Transition Metal-Free Arylations with Hypervalent Iodine: Pathways to Sustainable Synthesis
Please describe the research you are conducting at R-GIRO.
Aryl and heteroaryl groups are central motifs in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and advanced functional materials. Conventional approaches to forming aromatic–heteroatom bonds typically require harsh conditions and expensive transition-metal catalysts and ligands. While effective, these strategies are often incompatible with sensitive functional groups and raise economic and environmental concerns. To address these limitations, my research focuses on developing transition metal-free arylation methodologies mediated by diaryliodonium salts. These reagents exhibit exceptional reactivity, chemoselectivity, and tolerance toward sensitive functionalities, which makes them uniquely powerful for advancing organic synthesis.
Our studies demonstrate efficient arylation of diverse carbon- and heteroatom-based nucleophiles under metal-free conditions. Interestingly, I have developed a metal-free protocol for O-arylation of amides. The chemoselective O- versus N-arylation of amides can be tuned by varying the electronic and/or steric properties of the diaryliodonium salt and/or the amide substrate.
Building upon this, I propose using ortho-functionalized iodonium salts for sequential transformations to access heterocycles of pharmaceutical relevance, such as benzisoxazolone derivatives. Through systematic optimization of reaction conditions and substrate scope, this work aims to establish sustainable methodologies for rapid and selective construction of bioactive compounds.
Earlier studies with diaryliodonium salts have relied on transition-metal catalysts or metal bases to promote the reactions. I aim to move beyond these limitations by designing diaryliodonium salts with tailored counteranions capable of directly activating nucleophiles, enabling metal- and additive-free transformations under benign conditions.
Ultimately, this research is going to highlight the potential of hypervalent iodine reagents as sustainable, broadly applicable platforms for constructing complex molecular architectures with enhanced efficiency, selectivity, and environmental compatibility.
Overview of current arylation methods and prospects for future discovery
Why did you decide to become a researcher?
My decision to become a researcher was shaped by a combination of curiosity, creativity, and a pivotal realization of chemistry’s transformative power. From an early stage in my academic journey, I was fascinated by how simple molecular changes could dramatically alter biological activity or material properties. The moment that truly sparked my interest came during my undergraduate studies, when I first encountered the field of organic synthesis. I was struck by how the construction of a single bond could serve as the key step in building life-saving drugs or advanced functional materials. The precision and creativity required reminded me of both science and art, and I knew then that I wanted to contribute to this field.
Another defining experience was working in a research lab for the first time. Unlike coursework, research demanded critical thinking, patience, and problem-solving in the face of uncertainty. I vividly remember the satisfaction of successfully designing a synthetic route and confirming the product through spectroscopy—it was a small achievement, but it gave me a sense of discovery unlike anything else that had come before.
I decided to pursue research as a career because it combines intellectual challenge with real-world impact. It allows me to explore fundamental questions while also addressing pressing global issues such as sustainability and healthcare. The idea that my work could provide tools for other scientists, or contribute to greener and more efficient ways of making medicines, continues to inspire me. In short, my path toward research was guided by curiosity, crystallized by experience, and sustained by a deep sense of purpose.
What drives your research, and what goals are you working toward?
The future of chemical synthesis must be shaped by sustainability, efficiency, and broad applicability. For me, developing metal-free arylation methodologies is not simply an academic pursuit but part of a larger commitment to greener chemistry and sustainable innovation. In an era where environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly urgent, I see it as a moral and professional responsibility to ensure that chemical research aligns with sustainability goals. This is why my work deliberately focuses on eliminating dependence on scarce metals, minimizing additives, and leveraging reagents such as diaryliodonium salts that provide both efficiency and versatility.
I would also like to highlight my passion for mentorship and collaboration. Research is not a solitary endeavour; it thrives on teamwork, diverse perspectives, and shared goals. Throughout my academic experiences, I have valued opportunities to guide junior students in the lab, help them understand challenging concepts, and see their own curiosity grow. These interactions not only strengthen my leadership and communication skills but also remind me that scientific progress is as much about people as it is about discoveries.
Finally, I want to emphasize my long-term vision. Beyond developing methodologies, I aspire to contribute to a scientific culture that values creativity, responsibility, and inclusivity. I believe that chemistry has the potential to address global challenges—whether in medicine, sustainability, or technology—and I am dedicated to ensuring that my work plays a meaningful role in that mission. In sharing this, I hope to convey not only what I do, but also why I do it and the values that drive me.
Discussing the current project with Master’s and PhD students.
Interview conducted in October 2025.
参加しているプロジェクト：
物質の時空間制御を実現する有機資源の有効利用
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