Agricultural Improvement

Photochromism refers to the phenomenon in which a single chemical species reversibly forms two isomers of different colors under the action of light without changing the molecular weight. Also, two isomers are molecules with different properties. Succeeded in creating a hexatriene-based photochromic compound that undergoes a cyclization reaction with 100% stereoselectivity and a compound with a ring-closing quantum yield of almost 1. In addition, in the biradical-generating photochromic compound HABI, which suppresses dissipation, we created an ultra-fast photocoloring and decoloring reaction system. Utilizing two-dimensional microphase separation due to photoreaction of liquid crystal polymers with azobenzene side chains, we succeeded in optically controlling the morphology and orientation of thin films. We created a light-driven polymer motor that converts light energy directly into mechanical energy using an elastomer film containing azobenzene. In addition, we succeeded in controlling the planar asymmetry by photoisomerization reaction, and controlling the magnetism and superconducting properties of metal nanoparticles and thin films. We will discover new systems of photochromic single crystals and fibers capable of photoreversible shape control. We present the mechanism of reversible deformation of diarylethene single crystals by light, the estimation of generated stress, and the possibility of light-driven actuators. In addition, we succeeded in optical control of water repellency and hydrophilicity of the surface of diarylethene single crystal, and optical control of metal deposition selectivity on the thin film surface. Furthermore, as one of the ultimate performances, we have achieved control of photocoloring/photobleaching with single-wavelength light using multiphoton absorption. Research area name: Investigation of photochromism and creation of mechanical functions. Research period: 2004-2007. Representative: Professor 'Masahiro IRIE' (Then Rikkyo University Faculty of Science Specially Appointed Professor) Currently Professor Emeritus, Kyushu UniversityHistory: 1988 Society of Polymer Science Award,1993 Photochemistry Society Award, 1995 Da Vinci Prize (French LVMH Foundation), 2005 Chemical Society of Japan Prize, 2007 Mukai Prize, 2007 Medal with Purple Ribbon, 2008 Theodor Foerster Prize (German Chemical Society), 2014 Porter Medal, 2017 Order of the Sacred Treasure, Light Drive Development of molecular diarylethene: cis-ethylene (C10H16O4: InChI: InChI = 1S/C10H16O4/c1-3-7-13-9(11)5-6-10(12)14-8-4-2/h5-6H, 3-4,7-8H2, 1-2H3/b6-5-, InChI key：DSTWFRCNXMNXTR-WAYWQWQTSA-N, SMILES： Compounds with a ring (aryl group) change from an open ring structure to a closed ring structure when exposed to ultraviolet light (UV). When visible light (Vis) is irradiated, it returns to its original state.

On February 28, 2022, Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki, who are persimmon farmers living in Ishimaki, Toyohashi City, won the Minister of Agriculture, Fo...