Research Overview
Pillar[n]arenes: Synthesis, functionality and planar chirality
In 2008, we synthesized new type of cyclic host molecules "pillar[n]arenes". We investigated their unique properties, such as functionality and planar chirality.
Molecular spatial chemistry based on pillar[n]arenes
Based on thier high symmetrical and pillar-shaped structures, we created materials with molecular spaces by arranging pillar[n]arenes in one, two, and three dimensions.
Pillar[n]arenes as functional macrocycles with π-electrons
Pillar[n]arenes not only have cavities for host properties but also possess π-electrons. We developed unconventional molecules by direct modification of macrocycle cores with special attention to three-dimensional structures and electronic states.
Fully π-fused propellanes: an emerging class of 3D building blocks
Fully π-fused propellanes are tricyclo[l.m.n.0]alkane derivatives and composed of singly bonded two sp3 carbons and three loop moieties fused with aromatic rings. Naphthalene-fused propellanes show both well-defined 3D structures and twisting-derived flexibility suitable for soft materials. A biphenyl-fused one is an intrinsically chiral 3D skeleton with D3 symmetry.
Long-life phosphorescent polymer materials
We accidentally discovered that when polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSS), an inexpensive commercially available polymer, is dried, it exhibits long-lived phosphorescence that lasts more than 1 second at room temperature and in the atmosphere. Since it is a polymer, a variety of designs such as hybridization with different materials and block polymerization are possible, and we can expect to create completely new materials that exhibit phosphorescence.
Macrocyclic molecules with hetero elements
We are creating cyclic molecules with heteroelements introduced into the pillar[n]arene skeleton, with the aim of adding further functionality to pillar[n]arenes. The introduction of hetero elements can be expected to bring about various physical properties and functions, such as changes in optical properties, molecular recognition ability derived from the properties of the element, and structural control of molecular assemblies.