Research Projects

The project aims at developing a new class of mesoionic N-heterocyclic olefins (mNHOs) and mesoionic N-heterocyclic imines (mNHIs) for activation and catalytic transformation using SO2 and N2O gases. These gases are toxic and pollutants to our environment. N2O is nearly 300 times more powerful greenhouse gas as compared to CO2. The data on N2O and SO2 emissions reveal that India belongs to one of the leading countries globally and not much attention has been paid to converting such harmful gases into value-added products. In this proposal, we aim to design and utilize the novel mNHOs and mNHIs for the activation of SO2 and N2O under metal-free conditions. On successful molecular activation, the catalytic transformation of SO2 and N2O into various value-added products will be developed. Isolation and characterization of key catalytic intermediates will be made to understand and establish the catalytic reaction pathways.