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Main Group Chemistry Lab

IISER Thiruvananthapuram

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Research

Our research focuses on understanding the structure and bonding in reactive main group compounds, stabilization of unusual coordinate modes, activation of inert chemical bonds, and Lewis acid catalysis. Curiosity-driven research in isolating reactive main group cations comprising magnesium, zinc, aluminum, antimony, and bismuth has led us to explore their potential as Lewis acids in catalytic transformations.

   News & Events

  • Congratulations Suban for his recent publication in Nature Communications!

  • Congratulations Poorna and Sheetal for their recent publication in European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry! 

  • Congratulations Dr. Sheetal Kathayat Bisht and Dr. Suban Kundu on defending your thesis.

  • Dr. Amiya K Sahoo has joined the lab as post doctoral fellow in October 2025. Welcome aboard!

  • Congratulations Annabel and Devika for their recent publication in Chemical Communications.

  • Subhajit Chakraborty has joined the lab as new PhD in August 2025!

  • Anchal, Dilana and Dheeraj has joined our lab to pursue major project. Welcome on board!

  • Congratulations Deepti and Annabel for their recent publication in Nature Synthesis!

Latest Publications

A Tris(pyrazolyl)hydridoborate Zinc Hydride Catalyzes CO2 Reduction via Hydrosilylation in the Presence of Triphenylborane

The reducing ability of the Zn–H bond can be used to catalytically reduce carbon dioxide to formic acid, formaldehyde, and methanol surrogates via hydrosilylation pathway. This work investigates CO2 hydrosilylation mediated by a tris(pyrazolyl)hydridoborate zinc hydride catalyst in the presence of triphenylborane. We show that the degree of CO2 reduction is strongly influenced by solvent, silane identity, and the mild Lewis acid BPh3. Combined experimental studies and DFT calculations support the proposed mechanism and highlight how modulating these parameters directs product distribution.

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