Makoto Fujita

June 12th, 2019, University of Zurich

Weak interactions induce the spontaneous organization of various biological structures. Such an elegant mechanism in nature has prompted us to design a nd establish self-assembling molecular systems. Thus, we have been showing that well-designed molecules are spontaneously organized into functional mol ecular systems.

1. Self-assembling molecular systems utilizing transition metals: The simple combination of transition metal geometry with well-designed bridging ligands gives rise to the quantitative self-assembly of nano-sized, discrete organic frameworks. Representative examples include square molecules, linked-ring m olecules, cages, capsules, and tubes that are self-assembled from simple and small components.

2. Chemistry of isolated nano-space: The metal-directed self-assembly of nan o-meter sized frameworks gives us an opportunity to develop the chemistry of "isolated nano-space". For example, stabilization of labile molecules, spec ific chemical transformations, and the synthesis of labile molecules have be en achieved within the cavities of the self-assembled cages and capsules.

3. Coordination polymers: The metal-directed self-assembly has been also applied to the preparation of non-covalent polymers with well-defined structures and interesting properties.

1980: B.S. Faculty of Engineering, Chiba University　
1982: M.S. Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University
1987: Ph.D.Tokyo Institute of Technology
1982-1987: Research Fellow at Sagami Chemical Research Center
1988-1991: Assistant Professor at Faculty of Engineering, Chiba University　
1991-1994: Lecture at the same university
1994-1997: Associate Professor at the same university
1997-1999: Associate Professor at Institute of Molecular Science　　
1999-2002: Professor at Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University
2002-present: Professor at School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

2012-2013: Visiting Professor at Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)

2018-: Distinguished Professor at Division of Advanced Molecular Science, Institute for Molecular Science (IMS)
2018: Distinguished Emeritus Professor, Chiba University

1997-2013: Project Leader of JST-CREST
2012-2017: Project Leader of Grant-in-Aid for Specially Promoted Research
2014-present: Project Leader of JST ACCEL