Chemistry of Main Group Elements Course | IIT Bombay Prof. M.S. Balakrishna
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 441 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemistry |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals: A Deep Dive into the Chemistry of Main Group Elements
Welcome to a detailed exploration of one of the foundational pillars of inorganic chemistry. The Chemistry of Main Group Elements encompasses the rich and diverse behavior of the s- and p-block elements, which constitute the majority of the periodic table. Understanding these elements—from the highly reactive alkali metals to the noble gases—is crucial for anyone pursuing chemistry, materials science, pharmaceuticals, or catalysis.
This blog introduces a comprehensive, expert-led course designed to build a systematic and deep understanding of this vital subject. Whether you are an undergraduate student solidifying your core knowledge, a postgraduate researcher, or a professional in the chemical industry, this course offers invaluable insights.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This 12-week course is meticulously structured to take you from fundamental principles to advanced applications. The curriculum is divided into logical modules, ensuring a progressive and thorough learning experience.
Course Duration: 12 Weeks
Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. M. S. Balakrishna
The course is taught by Prof. M. S. Balakrishna of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Prof. Balakrishna brings immense expertise and passion to the subject.
- Experience: Joined the Department of Chemistry at IIT Bombay in 1996 and has since taught a wide range of subjects including Transition Metal Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry, and Organometallic Chemistry to UG, PG, and Ph.D. scholars.
- Research Expertise: His research interests lie in Main Group and Transition Metal Chemistry, Organophosphorus Chemistry, Homogeneous Catalysis, and Biological Applications of Copper(I) Complexes.
- Academic Contributions: A prolific author with over 210 research papers, five book chapters, and an edited book on copper(I) complexes. He has delivered more than 500 invited lectures globally.
- Mentorship: Has successfully supervised 23 Ph.D. students, along with numerous M.Sc. students and postdoctoral fellows, guiding the next generation of chemists.
Learning from an instructor of this caliber ensures you are gaining knowledge shaped by cutting-edge research and profound academic insight.
Detailed Course Layout (Week-by-Week Breakdown)
The course is designed to build knowledge sequentially. Here is a snapshot of the 12-week journey:
| Week | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | Periodic Properties, Effective Nuclear Charge, and core Structure & Bonding concepts: Lewis Structures, VSEPR Theory, Valence Bond Theory, and Molecular Orbital (MO) Theory. |
| Week 3 | In-depth study of Hydrogen, its unique chemistry, hydrides, and hydrogen bonding. |
| Weeks 4-5 | Chemistry of Group 1 (Alkali Metals) and Group 2 (Alkaline Earth Metals) elements. |
| Weeks 6-7 | Chemistry of Group 13 elements (Boron Family), including applications of Wade's Rules for boranes and clusters. |
| Weeks 7-8 | Comprehensive coverage of Group 14 elements (Carbon Family), from carbon allotropes to silicon polymers. |
| Weeks 8-10 | Detailed exploration of Group 15 (Pnictogens: N, P, As, etc.) and Group 16 (Chalcogens: O, S, Se, etc.) elements. |
| Week 11 | Chemistry of Group 17 (Halogens), Group 18 (Noble Gases), and Group 12 (Zinc, Cadmium, Mercury). |
| Week 12 | Organometallic Chemistry of Main Group Elements, focusing on their synthesis, structure, and pivotal applications in organic synthesis, culminating in an overall course summary. |
Who Should Enroll? (Intended Audience & Prerequisites)
- Intended Audience: B.Sc./M.Sc. Chemistry Students, Ph.D. Scholars, Teachers, and Professionals in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries.
- Prerequisites: A basic understanding of inorganic chemistry at the B.Sc. level is recommended to fully benefit from the course.
- Industry Support: This course is particularly valuable for professionals in Pharmaceutical Industries, where main group compounds play critical roles in drug design, catalysts, and materials.
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
To complement the video lectures, the course recommends several authoritative texts, including:
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry by F. A. Cotton, G. Wilkinson, et al.
- Inorganic Chemistry by D. F. Shriver and P. W. Atkins.
- Inorganic Chemistry by C. E. Housecroft and A. G. Sharpe.
- Main Group Chemistry by W. Henderson.
Why Take This Course?
This course moves beyond rote memorization of properties. It emphasizes a conceptual understanding of structure, bonding, and reactivity trends across the periodic table. The special module on organometallic chemistry highlights the real-world applications of main group compounds as reagents and catalysts in modern synthetic chemistry.
Under the guidance of Prof. Balakrishna, you will not only learn the 'what' but also the 'why' behind the behavior of elements, equipping you with the knowledge to tackle advanced problems and innovate in your field.
Embark on this 12-week journey to master the chemistry that forms the bedrock of the material world. Enroll today and deepen your expertise in the fascinating domain of Main Group Elements.
Enroll Now →