Vinod K. Singh

Professor Vinod K. Singh is a leading figure in synthetic organic chemistry and serves as a full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). He is also the Founder Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal and a Member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. His academic journey began with a PhD from M.S. University Baroda (1986) and postdoctoral training at Harvard University under Prof. E.J. Corey (1987–1990).

Education:

• PhD (1986), M.S. University Baroda
• M.Sc. (1980), Banaras Hindu University
• D.Sc. (hc)

Research Focus: Professor Singh's research is deeply rooted in synthetic organic chemistry, with a special emphasis on asymmetric synthesis, asymmetric catalysis, and organocatalysis. His group has developed novel methodologies for the synthesis of bioactive natural products and chiral building blocks, including the widely recognized Singh's catalyst for enantioselective aldol reactions. His work has expanded into asymmetric Michael additions, Friedel-Crafts alkylations, and cascade reactions using both metal and organocatalysts.

Awards & Honors:

• Padma Shri (2014)
• Distinguished Alumnus Award, Banaras Hindu University (2012)
• Fellow, Indian National Science Academy (2011)
• Goyal Prize (2011)
• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Chemical Sciences (2004)
• Swarnajayanti Fellowship (1998)

Advising & Grants: While specific student names are not listed in the provided text, Professor Singh has mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers. His group has received funding from national and international agencies, including the Swarnajayanti Fellowship and collaborative grants for advanced synthetic chemistry research.

Laboratory & Teams: He leads a dynamic research group at IIT Kanpur, focusing on cutting-edge asymmetric synthetic methods. His lab is known for developing innovative ligands and catalysts such as iPr-Pybox-diPh and Singh’s organocatalyst, which are widely used in enantioselective transformations.