

ACS Research Group
Department of Chemistry, IIT Ropar




CHEMISTRY OF TOSYL ALLENOLS
The curiosity surrounding tosyl allenols lies in their potential to unlock novel reactivity modes through synergistic transition metal catalysis and red-light activation—offering mild, sustainable pathways to architecturally complex molecules. A particularly notable aspect of tosyl allenol, which serves as a dual-functional handle, is its capacity to participate in intricate, multi-pathway reactivity. The orthogonal π-systems inherent to the allene structure are recognized for their unique interactions with transition metals, which promote regio- and stereoselective bond formation. Concurrently, the electron-withdrawing tosyl group may modulate the electronic properties of the molecule, affecting reaction pathways in both unpredictable and tunable manners. In light of these considerations, our primary objective is to synthesize a targeted library of tosyl allenol derivatives and to analyze their reactivity profiles under transition-metal-catalyzed conditions, as well as through a red-light-driven sustainable synthetic approach. We aim to enhance atom economy, stereoselectivity, scalability, and overall yields within our synthetic processes. Specifically, our efforts focus on the strategic synthesis of structurally significant and synthetically valuable organic scaffolds, including bicyclics, polycycles, and heterocycles, while also characterizing their biological or material-relevant properties. Furthermore, we plan to explore their potential applications for bioimaging targeted at specific cell organelles.

Org. Lett. 2025, 27, 5, 1153–1158

Org. Lett. 2025, 27, 30, 8217–8222
RED PHOTON DRIVEN PHOTOCATALYSIS
Over the last decade, visible light photoredox catalysis has significantly transformed the landscape of synthetic chemistry. However, the use of high-energy visible light raises several concerns regarding potential human health risks, particularly the ability of blue light to induce phototoxic damage to the retinal cells. Additionally, high-energy photocatalysis is plagued by background reactions and limited penetration into turbid reaction systems, including biological tissues. This restricted penetration depth of short-wavelength light poses challenges for practical applications in both industrial processes and medical treatments. To address these limitations, the field is increasingly turning to red light and near-infrared (NIR) photoredox catalysis. We aims to develop a diverse library of tunable, stable photocatalysts capable of efficiently absorbing low-energy red light for their application in red-photon driven catalysis for organic transformations and study their photophysical properties. Additionally, synthesizing a chiral photocatalyst variant to broaden its applicability in asymmetric catalysis reactions within the red-light spectrum

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, 64, e202420483

Chem. Commun., 2025, 61, 3005-3008
