Research Interests
Our research interests focus on catalytic applications of novel transition metal complexes as well as new main group compounds. Newly synthesized TM complexes containing judicially designed ligand systems are applied to catalyze industrially important reactions such as conversion of CO2 to methanol, formic acid and hydrocarbons, hydrogenation reactions, and other C-C, C-O and C-N bond forming reactions. Recently we were able to convert CO2 to methanol, formic acid under mild conditions using boron compounds and TM complexes. Besides, hydrosilylation, transfer hydrogenation, and nitro reductions are some of our focuses in the recent past. We continue to endeavour to discovering new catalytic processes which are environmentally benign and sustainable.
Given below are some of our recent publications highlighting our focus on organometallic catalytic reactions.
· Mo(0) carbonyl complexes bearing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazole) ligand: catalysis of the regioselective [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes to synthesize 1,3,5-isomers. Dalton Transactions, 2025, 54, 2654 – 2663.
· DMSO catalyzed CO2 reduction with 9-BBN: selective formation of either formoxy- or methoxyborane under mild conditions and C-methylenation of indoles. Catalysis Science & Technology, 2025, 15, 678–688.
· Copper(I) Complexes Bearing the Pyrrole-Bridged S,N and N-Donor Ligands as Catalysts for the Tandem Hydroamination-Alkynylation: Effect of Anions on Product Formation, Dalton Transactions, 2024, 53, 13996 – 14010.
· PCP Pincer Carbene Nickel(II) Chloride, Hydride, and Thiolate Complexes: Hydrosilylation of Aldehyde, Ketone, and Nitroarene by the Thiolate Complex, Organometallics, 2023, 42, 732-744.
Through our research activity, Ph.D. students develop unique skills such as Schlenk line techniques for manipulation of air-sensitive compounds. With this special skill, students will be able to successfully carry out any reaction and isolate products. They also get familiar with modern characterization techniques such as multinuclear NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. We also use FTIR, HRMS, UV-vis, GC-MS, and CHN analysis methods for our study. We have group meeting every week in which students discuss their research problems, and present recent literature publications. This offers an opportunity for developing communication skills. Overall, our method of training provides students with options of choosing either industrial or academia jobs.