"Heterocyclic nuclei have been found in the wide variety of chemicals such as pharmaceutical agents, agrochemicals, and functional materials. The most of commonly used procedures of heterocyclic syntheses, however, require 1) harsh reaction conditions, 2) multiple reaction processes, and 3) stoichiometric amounts of activated reagents. From the viewpoint of environmentally benign organic synthesis, it is critical to develop novel and efficient procedures of heterocyclic synthesis. On the other hand, transition metal-catalyzed formations of carbon-carbon and carbon-hetero atom bonds proceed with atom economy under the mild conditions. Recently, various metal catalysts have been found to activate consecutive bond formations in a single step. Such consecutive metal-catalyzed processes provide not only short-step syntheses with no involvement of workup and isolation of many intermediates but clean and atom economical procedures. Thus, toward novel and efficient procedures of heterocyclic synthesis, we undertake the research on the consecutive catalytic processes. Our recent works are as follows:
a) Rh(I) or Au(I)-catalyzed domino synthesis of heterocyclic compounds based on Claisen rearrangement
b) Lewis acid or Brønsted-catalyzed domino synthesis of heterocyclic compounds based on hetero-enyne metathesis
c) Metal-free oxidative cyclization for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds concomitantly with the incorporation of oxygen functional groups into side chains"

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We, the tenure-track faculty members, are allowed to receive the high budget with less administrative duties for a certain period so that we can start up our own researches in our independent laboratories. Although we will undergo tenure reviews twice, we do not have to get a limited number of tenure appointments competitively. Our post-approval positions are provided under this program, and thus we are able to win tenure depending on our efforts. Such a great program encourages us to carry out our research activities.

Since organic synthesis reactions based on consecutive catalytic processes have been attracted, such reactions are critical to be applied to the heterocyclic syntheses for the efficient supplies of valuable chemicals. Thus, the present researches would be promoted to lead interesting results and great outcomes. As one of faculty members, I would do my best job of education to produce people who are active in the modern society.