SOS ECAB: Meet Dr. Tomohiro Hattori
Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board (SOS ECAB)
Meet the members of the Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board for 2025-2027!
Find out from the interview below, which field of organic chemistry they are most interested in and why, which chemist would they like to meet, which challenges they see for young upcoming chemists and how to handle them, and last but not least: what they do to relax after a busy day!
Six Questions to Dr. Tomohiro Hattori
1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?
Now, I focus on peptide synthetic chemistry. We have reported some results in recent years, but there are so much unknown areas, and very exciting. So, I am most interested in this field of peptide chemistry.
2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be
We have recently discovered chemoselective peptide bond formation between unprotected amino acids (as of 2024). This method is expected to be useful in the future, as it allows us to break free from the protecting groups that are essential in conventional methods.
3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?
Relaxing in hot spring and going shopping with my family are special time for me.
4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?
Robert Merrifield!! He is a pioneer in the development of the first solid-phase synthesis, which is used in practice today. I would like to know the motivation behind the precision research with equipment and analytical techniques that were available more than half a century ago.
5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?
Organic compounds are used in all situations in medicine, agriculture, and engineering, etc. Therefore, the development of efficient reactions and the synthesis of new compounds will continue to enrich human life.
6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips
I am myself one of those researchers under growing. Therefore, I would love to hear the answer to this question from a great researcher such as one from the Thieme Chemistry Family! Anyway, my point of view: I hope there will be a flexible environment where young researchers can have their own independent laboratories.
Learn More about the SOS ECAB
The Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board (ECAB) is a 3-year program to help promote young talented chemists. Learn more about the members of our current SOS ECAB.