Chemistry: The Joy of Creating Molecules That Don't Yet Exist

We have named our course "Molecular Creation Chemistry."

This is because we "create new molecular skeletons that do not yet exist in the world with our own hands."

The compounds we create are unknown, with completely mysterious characteristics and physical properties.

That is precisely why our research is "free" and full of a spirit of adventure.

As of November 2021

Among the scientific fields that high school students study, chemistry has a unique characteristic. That is, only chemistry includes "things that do not yet exist in this world" as a subject of research. In physics, the current focus is on particle physics and the origins of the universe. In biology, it is the mechanisms of life and disease. In earth science, it is the composition of the Earth's crust and predictions of its future. All of these are disciplines that aim to unravel existing phenomena through human wisdom. In chemistry, we can manipulate bonding patterns at the atomic level to freely construct molecular skeletons. These molecules did not previously exist in the world, and we have no idea what properties they will exhibit until we create them. Chemistry offers the freedom to create new molecular skeletons, and with the goal of weaving new scientific phenomena from them, we engage in our daily research under the banner of "Molecular Creation Chemistry." I believe this overwhelming academic freedom is unique to chemistry. The life activities of all living organisms on Earth are the result of a series of well-orchestrated chemical reactions, much like an orchestra. Understanding chemical reactions from their molecular structures leads to an understanding of life phenomena, and also promotes an understanding of pharmacy, the study of how foreign molecules affect living organisms.

Traditionally, faculties of pharmacy have always had chemistry-based laboratories, continuing a long-standing tradition of valuing the study of molecular structures. I believe this is because the identity of pharmaceuticals is derived from their molecular structure, and understanding this is the first step to understanding medicine. Furthermore, if a newly created molecule is found to exhibit interesting physical properties, it could have ripple effects in the field of physics. The potential for collaboration with various fields is another attraction of Molecular Creation Chemistry, I think.

What first sparked my interest in chemistry were the structural formulas of organic compounds. From the first time I saw them in a high school textbook, I thought they were beautifully designed and elegant. After entering university, I became even more fascinated by how structure dictates properties. As you continue to research compounds, you learn to understand their properties just by looking at their structural formulas. You can also tell from the structural formula whether a compound is harmful or harmless in the body, or how a slight modification to a part of it can turn it into either a medicine or a poison. As you know, the 21st century is said to be the age of life sciences, and many people have a high interest in health. But is the health-related information flooding the web and social media correct? If you develop the ability to understand the essence from the original molecular structure, you will be able to make correct judgments. Unlike in the past, when people relied on traditional remedies, we now develop pharmaceuticals based on an understanding of their behavior in the body and intermolecular interactions at the molecular level. The classes at the Faculty of Pharmacy are numerous, but I believe they are all organically connected, with structural formulas at their foundation. Becoming familiar with the structure of compounds will surely deepen your understanding of pharmacy subjects.

What I want to convey to high school students is the joy of creating something with your own hands that does not yet exist in the world. In an age overflowing with vast amounts of information, where most things and experiences can be bought with money, there is something that only you can obtain. Moreover, it is the embodiment of your own ideas. I believe this is the most valuable experience one can have in today's world. All sciences are creative, but Molecular Creation Chemistry is an even more highly creative field of research among them. I would love for people who find fulfillment in grappling with the unknown to come to the Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy.