Lu Liu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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.