Photonic and Reactive Molecular Science Laboratory
Staff & Contact
| Educational Staff | Prof. Tsuyoshi Kawai Adjunct Prof. Keitaro Nakatani Associate Prof. Tsumoru Morimoto Assistant Prof. Mihoko Yamada Assistant Prof. Wataru Ishii |
|---|---|
| URL | https://mswebs.naist.jp/LABs/kawai/en/index.html |
Education and Research Activities in the Laboratory
Our laboratory focuses on Photonic and Reactive Molecular Science—an emerging interdisciplinary field that investigates molecules and coordination compounds with advanced photo-functional and reactive properties. We develop novel photo-reactive and light-emissive molecules, along with innovative synthetic methodologies and catalytic systems. Students in our lab gain hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, while also engaging in the development of new molecular systems and catalytic processes. A background in organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and/or spectroscopic techniques is recommended for prospective members. We warmly welcome motivated students from both domestic and international universities with backgrounds in chemistry or related fields. Our current research interests include the following:Research Themes
1. Photoresponsive Molecules and Photoreactions
Photochromic terarylenes are among the most extensively studied compounds in our group. In addition to their use as color-changing materials, we are actively developing novel photoswitchable and light-responsive systems. For example, we explore the photo-controlled behavior of supramolecular aggregates and their fluorescence properties as key research themes. Our work also involves the development of new photo-induced catalysts based on photochromic terarylenes, as well as a newly designed naphthoquinone-based photo-labile molecular platform. These photoreactive molecules hold potential for applications in next-generation radiation-sensing materials, stimuli-responsive medical agents, and photoresist and photocuring technologies.2. Intelligent luminescent Molecules
Photoluminescent molecules are widely used and continuously developed for next-generation display technologies, light-emitting devices, sensors, functional inks, and security markings. In our group, we design novel luminescent materials with advanced “intelligent” functionalities to contribute to the future of materials chemistry. Our current focus includes chiral luminescent molecules and coordination compounds capable of emitting circularly polarized light—promising candidates for use in security inks and specialized optical applications. Additionally, we have recently developed molecular systems exhibiting delayed luminescence and inverted triplet energy levels, offering great potential as highly efficient light sources.3. Advanced catalysts and reaction systems for efficient organic synthesis
The development of novel organic synthetic reactions is also a key research focus in our laboratory. In particular, we are exploring new reactions mediated by transition metal complexes, acids, and bases with the aim of activating and cleaving inert bonds in synthetically and industrially relevant molecules. Our ultimate goal is to synthesize (photo) functional compounds and investigate their properties using these newly established methodologies.Explanatory Pictures of Research Activities
Recent Research Papers and Achievements
- Mihoko Yamada, Tomoya Sawazaki, Mae Fujita, Fumio Asanoma, Yoshiko Nishikawa, Tsuyoshi Kawai, “Tetrathienyl corannulene compounds with highly sensitive photochromism”, Chem. Eur., J, 28, e202201286 (2022).
- Y. Tsuji, N. Kanno, C. Goto, S. Katao, Y. Okajima, P. Reine, P. Imbrasas, S. Reineke, K. Shizu, T. Nakashima, H. Kaji, T. Kawai, M. Louis,” A binaphthalimide motif as a chiral scaffold for thermally activated delayed fluorescence with circularly polarized luminescence activity”, J. Mater.Chem.,C,11, 5968 (2023).
- E. Hayashi, N. Akiyama, K. Kakiuchi, T. Kawai, T. Morimoto, “Cationic Rhodium (I)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Cyclohydroformylation of 1, 6‐Enynes with Formaldehyde”, Chem.-An Asian J., 18, e202201241 (2023).
- W. Ishii, Y. Okayasu, Y. Kobayashi, R. Tanaka, S. Katao, Y.Nishikawa, T. Kawai, T. Nakashima, “Excited State Engineering in Ag₂₉ Nanoclusterthrough Peripheral Modification with Silver (I) Complexes for Bright Near-Infrared Photoluminescence”, J. Am. Chem. Soc.,145, 11236 (2023)
- Y. Higashi, K. Shima, M. Suzuki, M. Fujishiro, T. Kawai, T. Morimoto, “Synthetic Utilization of 2H-Heptafluoropropane:Ionic1,4-Addition to Electron-Deficient Carbon-Carbon Unsaturated Bonds”, J. Org. Chem., 89, 3962 (2024)
- M. B. Ferrer, D. Harada, C. J. Martin, R. Metivier, C. Allain, K. Nakatani, M. Louis, N. Kawaguchi, T. Yanagida, K. Yasuhara, T. Kawai, “Cascado Fluorescence Modulation in Photochromic Microcapsule”, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 16, 57626 (2024)
- R. Sethy, A. Brosseau, T. Nakashima, T. Kawai, R. Metivier, “Fluorescence Microscopy Imaging of Light-Harvesting in Self-Assembled Nanofibers of Naphthalenediimides toward Perylenediimide Guests”, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 17, 10976 (2025)