Winners of the 2024 Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards

Dr. Guangbin Dong has established an original and creative research program in the development of new catalytic methods for the activation and subsequent functionalization of inert chemical bonds. In particular, his work on catalytic C–C bond activation, palladium (Pd)/norbornene cooperative catalysis, and atom-efficient carbonyl functionalization has had a significant impact on synthetic chemistry. These innovative research achievements have contributed to the development of green chemistry processes and have the potential to make a significant impact in fields such as pharmaceutical and natural product synthesis, leading to this award.

Using unique catalysis based on nickel (Ni) and palladium (Pd), Dr.  Keary M. Engle has achieved innovative functionalization of unactivated alkenes, including 1,2-difunctionalization, C(alkenyl)-H functionalization and conjunctive cross-coupling. These highly controlled reactions are facilitated by specially designed directing groups or, in some cases, even in their absence. Many of the novel Ni(0) pre-catalysts developed by his group have been commercialized and are now widely used in various catalytic applications. These significant contributions to the field of catalysis science make him a deserving recipient of the Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award for Creative Work in 2024.

Dr. Ming Joo Koh has developed directing group-free selective cross-coupling and functionalization reactions of alkenes catalyzed by complexes of earth abundant metals such as iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). Furthermore, he has also expanded his research into C-glycosylation using Fe- and Ni-catalysts and has succeeded in synthesizing a variety of unique sugar derivatives. Further developments are expected in future.