Organometallics Course: Catalysis & Biology | Prof. P. Ghosh IIT Bombay
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 16 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| 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 | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlocking the Power of Transition Metal Organometallics: A Bridge Between Catalysis and Biology
Welcome to an in-depth exploration of one of the most dynamic and impactful fields in modern chemistry. This blog introduces a comprehensive 12-week course on Transition Metal Organometallics in Catalysis and Biology, meticulously designed and taught by Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay).
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh
Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh brings a wealth of knowledge and international research experience to this course. He earned his PhD in bioinorganic chemistry from Columbia University under the guidance of Professor Gerard Parkin. His post-doctoral research at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of California, Santa Barbara, further solidified his expertise. A professor at IIT Bombay since 2003, Prof. Ghosh is a recognized leader, having received awards like the CRSI Bronze Medal and serving on the editorial boards of top journals like Organometallics (ACS) and Polyhedron.
About the Course
This course offers a wholistic overview of how organometallic compounds—molecules featuring metal-carbon bonds—revolutionize both industrial processes and biological systems. You will delve into their critical role in creating the polymers that shape our modern world and discover their fascinating functions within living organisms.
Who Should Enroll?
Intended Audience: This course is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Prerequisites: A foundational understanding of basic undergraduate-level inorganic and organic chemistry is required.
Industry Support: The curriculum is highly relevant to major industry players like BASF, Dow Chemicals, GE, Reliance, DuPont, and BAYER, highlighting its direct application in petrochemical and polymer sectors.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Reppe Synthesis |
| Week 2 | Alkene Metathesis: History, Development, Mechanism |
| Week 3 | Alkyne Metathesis: History, Development, Mechanism |
| Week 4 | Olefin Oligomerization Reactions |
| Week 5 | Olefin Polymerization: Polyethylene & Polypropylene |
| Week 6 | Ziegler-Natta Catalysts |
| Week 7 | Other Catalysts in Olefin Polymerization |
| Week 8 | Homopolymerization with Functionalized Olefins |
| Week 9 | Copolymerization with Functionalized Olefins |
| Week 10 | Non-Group 4 Catalysts |
| Week 11 | Bioorganometallic Chemistry & Metalloenzymes |
| Week 12 | Coenzyme B12, Nitrogenase, Urease, and Other Enzymes |
Key Learning Outcomes
- Master Industrial Catalysis: Understand pivotal reactions like metathesis and Ziegler-Natta polymerization that produce plastics, fuels, and pharmaceuticals.
- Explore Bioorganometallic Chemistry: Discover the vital role of organometallic complexes in biological systems, including enzyme function.
- Connect Theory to Application: See how fundamental chemistry drives multi-billion dollar industries and essential biological processes.
Recommended Textbooks
- Organometallics by Elschenbroich
- The Organometallic Chemistry of the Transition Metals by Crabtree
Embark on this 12-week journey to bridge the gap between the synthetic and biological worlds through the fascinating lens of transition metal organometallic chemistry. Enroll today to learn from one of India's leading experts and gain knowledge that is fundamental to both academic research and cutting-edge industry applications.
Enroll Now →