The State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, formerly the Organometallic Chemistry Open Laboratory since 1989, was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of P. R. China in Feb. 2000 and was establishedon April 16, 2001. The current Director is Professor Shuli You, and Professor Shengming Ma is serving as the Chairman of Academic Committee. As one of the most active research units of organometallic chemistry, the Laboratory now has 21 independent research groups, including 22 full professors. Among the 22 outstanding scientists, there are 5 academicians, 11 awardees of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars.

The mission of this State Key Laboratory is focused on study of organometallic complexes, investigation of the formation and chemical transformation of various metal-carbon (metal-hydride) bonds, and development of highly efficient metal-catalyzed reactions towards green and sustainable chemistry. The main research directions include: Synthesis, structure and reactivity of new organometallic complexes; Organometallic chemistry directed towards organic synthesis; Activation and functionalization of inert chemical bonds; Organometallic chemistry directed towards polymer synthesis.

The Laboratory is administered according to the general guidelines prescribed by “The Governance of State Key Laboratory Operations”, and up to date, the concerted efforts of the faculty, staff and students in the rencent years have culminated in substantial achievements including scientific breakthroughs, training in research personnel, and scientific collaboration-exchanges. In 1995, 1999, and 2004, the Laboratory has been reviewed and ranked by an external committee of experts organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in the highest category (Grade ‘A’ Laboratory) in all the occasions. As a result of three consecutive ‘A’ Grade, the Laboratory is waived to skip the external evaluation of 2009 but maintaining a Grade ‘A’ Laboratory. The Laboratory has been ranked Grade ‘A’ Laboratory again in 2014.