Prof. Dr. Yang Li | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Distinguished Professor at Chongqing University, China

Prof. Yang Li is a distinguished professor in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chongqing University, China. With over two decades of experience in advanced organic chemistry, he has emerged as a global authority in aryne chemistry and biomimetic modeling of metalloenzymes. Prof. Li began his scientific journey in China and the United States, combining Western rigor with Eastern innovation. His research achievements, leadership in synthetic chemistry, and commitment to scientific excellence have garnered international recognition, making him a sought-after collaborator and speaker. He continues to push the boundaries of organic synthesis with creativity, depth, and academic integrity.

Profile

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Education

Prof. Li’s academic path reflects a deep commitment to chemistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Jilin University in 2000, studying under prominent chemists Prof. Ruren Xu and Prof. Jihong Yu. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Georgia (2000–2006), mentored by Prof. George Majetich, where he developed a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry. These formative years laid the groundwork for his later innovation in aryne-based methodologies and biomimetic modeling. His academic training has shaped his research focus and equipped him with the tools to pioneer new concepts in molecular synthesis.

Experience

After completing his Ph.D., Prof. Li expanded his expertise through prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Toronto (2006–2009) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2009–2012), collaborating with world-renowned scientists like Prof. Stephen J. Lippard, Prof. Vy M. Dong, and Prof. Datong Song. In 2012, he returned to China as an assistant professor at Chongqing University, rising to full professorship by 2017. Throughout his career, Prof. Li has demonstrated consistent excellence in academic leadership, mentoring young researchers, managing high-impact research projects, and building interdisciplinary collaborations that contribute to national and global advances in chemical sciences.

Research Interest

Prof. Li’s research spans two major domains: synthetic organic chemistry—particularly aryne chemistry—and biomimetic modeling of metalloenzymes with multinuclear metal centers. He has pioneered novel aryne functionalization strategies, enabling selective trifunctionalization and multi-bond-forming cascade processes that challenge conventional reaction paradigms. His group also explores the chemical modeling of enzyme systems to understand complex biological transformations through small-molecule analogues. These areas converge in their focus on mechanistic insights and innovation, with implications for materials science, catalysis, and drug discovery. His work continues to redefine the possibilities of reactive intermediates and offers practical applications in industrial and medicinal chemistry.

Award

Prof. Li’s scientific excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. In 2023, he received the First Prize of the Chongqing Natural Science Award for his pioneering contributions to aryne chemistry. He was named one of Chongqing’s Academic and Technical Leaders in 2019. Internationally, he received the Lectureship Awards from the Asian Core Program in both Singapore and Thailand in 2018. In addition, the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award in 2016 honored his research originality. These accolades reflect the breadth and impact of his contributions to synthetic methodology, mentorship, and cross-border academic exchange in the chemical sciences.

Publications Top Notes

Prof. Li has authored several high-impact papers in premier journals. Select publications include:

1. “Synthesis of Highly Strained para-Cyclophanes” – highly cited for ring-expansion sigmatropic rearrangements.

2. “Switchable Chemoselective Aryne Reactions” – noted for advancing pericyclic selectivity.

3. “1,2-Benzdiyne Precursors” – recognized for ortho-elimination strategies.

4. “Benzyne Insertion into Se=O Bond” – impactful in cascade chemistry.

5.  “Aryne 1,4-Disubstitution” – widely cited for rearrangement processes.

6.  “Photo-Nazarov Cyclization” – cited for tandem benzyne functionalization.

7. Org. Lett. 2022 – “Triaryl selenonium Synthesis” – appreciated for novel Se-based insertions.

Conclusion

Prof. Yang Li is a visionary organic chemist whose career embodies innovation, scholarship, and international leadership. From fundamental mechanistic studies to inventive applications of aryne chemistry, his work has shaped the direction of modern synthetic methodology. His award-winning contributions, prolific publication record, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of chemists affirm his standing as a thought leader in the field. Prof. Li’s achievements make him an outstanding nominee for any prestigious scientific award recognizing excellence in research and academic leadership. He continues to impact the global chemistry community through knowledge creation, collaboration, and discovery.