Lu Liu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lu Liu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lu Liu | East China Normal University | China

Dr. Lu Liu, is a distinguished chemist specializing in organic synthesis and catalysis. He completed his BS and PhD at East China Normal University (ECNU) under the supervision of Prof. Junliang Zhang. Following postdoctoral research with Prof. Hong Wang at Miami University, he returned to ECNU in 2013 as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor. His research focuses on selective metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization and asymmetric catalysis. A prolific scholar with numerous publications in high-impact journals, he continues to contribute significantly to advancing modern synthetic chemistry.

Profile

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Education

Lu Liu pursued his academic journey at East China Normal University (ECNU), where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. With strong interest in organic chemistry, he continued his doctoral studies at the same institution under the supervision of Professor Junliang Zhang, receiving his PhD. His doctoral research laid a strong foundation in transition-metal catalysis and synthetic methodologies. To expand his expertise, he undertook postdoctoral research with Professor Hong Wang at Miami University, USA. This combination of rigorous training in China and international experience has shaped his solid background in cutting-edge chemical sciences.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Lu Liu began his academic career after completing his postdoctoral research in the United States. He joined East China Normal University (ECNU) as an associate professor, where he actively developed his independent research program. Recognized for his innovative contributions, he was promoted to full professor in 2016. Over the years, he has supervised graduate students, published extensively in leading journals, and collaborated with renowned researchers worldwide. His expertise in metal-catalyzed reactions and asymmetric catalysis has positioned him as a leader in the field. He continues to combine research excellence with teaching and academic mentorship at ECNU.

Research Focus

Lu Liu’s research centers on the development of efficient and selective catalytic strategies for organic synthesis. His work emphasizes transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization, a transformative area in modern chemistry that allows direct modification of inert bonds. Additionally, he focuses on asymmetric catalysis, designing catalysts that achieve high enantioselectivity in complex molecular transformations. His studies not only expand the scope of fundamental catalysis but also provide sustainable solutions for pharmaceutical and material synthesis. Through innovative reaction design and mechanistic insights, his research aims to push the boundaries of synthetic methodologies, making significant contributions to green and functional chemistry.

Awards and Honors

Lu Liu’s academic excellence and research contributions have been recognized with notable honors. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious “Shanghai Pujiang Program,” which supports promising young scientists in advancing innovative research. His numerous publications in leading journals such as Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Angewandte Chemie reflect his global impact. He has also contributed to special issues like the Emerging Investigators Issue 2020. As a supervisor and mentor, his recognition extends beyond research, influencing the next generation of chemists. These achievements underscore his standing as a respected scientist in organic synthesis and catalysis.

Publications Top Notes

Copper-catalyzed chemoselective C–H functionalization/dearomatization sequence: direct access to indole-based spirocyclic scaffolds | Chemical Communications | 2025 | Yuting Zhao; Xin Ji; Yuanjing Xiao; Xingxing Wu; Lu Liu.

Highly chemo- and site-selective C(sp²)–H bond functionalization of aniline and phenol derivatives with aryl/aryl diazo compounds | Organic Chemistry Frontiers | 2025 | Yuzhu Wang; Xiaoyan Wei; Yinuo Chen; Yueyue Liu; Lu Liu.

Rh(II)-Catalyzed Tandem Reaction of 2-Trimethylsiloxy-pyridine and α-Trifluoromethyl Diazomethane: An Approach to Tetrasubstituted gem-Difluoro Olefins | European Journal of Organic Chemistry | 2024 | Guang-Hui Li; Xin-Yu Huang; Jun-Xi Lv; Xue-Di Zhao; Shengchao Yang; Lu Liu.

Regioselective Intermolecular Hydroamidation of β-CF₃-1,3-Enynamides: An Approach to Tri-Substituted γ-CF₃-Allenamides | European Journal of Organic Chemistry | 2024 | Yuxuan Cao; Zongxiang Yu; Yizhen Chen; Lu Liu; Yuanjing Xiao.

Modular Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Vinyl Sulfides via One-Pot Sequential Carbene Transfer Reaction from Thiols with α-Diazo Carbonyl Compounds | The Journal of Organic Chemistry | 2024 | Juncai Ma; Xun-Shen Liu; Xinyu Huang; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Innenrücktitelbild: Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement (Angew. Chem. 24/2024) | Angewandte Chemie | 2024 | Xin Ji; Chaoren Shen; Yuhao Ni; Zhi-Yao Si; Yuzhu Wang; Xinrong Zhi; Yuting Zhao; Huiling Peng; Lu Liu.

Inside Back Cover: Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 24/2024) | Angewandte Chemie International Edition | 2024 | Xin Ji; Chaoren Shen; Yuhao Ni; Zhi-Yao Si; Yuzhu Wang; Xinrong Zhi; Yuting Zhao; Huiling Peng; Lu Liu.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement | Angewandte Chemie International Edition | 2024 | Xin Ji; Chaoren Shen; Yuhao Ni; Zhi-Yao Si; Yuzhu Wang; Xinrong Zhi; Yuting Zhao; Huiling Peng; Lu Liu.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement | Angewandte Chemie | 2024 | Xin Ji; Chaoren Shen; Yuhao Ni; Zhi-Yao Si; Yuzhu Wang; Xinrong Zhi; Yuting Zhao; Huiling Peng; Lu Liu.

Frontispiece: Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes | Angewandte Chemie International Edition | 2023 | Dongdong Li; Chaoren Shen; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Frontispiz: Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes | Angewandte Chemie | 2023 | Dongdong Li; Chaoren Shen; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes | Angewandte Chemie International Edition | 2023 | Dongdong Li; Chaoren Shen; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes | Angewandte Chemie | 2023 | Dongdong Li; Chaoren Shen; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Theoretical Study on the Copper-Catalyzed ortho-Selective C–H Functionalization of Naphthols with α-Phenyl-α-Diazoesters | Molecules | 2023 | Xiaoli Zhu; Xun-Shen Liu; Fei Xia; Lu Liu.

A rhodium-catalyzed ylide formation/Smiles rearrangement reaction of chalcogenide ether and triazoles | Organic Chemistry Frontiers | 2023 | Jiafeng He; Xun-Shen Liu; Mingjia Li; Shaoting Peng; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Conclusion

Professor Lu Liu has established himself as a highly accomplished researcher in organic chemistry, with expertise spanning C–H functionalization and asymmetric catalysis. His career reflects a balance of rigorous education, international exposure, and impactful academic service at ECNU. Through groundbreaking publications and innovative research, he has significantly advanced catalytic methodology and its applications in sustainable synthesis. His recognition through awards and program funding further validates his contributions. With an active role in mentoring young scientists and expanding research frontiers, Lu Liu continues to be a leading figure, making him an excellent candidate for top research honors.

Yonghong Zhang | chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yonghong Zhang | chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yonghong Zhang, Xinjiang University, China.

🧪 Dr. Yonghong Zhang  is a Lecturer at Xinjiang University with expertise in organic chemistry, asymmetric catalysis, and supramolecular chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and conducted research at Peking University and East China Normal University. His work focuses on metal-catalyzed C-S bond formation, enantioselective synthesis, and green chemistry. As a principal investigator of multiple funded projects, he has made significant contributions to sustainable chemistry and molecular design. 🌿🔬

👨‍🎓Profile

Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yonghong Zhang is a distinguished researcher in organic chemistry, specializing in metal-catalyzed C-S bond formation, asymmetric catalysis, and supramolecular chemistry. His extensive academic journey spans esteemed institutions, including East China Normal University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, and Xinjiang University, under the mentorship of leading scientists. As a project chief for multiple national and postdoctoral research grants, he has significantly contributed to enantioselective synthesis, chiral fluorescent sensors, and ionic liquid applications. His innovative work in green chemistry and OLED materials highlights his profound impact on the field. Dr. Zhang’s dedication, research excellence, and scholarly contributions make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Yonghong Zhang has an extensive academic background in organic chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. from Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializing in asymmetric catalysis and chiral fluorescent sensors. He completed academic exchanges at East China Normal University and Peking University, refining his expertise in metal-catalyzed reactions and OLED materials. His Master’s degree from Xinjiang University focused on green chemistry and ionic liquids, following his Bachelor’s in Chemistry Education from Hexi University. 🎯

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Yonghong Zhang has been a Lecturer at Xinjiang University since 2014, contributing to research in organic chemistry and mentoring students. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with expertise in metal-catalyzed C-S bond formation, asymmetric catalysis, and supramolecular chemistry. He has held research positions at Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, East China Normal University, and Peking University, working on peptide synthesis, chiral fluorescent sensors, ionic liquids, and OLED materials. His contributions drive advancements in green chemistry and catalysis. 🚀

🔬Research Contributions  

Dr. Yonghong Zhang has made significant contributions to organic chemistry, focusing on metal-catalyzed C-S bond formation, asymmetric catalysis, and supramolecular chemistry. His research on homochiral oligopeptides, enantioselective synthesis, and chiral fluorescent sensors has advanced catalytic and sensing applications. He has also pioneered work in ionic liquids and green chemistry, promoting sustainable chemical processes. As the principal investigator in multiple nationally funded projects, his innovations in enantioselective reactions and novel ligand synthesis are highly impactful in pharmaceutical and material sciences. ⚗️🔬

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Yonghong Zhang has received prestigious research grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science. His contributions to enantioselective catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and green chemistry have been widely recognized in the scientific community. He has played a crucial role as a project chief, leading groundbreaking studies in organic synthesis and chiral ligand applications. His research excellence has earned him acknowledgment from top academic institutions and funding agencies, solidifying his reputation as a leading researcher in organic chemistry.

🔬✨Conclusion

Dr. Yonghong Zhang has made outstanding contributions to organic chemistry, particularly in asymmetric catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and metal-catalyzed bond formation. His leadership in research projects and dedication to scientific innovation make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🏆 Recognizing his achievements will further inspire excellence in chemical research. 🔥🔍

📚Publication Top Notes

🧪🔬A general and efficient approach for tuning the crystal morphology of classical MOFs

Authors: Changyan Guo, Yonghong Zhang, Yuan Guo, Liugen Zhang, Yi Zhang, Jide Wang

Year: 2018

⚛️💨An efficient approach for enhancing the catalytic activity of Ni-MOF-74 via a relay catalyst system for the selective oxidation of benzylic C–H bonds under mild conditions

Authors: Changyan Guo, Yonghong Zhang, Yi Zhang, Jide Wang

Year: 2018

♻️⚗️Reusable ionic liquid-catalyzed oxidative esterification of carboxylic acids with benzylic hydrocarbons via benzylic Csp3–H bond activation under metal-free conditions

Authors: Fen Mou, Yadong Sun, Weiwei Jin, Yonghong Zhang, Bin Wang, Zhiqing Liu, Lei Guo, Jianbin Huang, Chenjiang Liu

Year: 2017

🔋🌱Efficient selective catalytic oxidation of benzylic C H bonds by ZIF-67 under eco-friendly conditions

Authors: Changyan Guo, Yonghong Zhang, Xi Nan, Chao Feng, Yuan Guo, Jide Wang

Year: 2017

🧪🔥Highly Efficient Brønsted Acidic Ionic Liquid Promoted Direct Diazenylation of Pyrazolones with Aryltriazenes under Mild Conditions

Authors: Yonghong Zhang, Haiyan Hu, Chen-Jiang Liu, Dawei Cao, Bin Wang, Yadong Sun, Ablimit Abdukader

Year: 2016

💡🌟Ionic Liquid Promoted Diazenylation of N-Heterocyclic Compounds with Aryltriazenes under Mild Conditions

Authors: Dawei Cao, Yonghong Zhang, Chenjiang Liu, Bin Wang, Yadong Sun, Ablimit Abdukadera, Haiyan Hu, Qiang Liu

Year: 2016

🌱💧Ionic Liquid Promoted Diazenylation of N-Heterocyclic Compounds with Aryltriazenes under Mild Conditions

Authors: Dawei Cao, Yonghong Zhang, Chenjiang Liu, Bin Wang, Yadong Sun, Ablimit Abdukadera, Haiyan Hu, Qiang Liu

Year: 2016

🧪🔄Reusable ionic liquid-catalyzed oxidative coupling of azoles and benzylic compounds via sp3 C–N bond formation under metal-free conditions

Authors: Wenbo Liu, Chenjiang Liu, Yonghong Zhang, Yadong Sun, Ablimit Abdukadera, Bin Wang, He Li, Xuecheng Ma, Zengpeng Zhang

Year: 2015

🔧🔬Sulfide synthesis through copper-catalyzed C–S bond formation under biomolecule-compatible conditions

Authors: Yonghong Zhang, Yiming Li, Xiaomei Zhang, Xuefeng Jiang

Year: 2015

🧬💊Synthesis and secondary conformations of homochiral β-oligopeptides containing aryl side chains

Authors: Yonghong Zhang, Liangchun Li, Weicheng Yuan, Xiaomei Zhang

Year: 2015

🧠💡Enantioselective Recognition of Chiral Carboxylic Acids by a β-Amino Acid and 1,10-Phenanthroline Based Chiral Fluorescent Sensor

Authors: Yonghong Zhang, Fangzhi Hu, Bin Wang, Xiaomei Zhang, Chenjiang Liu

Year: 2015