81-6-6105-6962

kenji@protein.osaka-u.ac.jp

https://mizuguchilab.org/

Virtual screening
Pharmacophore modeling

Key features
Interaction analysis

Bioassay
Viability（%）

We aim to increase our understanding of biological systems
and diseases by combining computer science andcomputational chemistry approaches, with applications to drug
discovery and other research areas. Artificial Intelligence (AI)is expected to play major roles in many domains. Recognizingthat the availability of a large amount of data in a computerfriendly format is key to the successful development of AI
models, our research is focused on integrating a wide array ofdata, including genes, proteins, chemical compounds anddiseases. We also develop methods for predicting protein
structure, function and interaction, and apply them to specificbiological problems.

Complex structure

Activity（%）［Research Interests］
1) Data integration for relating molecular-level events tohigher-order biological systems.
2) Understanding and predicting molecular interactions
involving proteins, modelling biological responses.
3) Transcriptome analysis of early human embryos.
4) In silico prediction of pharmacokinetic parameters.

Compounds

Fig. 1 Structure-based drug design procedure

Fig. 2 Expression of LTRs

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Department of Chemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science andTechnology (AIST), Nanomaterials Research Institute (NMRI)

DepartmentofChemistry

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science andTechnology (AIST), Chubu Center

DepartmentofChemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

DepartmentofChemistry

Kenji Kamada (Guest Professor)

k.kamada@aist.go.jp

Ichiro MATSUBARA (Guest Professor)

matsubara-i@aist.go.jp

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science andTechnology (AIST), Kansai Center
Nobuhiro KURIYAMA (Guest Professor)

kuriyama-n@aist.go.jp

Peptide Institute, Inc.
Tatsuya INUI (Guest Professor), Toshihiro YAMAMOTO (Guest Professor) ,Taku YOSHIYA (Guest Professor)

inui@peptide.co.jp
yamamoto@peptide.co.jp
t.yoshiya@peptide.co.jp

Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Bioorganic ResearchInstitute

Keiko SHIMAMOTO (professor)

shimamot@sunbor.or.jp

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024