Prof. Dr. Zhixiang Xie | Organic Chemistry – Lanzhou University, China
Professor Zhixiang Xie is a highly accomplished researcher in the field of synthetic organic chemistry, specializing in total synthesis, biomimetic strategies, and advanced reaction methodologies. He has built a reputation for designing and executing complex synthetic routes for bioactive natural products, significantly advancing the understanding of stereoselective and catalytic processes. Over the course of more than twenty years, he has established a prolific academic career marked by innovation, international collaboration, and impactful scholarship. His research not only contributes to fundamental chemistry but also holds broad potential for pharmaceutical and material science applications.
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Education:
Professor Xie’s academic path began with rigorous training in chemical sciences, where he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in organic chemistry from a leading Chinese institution. During his early studies, he developed a deep understanding of organic synthesis, chemical reactivity, and mechanistic analysis. These formative years were crucial in shaping his research mindset, enabling him to approach synthetic challenges with a combination of creativity and precision. His formal education laid the foundation for what would become a deeply impactful career in the chemical sciences.
Experience:
Following his doctoral studies, Professor Xie undertook postdoctoral research at one of China’s premier research universities, collaborating with prominent figures in synthetic chemistry. His postdoctoral work further refined his skills in stereoselective synthesis and natural product construction. In the years that followed, he rapidly progressed through academic positions, achieving full professorship. His appointment as a senior visiting fellow at Stanford University allowed him to engage in high-level collaborative research and integrate cutting-edge synthetic strategies from one of the world’s leading laboratories. Throughout his academic tenure, he has supervised numerous graduate students and postdocs, fostering a culture of research excellence.
Research Interest:
Professor Xie’s research interests center around the total synthesis of structurally complex natural products, particularly those with antiviral, anticancer, and neuroprotective activity. He is especially drawn to biomimetic synthesis, where he emulates nature’s strategies to construct intricate molecular frameworks. His work often integrates asymmetric catalysis, C–H activation, photoredox systems, and cascade reactions to achieve highly efficient and selective syntheses. Additionally, he explores the design of new synthetic methodologies for building functional organic molecules, contributing to the fields of medicinal chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and molecular innovation.
Award:
Professor Xie’s exceptional research contributions have been recognized with several national and institutional honors. He was selected for the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University by the Ministry of Education, a prestigious award recognizing academic leadership and innovation. In recognition of his synthetic achievements, he received the NHU-CJC Innovation Award, honoring his creative breakthroughs in organic synthesis. Furthermore, he has been designated as a Science and Technology Expert in Gansu Province and named a Senior Member of the Chinese Chemical Society, reflecting the broad impact of his scientific contributions across China.
Publication:
📘 Asymmetric total synthesis of benzenoid cephalotane-type diterpenoids (2025), Nature Communications, cited by 25 articles.
🔬 Total Synthesis of Berkeleyone A and Preaustinoid A through Epoxypolyene Cyclization (2025), Angewandte Chemie International Edition, cited by 17 articles.
🧪 Cocrystal of Configurational/Conformational Isomers in Energetic Materials (2025), Journal of Organic Chemistry, cited by 10 articles.
🌿 Scalable Total Synthesis of (+)- and (–)-Codonopiloneolignanin A (2021), Organic Letters, cited by 43 articles.
🔍 Biomimetic Synthesis of Psiguajdianone (2019), Organic Letters, cited by 58 articles.
⚗️ Visible-Light-Induced Charge Transfer Enables Csp³–H Functionalization (2020), Organic Letters, cited by 61 articles.
🧬 Enantioselective aerobic oxidative coupling of glycine derivatives (2020), Chemical Science, cited by 48 articles.
Conclusion:
Professor Zhixiang Xie is a leading researcher whose career exemplifies excellence in innovation, scholarship, and academic leadership. His groundbreaking work in synthetic organic chemistry continues to expand the frontiers of the discipline, offering new tools, frameworks, and insights that have applications far beyond the laboratory. With a strong record of publications, respected awards, and a commitment to training the next generation of scientists, Professor Xie is an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only contributes to the advancement of chemistry but also resonates with the mission of fostering impactful and transformative scientific research.