Group 1 - Japan has produced 22 Nobel laureates in natural sciences since 2000, ranking second globally after the United States [1][2] - The research capabilities of Japan are currently declining on the international stage, despite the historical success in producing Nobel laureates [1] - The most awarded category for Japanese researchers is the Physics Prize, with a total of 12 laureates [4] Group 2 - Since the first Japanese Nobel laureate, Hideki Yukawa, in 1949, Japan has had a total of 27 laureates in natural sciences, with most of them awarded after 2000 [4] - Japanese researchers have made significant contributions in various fields, including fundamental particle research and applications like LED technology [7][8] - The 2025 Nobel Prize winners, Shibumi Sakaguchi and Shin-ichiro Kitagawa, are recognized for their contributions to the development of metal-organic frameworks [5][8]

Core Insights - China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) and Sinopec Petroleum Chemical Research Institute have applied for a patent for a method of continuous preparation of (alkyl) acrylate, indicating a focus on innovation in organic synthesis [1][2] Company Overview - China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation was established in 2000, located in Beijing, primarily engaged in the petroleum, coal, and other fuel processing industries, with a registered capital of approximately 12.17 billion RMB [2] - The company has invested in 257 enterprises, participated in 5,000 bidding projects, holds 45 trademark registrations, and has 5,000 patent records, along with 39 administrative licenses [2] - Sinopec Petroleum Chemical Research Institute was founded in 2022, also based in Beijing, focusing on research and experimental development, with a registered capital of 300 million RMB [2] - The research institute has invested in 2 enterprises, participated in 994 bidding projects, holds 1,194 patent records, and has 291 administrative licenses [2] Patent Details - The patent application CN119912330A, filed in October 2023, describes a method that includes multiple stages of esterification reactions to produce (alkyl) acrylate continuously [1] - The method aims to reduce reaction cycles, energy consumption, waste emissions, and the risk of self-polymerization of (alkyl) acrylate, highlighting significant economic and environmental benefits [1]