The legacy of Ei-ichi Negishi: Eternal optimism and excellence

Abstract

Ei-ichi Negishi will remain known for pioneering and promoting the development of transition-metal catalyzed reactions in organic synthesis as well as fostering excellence and critical thinking among his collaborators. During his lifetime, with his wife Sumire by his side, he conquered many continents: in the chemical world, his name is associated with cross-coupling, cascade reactions, carbopalladation, zirconocene chemistry, and asymmetric synthesis; in life, we remember him as a kind, generous, and approachable individual that mastered golfing, singing, and skiing, among other things.