Keisuke Asano

Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University *Profile is at the time of the award.

2022Inamori Research GrantsScience & Engineering

Research topics
Development of Spatiotemporally Controlled Reaction Probes Based on Catalytic Function of Carbon–Carbon Double Bonds
Keyword
Summary
In this study, on the basis of the catalytic function of carbon–carbon double bonds in trans-cyclooctenes (TCOs), we will develop biocompatible catalysts facilitating halogenation of biomolecules, the activity of which is controlled spatiotemporally through OFF/ON switch by external stimuli (light) or environment (biologically relevant chemicals). The catalyst probe is useful for chemically identifying biomolecules which are involved in biological events including diseases.

Message

This study will develop unexploited organocatalysts to "observe" molecules, not to "synthesize" molecules.

Outline of Research Achievments

Based on functions of carbon-carbon double bonds as a catalytic site, biocompatible visible-light gated catalysts were developed, and they enabled bromination of tyrosine. Moreover, biocompatible brominating reagents were developed. We are further trying to utilize them for the development of biomolecular labeling methods.



  1. Asano K & Matsubara S (2023) Organocatalytic access to tetrasubstituted chiral carbons integrating functional groups. The Chemical Record 23, e202200200. https://doi.org/10.1002/tcr.202200200

  2. Murata R, et al. (2024) trans-Cyclooctenes as scavengers of bromine involved in catalytic bromination. Chemistry – A European Journal 30, e202303399. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202303399


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