"Catalytic Aziridination of Electron-Deficient Olefins with N-Chloro-N-sodiocarbamate and Application of This Novel Method to Asymmetric Synthesis"
Satoshi Minakata,* Yuta Murakami, Ryoji Tsuruoka, Shinsuke Kitanaka, and Mitsuo Komatsu
Chem. Commun. 2008, 6363-6365. DOI: 10.1039/b812978a

Abstract: A new method for the aziridination of electron-deficient olefins using an N-chloro-N-sodio carbamate is described; the reaction was promoted by phase-transfer catalysis (solid–liquid) and afforded aziridines from α,β-unsaturated ketones, esters, sulfones and amides.

"Inclusion of C₆₀ into MCM-41 by Solvophobic Nature"
Satoshi Minakata,* Ryoji Tsuruoka, and Mitsuo Komatsu
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 1536-1537. DOI: 10.1021/ja077114w

Abstract: Conventional method of incorporation of organic molecules to inorganic porous materials requires high temperature and highly reduced pressure. An efficient process that avoids the serious technical problems is strongly desired. In this study, our group reports an unprecedented method for the efficient combination of C₆₀ with MCM-41. The concept of the method is based on the solvophobic interaction between a nonpolar solute and an inorganic solid surface in a polar solvent. Very high levels (26 wt %) of C₆₀ in MCM-41 were achieved using this method. Strong evidence for intrachannel inclusion was provided by the measurement of various characteristics of the resulting composites.

"Ionic Introduction of an N₁ Unit to C₆₀ and Unique Rearrangement of Aziridinofullerene"
Satoshi Minakata,* Ryoji Tsuruoka, Toshiki Nagamachi, and Mitsuo Komatsu
Chem. Commun. 2008, 323-325. DOI: 10.1039/b715348a

* Selected as the "Inside Cover" of the issue (Jan 21, 2008)!

Abstract: A new chloramine-based aziridination of C₆₀ and unique rearrangement of aziridinofullerene to azafulleroid is described. The ionic introduction of an N₁ unit to C₆₀ via an addition–cyclization mechanism was first achieved under mild conditions; the combination of chloramine and MS4A resulted in the promising rearrangement of aziridinofullerene to azafulleroid, and the isomerization could be performed catalytically.

"Novel Fluorescent Aluminum ComplexesBased on N-Hydroxy-3,6-diaryl-4-phenyl-2-pyridone Ligands"
Satoshi Minakata,* Hiroshi Inada, Mitsuo Komatsu, Hirotake Kajii, Yutaka Ohmori,* Manabu Tsumura, and Kiyoyuki Namura
Chem Lett. 2008, 37, 248-249. DOI:10.1246/cl.2008.248

Abstract: Novel fluorescent aluminium complexes of N-hydroxy-3,6-diaryl-4-phenyl-2-pyridone derivatives were synthesized and their fluorescent properties were investigated. The complexes having a trifluoromethyl group and a methoxy group at the para-position on the 3- and 6-phenyl groups exhibit purple fluorescence in the solid state.