A frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) refers to a combination of a sterically hindered Lewis acid and Lewis base that, due to spatial constraints, cannot form a stable adduct. This unique spatial separation endows FLP systems with remarkable reactivity, enabling them to activate a range of small molecules, such as CO₂ and H₂, under mild conditions. In recent years, FLPs have attracted significant attention for their ability to mediate small molecule transformations and asymmetric functionalization reactions, offering metal-free alternatives to traditional catalytic systems. Our research group is particularly interested in the diverse applications of FLP systems, and we are exploring their reactivity in the fields of CO₂ activation and asymmetric functionalization by employing a range of Lewis acid–Lewis base combinations, including phosphine–boron, nitrogen–boron, and sulfur–boron pairs.

Heterocyclic compounds are prevalent in pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules, making the development of efficient synthetic methodologies for their construction a critical area of research in organic chemistry. In our research group, we have successfully developed synthetic strategies for the preparation of 4-aryl-tetrahydroquinolines and 4-aryl-2-quinolones—two representative heterocycles—by leveraging the C–Cl bond activation ability of HFIP along with its capacity to stabilize cationic intermediates. Building on these results, we are currently working on developing additional methodologies for the synthesis of diverse heterocyclic frameworks.

Lead optimization is a crucial stage in the drug discovery process, where the chemical structure of a bioactive compound is refined to improve its potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties. This step is essential for transforming initial hits into viable drug candidates. Our research group is actively collaborates with biology laboratories. We are engaged in the design of bioactive molecules and the synthesis of compound libraries aimed at generating diverse drug-like molecules. Through these collaborative efforts, candidate compounds are subjected to biological screening, enabling the identification of promising lead compounds for further development.