Development of technology to distinguish and separate the handedness of molecules.
Nanotechnology (Saitama University Research Seed Collection 2025-25 p.111)
Keywords: Organic synthesis chemistry, chiral chemistry, optical resolution, organic crystals, supramolecular chemistry, liquid crystals, gels.
Just as humans have right-handed and left-handed preferences, the molecular world also contains right-handed and left-handed molecules (enantiomers). In applications such as food, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances, these left and right molecules can exhibit completely different effects, making the technology for separating mixtures into their respective enantiomers (optical resolution) important. While the technology of optical resolution has been known for a long time, systematic research on it is relatively scarce worldwide. Therefore, we are conducting research to make optical resolution a more user-friendly technology. For example, traditional methods often faced the problem of successfully obtaining only one type of molecule, either left or right. However, we have found a method that allows us to obtain both enantiomers simply by changing the solvent used. Additionally, we are working on developing methods to separate compounds that have been difficult to separate until now at a low cost, aiming to advance research towards methods that combine separation efficiency, versatility, and economic viability.
Inquire About This Product
basic information
Koichi Kodama, Associate Professor Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Material Science, Material Function Area 【Recent Research Themes】 ● Development of gelling agents for water and oil ● Chemical synthesis using carbon dioxide ● Development of polymer materials utilizing liquid crystalline compounds ● Application of various enantiomers in asymmetric synthesis reactions
Price range
Delivery Time
Applications/Examples of results
【Appeal Points to the Industry】 ● We have accumulated extensive knowledge regarding the feasibility of optical resolution. ● In principle, any compound has the potential for optical resolution. ● It is suitable for industrial processes as it can be synthesized on a large scale at a low cost. ● We have filed related patents. 【Examples of Practical Use, Applications, and Utilization】 ● Optical resolution of carboxylic acids and amines ● Optical resolution of neutral compounds such as alcohols and nitriles ● Optical resolution of hydrocarbons and their application to liquid crystal helical inducing agents ● Identification of enantiomers using gels
Detailed information
-
Solvent-induced optical separation method
catalog（1）
Download All Catalogs
Company information
The Saitama University Open Innovation Center is a center that functions as a liaison office for industry-academia-government collaboration. It consists of three departments: the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Department, the Intellectual Property Department, and the Startup Support Department, each staffed with coordinators well-versed in various fields. The center's activities include solving technical challenges in companies, supporting the implementation of joint research, and conducting technology transfer aimed at introducing and utilizing Saitama University's intellectual property.