INDAH Nur Pramesti | RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITY Graduate School of Life Sciences

People

INDAH Nur Pramesti

Indonesia Doctoral Program Graduate Lecturer: State University of Malang (as of 2021)

Q1Tell us about your research theme.: My research theme is about the microwave-assisted Claisen rearrangement reaction of allyloxyarenes. Claisen rearrangement is a sigmatropic rearrangement that is an important method for the construction of C–C bonds in organic synthesis. Claisen rearrangement of allyloxybenzene is typically performed with a long reaction time and high temperature range, 180-225 oC. Recently, microwave irradiation has been widely explored to enhance some organic reactions. The microwave has become a powerful tool for organic transformation since it gives direct heating which can reduce reaction times and increase reaction yields.1,2
Furthermore, it has been reported that considerable catalytic effect for Claisen rearrangement can be achieved by metal catalysts under mild reaction conditions. Iron (III) chloride, as a Lewis acid catalyst, has been used in a wide variety of organic reactions. Lewis acid can form transition metal complexes that promote and facilitate intramolecular rearrangement. Iron (III) chloride can also be considered a desirable catalyst due to its cheapness, easy handling and environmental friendly properties.1,3 Therefore, I investigate microwave irradiation effects for the Claisen rearrangement of allyloxybenzene in the presence of an Iron (III) chloride catalyst.>/dd>

Q2Why did you choose to study at Ritsumeikan University?: I got information about Ritsumeikan University from my supervisor in Indonesia. I was told that there was an opportunity to apply for a MEXT scholarship at Ritsumeikan University. I searched for information about Ritsumeikan University and the MEXT scholarship on the Internet. I was surprised to find that Ritsumeikan University was one of the greatest private universities in Japan. Of course, Japan became my desired place to study abroad because Japan is famous for being a beautiful country. So, I decided to submit an application to Ritsumeikan University.

Q3What is your favorite thing about Ritsumeikan University?: There are a lot of things I like at Ritsumeikan University. However, my favorite is the facilities on campus. Ritsumeikan University has full facilities for research and study. As an applied chemistry student, an important matter in research is the availability of reagents and instruments. But I didn`t find any problem with this at Ritsumeikan University, almost all reagents and instruments are available. At BKC there is also the International House for foreign students from various countries. So, we don`t need to worry about our living place. All the facilities here make for a very comfortable study environment.

Q4Why would you recommend studying at Ritsumeikan University to another scholar?: I would recommend other scholars to study at Ritsumeikan University because it has good facilities, a good environment, beautiful places, and high quality research. Studying at Ritsumeikan University will give you the chance to develop your knowledge and your skills as much as you can. This place will provide you with a lot of unforgettable experiences and make your life in Japan full of happiness.

Q5Were you worried about your new life at Ritsumeikan University before your arrival? If so, how did your worries change after arriving?: Of course, this is my first time to go abroad and live far away from my family. I worried about how to communicate because my English is not so good and I also can`t speak Japanese. After I arrived here, I lived in the BKC International House and I could make friends with a lot of students from many countries. I also have Japanese friends that are very kind. I faced many difficulties because I can`t read Kanji, but Japanese people are always friendly and help me. I joined a Japanese class and Japanese course which helped me practice and increase my language skill. Then I soon realized that my language skill will automatically improve through “learning by doing”.

Q6How do you think your experience at Ritsumeikan University will help you achieve your goals?: Ritsumeikan University is a great university in Japan. Graduating from Ritsumeikan University will bring me great pride. Since I started studying here, I learned a lot of new knowledge, not only in research but also about Japanese language and culture. The Japanese culture of hard work and discipline is an important thing in research and projects. I am also learning Japanese as my third language. At Ritsumeikan University, which is an international university, I have a lot of friends from Japan and many other countries that open my mind to the world. I believe that all my experience in Japan will help me to improve myself and achieve my goals. I hope I can use my new knowledge to develop my country.