On November 7, 2025, Prof. Weiwei Zi from Nankai University was invited to the College of Chemistry, delivering an academic lecture titled "Synthetic Chemistry Based on Zwitterions". The seminar was hosted by Prof. Jia-Rong Chen.

Focusing on cutting-edge chemistry, Prof. Zi has established a universal strategy for generating zwitterions through catalytic decarboxylation and ring-strain release. Based on this, he designed four types of synthons—MECS, EMCCS, VMCCs, and VC-BCBs and created the side-chain (axially) chiral catalysts Urphos and AXLBS, thereby solving the critical challenge of asymmetric control in zwitterion chemistry. The attending faculty and students were fully immersed in this intellectual feast.

Prof. Weiwei Zi presents his lecture

Faculty and students actively participate in the Q&A session

This academic activity not only broadened the academic horizons of the students but also injected new vitality into relevant disciplinary fields at our university, expected to propel the on-campus scientific research work to new heights.