Dr. Mahawar’s research group is centred on the design, synthesis, and reactivity of low-valent main-group organometallic systems, with a particular focus on homo- and heterobimetallic complexes, with an emphasis on metallocene and dimetallocene systems. These compounds represent a rare and emerging class of sandwich and half-sandwich complexes featuring metal–metal bonds, offering unique opportunities to explore unconventional bonding and electronic structures in main-group chemistry. Beyond fundamental investigations, Dr. Mahawar’s research is driven by applications in small-molecule activation and catalysis. The polarized metal–metal bonds in these bimetallic complexes enable the activation of challenging substrates such as dihydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Overall, his research aims to bridge fundamental main-group chemistry with practical catalytic applications, contributing to the development of sustainable chemical processes. This research program offers an intellectually stimulating environment for students to engage in state-of-the-art organometallic synthesis and catalysis, gain deep mechanistic understanding, and make creative, impactful contributions toward advancing the frontiers of main-group organometallic synthesis and catalysis.

The key research domains in his group include: