Prof. Dr. Liangbin Huang | Synthesis – South China University of Technology, China
Prof. Liangbin Huang is a distinguished scientist in the field of catalysis and organic synthesis, currently serving as a professor at South China University of Technology. His research primarily focuses on the green and efficient synthesis of functional molecules, including drug compounds and optoelectronic materials. Additionally, he explores catalytic conversion and the value-added utilization of biomass, aiming to contribute to sustainable chemical processes. With a strong academic background and numerous accolades, Prof. Huang has established himself as a leading researcher in his domain.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Huang earned his Ph.D. from South China University of Technology in 2013, where he conducted extensive research on transition metal-catalyzed oxidative functionalization of alkenes under the supervision of Prof. Huanfeng Jiang. Prior to this, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology in 2008. His academic journey laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to catalysis and organic chemistry, equipping him with the skills and knowledge to advance chemical synthesis methodologies.
Experience
Prof. Huang has a rich and diverse professional background, including multiple prestigious postdoctoral positions. From 2013 to 2016, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Technische Universität Kaiserslautern in Germany, supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, where he worked under Prof. Lukas J. Gooßen on catalytic reactions involving carboxylic acids. He then moved to the United States, joining the University of Rochester and later the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a postdoctoral researcher under Prof. Daniel J. Weix, specializing in reductive cross-coupling and bimetallic catalysis. In 2018, he began his independent career as a professor at South China University of Technology, where he continues to make groundbreaking contributions to organic synthesis and catalysis.
Research Interests
Prof. Huang’s research is centered on innovative catalytic methodologies for the synthesis of valuable molecules. His primary focus areas include the green and efficient synthesis of drug molecules and optoelectronic materials, as well as the catalytic conversion of biomass into high-value chemicals. His work leverages transition metal catalysis, C–H activation, and novel reaction mechanisms to achieve efficient and sustainable chemical transformations. Through his research, he aims to develop environmentally friendly processes that enhance the synthesis of complex organic molecules with high selectivity and yield.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Huang has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to organic chemistry. In 2019, he was honored with the First Prize of the Natural Science Award of the Ministry of Education as the second recipient. He was also selected for the “Thousand Talents Plan” Youth Project in 2018, recognizing his exceptional research capabilities. In 2014, he was awarded a research fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and received the Guangdong Province Outstanding Doctoral Thesis award. Additionally, in 2011, he was granted the “Academic Scholarship Award for Excellent Doctoral Students” by the Ministry of Education.
Selected Publications
-
Pd-Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Chloride, Isocyanides, and Thiocarboxylate to Synthesize Thioamides (2025) – Org. Lett. 📖
-
Ruthenium-Catalyzed Meta-Alkylation of (Hetero)aromatic Acids with Pyridinium Salts (2025) – ACS Catal. 🔬
-
Nickel-Catalyzed C-O Bond Cleavage of Silylenol Ether for Divergent Synthesis of Aryl Alkenes (2025) – Org. Chem. Front. ⚛️
-
Quasi-Homogeneous Photocatalysis in Ultrastiff Microporous Polymer Aerogels (2024) – J. Am. Chem. Soc. 🌟
-
Ligand-Enabled Ruthenium-Catalyzed Meta-C−H Alkylation of (Hetero)Aromatic Carboxylic Acids (2024) – Nature Communications 🏅
-
Cobalt-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Alkynyl Sulfides with Unactivated Chlorosilanes (2024) – Nature Communications ⚗️
-
Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Alkenes by Rhodium-Catalyzed Regioselective Cyano Transfer (2024) – Org. Lett. 📑
Conclusion
Prof. Liangbin Huang is an accomplished chemist whose work has significantly impacted the field of organic synthesis and catalysis. With a strong educational background, extensive research experience, and a deep commitment to advancing sustainable chemistry, he continues to lead groundbreaking studies in green and efficient chemical processes. His numerous awards and high-impact publications underscore his influence and contributions to modern organic chemistry. As a professor at South China University of Technology, he remains at the forefront of innovative research, inspiring future generations of scientists in the field of catalysis and synthetic chemistry.