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Inorganic chemistry handles a wide variety of atoms, which allows us to explore infinite possibilities in the structural design of materials. We synthesize inorganic compounds with new functions that are useful to the world, and conduct research to elucidate their essence using advanced measurement and analysis methods.
The valence electrons on the d orbitals of volvosite (Cu3V2O7(OH)2・2H2O) were elucidated by charge density analysis using synchrotron radiation single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The dx2-y2 orbital flipping phenomenon occupied by d9 electrons in the 3d orbital was successfully visualized directly. In this study, we demonstrated direct visualization of orbitals occupied by valence electrons by precise structural analysis using synchrotron radiation. It is expected to play an important role in elucidating the correlation between structure and function of materials in the future. (Joint research with Prof. Sawa, Nagoya University)
We not only succeeded in constructing a novel 8-membered Cu4I4 crown motif using a nickel dithiolate complex as a template, but also found that the dimensionality of the coordination polymer with this molecule as a unit can be controlled by selecting the counter cation, and determined its structure. The flexible Cu4I4 crown motif in this unit is suggested to capture atoms and molecules of various sizes through electrostatic interactions and may serve as a useful molecular adsorbent.
The Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory is located in Building C on the 4th floor of Building 22. It houses not only the room where students conduct synthesis and data analysis, but also the equipment necessary for the characterization of substances, for instance, UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis.), infrared spectrometer (IR), thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA), etc.