Edward Rajaseelan

Dr. Edward Rajaseelan is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Millersville University, part of the College of Science and Technology. He has been a faculty member since August 1990, contributing extensively to teaching and research in inorganic and organometallic chemistry. His work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of transition metal complexes featuring N-heterocyclic carbenes, nitrogen oxides, and phosphine ligands.

Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (1981)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Arizona (1989)

Dr. Rajaseelan's research lies at the intersection of synthetic inorganic, bio-inorganic, and organometallic chemistry. His group designs and studies transition metal complexes that serve as potential catalysts in green chemistry and industrial organic synthesis. By exploring ligand effects—particularly with N-heterocyclic carbenes and chelating phosphines—his work contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable catalytic systems. His sabbatical research at Brown University (1997) and Yale University (2005) further enriched his expertise in organometallic catalysts and NHC chemistry.

His recent publications (2021–2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on the crystallographic and synthetic characterization of rhodium and iridium NHC complexes. These works highlight trends in ligand design, steric and electronic tuning, and solvation effects in coordination compounds. The articles are primarily published in IUCrData and Acta Crystallographica, underscoring his contributions to structural inorganic chemistry.

Scientific Affiliations:

• American Chemical Society (ACS)

Dr. Rajaseelan actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom are co-authors on his publications, indicating a strong commitment to research-based education. His collaborative projects involve grants and institutional support, likely through programs like the Murley SURF Program, where he serves as a faculty mentor. He teaches a wide range of courses including Introductory Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Advanced Laboratory courses.

He leads a research group focused on organometallic synthesis and characterization, working closely with students in laboratory settings. His team investigates molecular conformation, ligand effects, and catalytic potential of synthesized complexes, contributing to fundamental knowledge in coordination chemistry.