Dr. Chao-Jun Li is a world-renowned leader in sustainable chemistry whose pioneering contributions have fundamentally transformed approaches to environmentally benign chemical synthesis. He currently serves as the E. B. Eddy Chair Professor of Chemistry and Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Green Chemistry at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, while also holding the distinguished James McGill Chair Professorship. After completing his BSc at Zhengzhou University in 1983 and MSc at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1988, he earned his PhD from McGill University in 1992, where he discovered the groundbreaking indium-mediated allylation reaction in water during his doctoral studies. Following an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University with Professor Barry Trost from 1992 to 1994, he advanced through the academic ranks at Tulane University from Assistant Professor in 1994 to Full Professor by 2000, before returning to McGill University in 2003 where he established himself as a global authority in green chemistry.
Professor Li's seminal work has revolutionized organic synthesis by demonstrating that water can serve as an ideal reaction medium rather than an obstacle, with his pioneering aqueous Barbier-Grignard type reactions and indium-mediated processes in water establishing new paradigms for sustainable chemistry. His highly influential Chemical Reviews paper on C-H bond reactions in water has garnered over 700 citations and catalyzed industry-wide adoption of greener manufacturing processes across pharmaceutical and fine chemical sectors. His innovative approaches to water-tolerant organometallic chemistry, C-H activation, and photochemistry have enabled significant reductions in hazardous solvent use while maintaining synthetic efficiency, earning him the prestigious US Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award in 2001. These contributions have been instrumental in transforming green chemistry from a niche concept into a mainstream discipline with tangible environmental and industrial benefits.
As Director of the NSERC CREATE Center for Green Chemistry Training and Co-Director of the FQRNT Center for Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Professor Li has cultivated Canada's leadership in sustainable chemistry education and research infrastructure. His extensive recognition includes fellowships from the Royal Society of Canada, Royal Society of Chemistry (UK), World Academy of Sciences, and American Chemical Society, alongside major honors such as the CIC Medal and Humboldt Research Award. With over 250 publications and significant scholarly impact, his laboratory continues to pioneer cutting-edge sustainable methodologies in photochemistry and biomass conversions. Professor Li's visionary leadership maintains its trajectory toward developing even more environmentally responsible chemical processes that harmonize industrial requirements with ecological stewardship, cementing his legacy as one of green chemistry's most influential architects.
