Ryōji Noyori

野依記念物質科学研究館 名古屋大学東山地区

野依記念学術交流館a

Study with a fresh and straightforward mind! Ryoji Noyori

Pre-Ceremony, 50th All-Japan Rugby Football Championship ‐03

Menthol synthesis

Ryōji Noyori (野依 良治, Noyori Ryōji, born September 3, 1938) is a distinguished Japanese chemist and a Nobel Laureate, recognized for his significant contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the area of asymmetric synthesis. His groundbreaking work has had profound implications in the development of new pharmaceuticals and materials with high specificity and efficiency.

Early Life and Education

Ryōji Noyori was born in Kobe, Japan. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the sciences, which led him to pursue a career in chemistry. He received his Bachelor's degree in 1961 and his Ph.D. in 1967, both from Kyoto University, where he studied under the tutelage of Professor Hajime Hirata. His doctoral research focused on the hydrogenation of aromatic compounds, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to asymmetric synthesis.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Noyori continued his research at Kyoto University and later took up positions at prestigious institutions abroad, including Harvard University and the University of Zurich. Upon returning to Japan, he joined Nagoya University, where he would make many of his most notable scientific contributions.

Noyori's research has primarily focused on the development of catalysts for asymmetric synthesis. He is best known for the Noyori asymmetric hydrogenation, a method that allows for the production of chiral molecules with high enantiomeric purity. This technique has become a cornerstone in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals, demonstrating the practical applications of his theoretical work.

In 2001, Ryōji Noyori was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with William S. Knowles and K. Barry Sharpless. The prize was given for their work on the development of chirally catalyzed hydrogenation reactions, which has been instrumental in the production of enantiomerically pure substances.

Later Work and Legacy

Beyond his research, Noyori has been a strong advocate for science education and policy. He has served in several advisory roles, including as the President of RIKEN, one of Japan's premier research institutions, where he has worked to foster interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Noyori's contributions to chemistry have been recognized with numerous awards and honors besides the Nobel Prize, including the Order of Culture from Japan, the Tetrahedron Prize, and the King Faisal International Prize in Science.

Selected Publications

Ryōji Noyori has authored numerous influential papers and books in the field of chemistry. Some of his most significant publications include works on asymmetric catalysis and the synthesis of organic compounds. His writings not only detail his scientific discoveries but also provide insights into the theoretical underpinnings of his methodologies.

Impact on Chemistry

Ryōji Noyori's work has had a lasting impact on the field of chemistry, particularly in the areas of organic synthesis and catalysis. His innovations have paved the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly chemical processes, highlighting the importance of chemistry in addressing global challenges.

See Also

• Asymmetric synthesis
• Catalysis
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Organic synthesis