Research interests

In field of organic chemistry, we are interested in both mechanism and synthesis. We hope to initiate a research with in-depth mechanistic study, and on the basis of the obtained mechanistic understanding, to improve the reaction or to develop new reactions. In many cases, these researches are not simply oriented towards specific synthetic challenges, but mainly driven by our scientific curiosity. We aim to provide useful mechanistic insights that are able to change the established cognition of a reaction and to inspire the design of new reactions and catalysts.

Reactive intermediate is a special focus throughout our research. We concentrate on figuring out novel key reactive intermediates with unique structural features and unprecedented reaction modes by mechanistic studies. Working with such intermediates, we study their structure, formation mechanism, structure-activity relationship, and reactivity pattern, and finally develop new reaction or catalytic systems based on these intermediates. We pursue “privileged” reactive intermediates in organic and organometallic chemistry that link to a broad range of useful transformations in the long term.

In addition to common methods for mechanistic study, we are much interested in spectroscopic methods in physical organic chemistry. In collaboration with the colleagues at the Center of Basic Molecular Science, we are able to apply time-resolved spectroscopy (UV-vis, fluorescent, IR, and EPR) in our concurrent research.

Our specific research interests include: