Smart Chemistry, Better Life
The IUPAC-2015 World Chemistry Congress in Busan
August 9-14, 2015 • Busan, South Korea
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Introduction: A Gathering of Molecular Minds
In the vibrant summer of 2015, the global chemistry community converged on the bustling port city of Busan, South Korea, for a landmark event—the 45th IUPAC World Chemistry Congress. Under the compelling theme "Smart Chemistry, Better Life," this prestigious gathering transformed into a dynamic marketplace of ideas, where scientific innovations were showcased and collaborations were born 1 .
3,620+
Scientists
74
Countries
131
Symposia
Global Convergence in Busan: Where Science Met Culture
Venue
The Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) served as the perfect backdrop for this scientific festival, its modern facilities accommodating 20 concurrent sessions featuring 131 symposia covering the entire spectrum of chemical sciences 1 .
Scientific Tracks:
- Physical Chemistry
- Molecular Synthesis
- Material for Energy and Environment
- Chemistry of Life
- Green Chemistry for World Needs
- Women in Chemistry
Completing the Puzzle: New Elements Join the Periodic Table
One of the most significant announcements to emerge from the Congress discussions was the verification of four new chemical elements with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117, and 118 4 . This completion of the periodic table's seventh row marked a historic milestone in chemistry.
Verification Process
These superheavy elements do not occur naturally and must be synthesized in particle accelerators through complex nuclear reactions. Moreover, they decay within fractions of a second into hitherto unknown isotopes of slightly lighter elements, which themselves needed unequivocal identification 4 .
Cross-Coupling Reactions: Building Molecular Bridges
Nobel-Winning Methodology
Among the congress's highlights was Nobel laureate Professor Akira Suzuki's plenary lecture on cross-coupling reactions utilizing organoborones—a methodology that has revolutionized how chemists construct carbon-carbon bonds 1 3 .
Key Features:
- Efficient carbon-carbon bond formation
- Exceptional versatility
- Precise control over molecular architecture
- Fewer toxic byproducts
- Higher atom economy
The Suzuki Reaction Process
1. Preparation of Reactants
Selection and preparation of an organoboron compound (typically a boronic acid) and an organic halide.
2. Catalyst System Setup
Preparation of a palladium-based catalyst along with a base such as sodium carbonate.
3. Reaction Conditions
Reactants, catalyst, and base are combined in an appropriate solvent and heated under controlled temperatures.
4. Monitoring & Isolation
Reaction progress tracked using analytical techniques; product isolated and purified.
5. Characterization
Comprehensive analysis using NMR, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
Applications of Suzuki Reaction
Pharmaceutical Development
Enabling synthesis of complex drug molecules with precise stereochemical control.
Materials Science
Facilitating creation of conjugated polymers for OLEDs and molecular electronics.
The Scientist's Toolkit: Research Reagent Solutions
Modern chemical research relies on specialized materials and reagents that enable precise manipulation of matter at the molecular level. The presentations at IUPAC-2015 highlighted several crucial components of the contemporary chemist's toolkit.
| Reagent/Material | Function | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| Palladium catalysts | Facilitate bond formation between carbons | Cross-coupling reactions |
| Organoboron compounds | Serve as nucleophilic coupling partners | Suzuki reaction precursors |
| Ligands (e.g., phosphines) | Modulate catalyst activity & selectivity | Tunable reaction systems |
| Specialized solvents | Provide reaction medium | Anhydrous conditions for air-sensitive reactions |
| Analytical standards | Enable accurate quantification | Calibration of instruments |
| Boron compounds | Act as versatile intermediates | Carbon-carbon bond formation |
Recognizing Excellence: Awards and Future Generations
Distinguished Women in Chemistry
The 2015 Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering award was presented to twelve exceptional female scientists, acknowledging their groundbreaking work across various subdisciplines 3 .
Carmen Nájera
University of Alicante, Spain
Maki Kawai
RIKEN and University of Tokyo, Japan
Young Chemists Awards
The 2015 IUPAC-SOLVAY International Award for Young Chemists recognized five exceptional recent Ph.D. graduates for their groundbreaking dissertation research 7 .
Legacy and Future Directions: Chemistry's Evolving Landscape
As the Congress concluded with Professor Suzuki's plenary lecture on boron compounds in C-C bond formation, participants left with a renewed sense of chemistry's potential to address global challenges 1 .
Open Science Initiatives
Presentations about emerging platforms like the Chemotion repository highlighted efforts to address challenges in storing and sharing research data in feasible, discipline-specific ways 6 .
FAIR Principles Implementation:
- Findable research data
- Accessible to researchers worldwide
- Interoperable across systems
- Reusable for future studies
Sustainable Development Goals
The Congress underscored chemistry's critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations.
Chemistry's Contribution to SDGs:
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Climate action
- Life below water and on land
Looking Forward
As the curtain fell on the Busan Congress, attention turned to the future—specifically to IUPAC 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil, where the continuing evolution of chemistry would again take center stage 3 .
References
References will be listed here.