Faculty

Atsushi Yagasaki

Major research fields

Chemistry of Molecular Oxide, Solution Chemistry

Professor Yagasaki's research efforts are focused on the chemistry of molecular oxides. He is interested in the behavior of these compounds in solution as well as the synthesis of new types of molecular oxides. He has isolated the first molecular antimony oxide [Sb8O12(OH)20]4- (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 12007) and opened up the gate to this new branch of inorganic chemistry (Inorg. Chem. 2001, 40, 2634). Efforts are also underway to elucidate solution dynamics and equilibria of molecular oxides (Inorg. Chem., 1996, 35, 5114; Chem. Commun., 2002, 1770) as well as the quest for novel type of structures that would link molecular and solid oxides (Inorg. Chem., 2004, 43, 6893; Inorg. Chem. 2005, 44, 9616). He is also famous for isolating the NO- anion for the first time in history (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2000, 122, 1239; Science, 2000, 287, 1557). His other major achievements include the synthesis of icosaniobate, which made the cover of the journal Inorganic Chemistry (Inorg. Chem. 2006, 45, 9608), and isolation of tetrahedral tellurate anion TeO42- (Inorg. Chem. 2008, 47, 1244). In short, he has been "rewriting" the textbooks of inorganic chemistry and will certainly continue to do so.

Projects like the ones just described rely on the development of new synthetic and analytical protocols. Therefore considerable effort is focused on adapting advanced analytical techniques such as solution mutinuclear NMR spectroscopy to new inorganic systems.

Professor Yagasaki is a man of many talents, and he has co-authored an English- Japanese dictionary. He also plays jazz organ semi-professionally. For further details, contact Dr. Atsushi Yagasaki at yagasaki@kwansei.ac.jp or 81(Japan)-79-565-9077 (FAX).

Major relevant publications

  1. Multinuclear NMR of Polyoxometalates Yagasaki, A.Kikan Kagaku Sosetsu, 1993, 20, 31-42.
  2. Cubane-Type Clusters as Potential Models for Inorganic Surfaces Isobe, K.; Yagasaki, A.Acc. Chem. Res., 1993, 26, 524-529.
  3. Methylated molybdoplatinate --- its unexpected ability to absorb methanol Ikegami, S.; Kani, K.; Ozeki, T.; Yagasaki, A.Chem. Commun. 2010, 46, 785-787.