Development of catalyst systems enabling sp3 C-H functionalization reactions

Dr. Mitsunuma has made pioneering contributions to catalytic sp³ C-H activation through his development of a cooperative catalyst system in which distinct catalysts operate synergistically. This strategy enabled mild sp³ C-H functionalization that combines high stereocontrol with high functional group compatibility. In particular, his ternary catalytic platform integrating a hydrogen atom transfer catalyst, a metal complex catalyst, and a photoredox catalyst has realized unprecedented transformations, including nucleophilic addition reactions in which simple hydrocarbons serve directly as nucleophiles, as well as highly mild catalytic acceptorless dehydrogenation.

Speaker: Harunobu Mitsunuma, Kobe University