Dr. Kishor Vilas Khopade

Research Scientist | Catalysis & Sustainable Polymer Chemistry
Pune, IN.

About

Highly skilled and innovative researcher with expertise in catalysis, organometallic chemistry, polymer synthesis, and plastic recycling. Driven to contribute to organizations emphasizing fundamental research, sustainable innovations, and application-driven solutions to address global challenges. Proven track record in developing novel synthetic methodologies, publishing high-impact research, and contributing to patent-pending technologies.

Work

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
|

Research Scholar (POMCAT Group)

Pune, Maharashtra, India

Summary

Led advanced research in catalysis, organic synthesis, and polymer depolymerization, focusing on sustainable solutions for plastic waste and contributing to significant intellectual property.

Highlights

Pioneered research in the depolymerization of waste polyethylene via sequential dehydrogenation and metathesis, successfully producing linear alkenes and functional compounds.

Advanced sustainable chemical recycling processes for polyolefins, contributing to circular economy initiatives and resource recovery.

Authored and co-authored multiple research articles (13+ publications) and contributed to 5 patent filings, significantly expanding the intellectual property in catalysis and polymer depolymerization.

Conducted comprehensive thesis research on metal-catalyzed hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and depolymerization, demonstrating expertise in complex reaction mechanisms.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
|

Project Associate (POMCAT Group)

Pune, Maharashtra, India

Summary

Developed innovative asymmetric hydrogenation strategies and novel ligand designs with direct applications in pharmaceutical synthesis.

Highlights

Developed an asymmetric hydrogenation strategy utilizing chiral transition metal catalysts, enabling efficient synthesis for pharmaceutical applications.

Designed and synthesized novel chiral phosphorus ligands, achieving highly enantioselective hydrogenation outcomes.

Contributed to the development of advanced synthetic methodologies for high-value chemical transformations.

Synapse Lab Pvt. Ltd
|

Research Associate

Pune, Maharashtra, India

Summary

Specialized in developing and validating methods for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) drug synthesis and operating advanced analytical instrumentation.

Highlights

Developed and rigorously validated methods for API drug synthesis, ensuring high quality and efficiency in pharmaceutical development.

Operated and maintained advanced analytical equipment, including LC-MS/MS (API3000, API3200), SPE, and nitrogen evaporators, ensuring accurate data collection.

Gained proficiency in various extraction techniques, including Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE), Protein Precipitation (PPT), and Solid Phase Extraction (SPE).

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
|

Project Assistant (SBM Group)

Pune, Maharashtra, India

Summary

Contributed to large-scale organic synthesis for industrial clients and supported novel synthetic methodology development within a research group.

Highlights

Executed large-scale synthesis and ensured reliable supply of Folic acid and its bioactive impurities for industrial clients, meeting production demands.

Completed total synthesis of Harmicine and its analogues to support Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) studies, advancing drug discovery efforts.

Synthesized Aryne precursors to facilitate novel synthetic methodology development, expanding the research group's capabilities.

Education

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
Pune, Maharashtra, India

Ph.D.

Chemistry

Courses

Catalysis

Organic Synthesis

Polymer Depolymerization

Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce
Pune, Maharashtra, India

M.Sc.

Organic Chemistry

Grade: 1st Class

Dr. Arvind B. Telang College of Arts, Science and Commerce
Pune, Maharashtra, India

B.Sc.

Chemistry

Grade: 1st Class with Distinction

Institute for Studies in Technology and Engineering

Diploma

Computer Engineering

Publications

Metal-Free Dehydrogenation-Upcycling Cascade for the Selective Conversion of Waste Polyethylene to Butene

Published by

Patent

Summary

Patent for metal-free conversion of waste polyethylene to butene (CSIR) 2026-INV-0002.

Direct Synthesis of Phosphine-Phosphite Ligand and Its Implication in Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Functionalized Olefins

Published by

ChemistrySelect

Summary

Just accepted publication on novel ligand synthesis and its application.

Rh-catalyzed Asymmetric Hydroformylation: The Case of Substituted and Heterocyclic Olefins

Published by

ChemCatChem

Summary

Research on rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydroformylation.

Waste polyethylene to long-chain unsaturated esters and alcohols via alkene cross-metathesis

Published by

Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A

Summary

Study on converting waste polyethylene into valuable compounds.

Portal Substituent Modulations in Chiral Imido-Pd(II) Cages for the Enhanced Separation of Styrene Oxide Enantiomers

Published by

Inorg. Chem.

Summary

Research on enhancing enantiomer separation using Pd(II) cages.

Ruthenium-catalyzed deconstruction of polyolefins: A strategy to up-cycle waste polyethylene to value-added alkene

Published by

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.

Summary

Innovative strategy for upcycling waste polyethylene.

Atom transfer radical depolymerization of polyethylene to ethylene

Published by

Manuscript communicated

Summary

Exploration of radical depolymerization for polyethylene.

Solvent and additive free iron-catalysed alkene isomerisation and tandem functionalisation

Published by

Manuscript under revision

Summary

Iron-catalyzed alkene reactions without solvents or additives.

Metal-free dehydrogenation of polyethylene waste and its upcycling into value-added products

Published by

Manuscript communicated

Summary

Research on metal-free polyethylene dehydrogenation.

Depolymerization and repolymerization of polyethylene-like polymers

Published by

Manuscript communicated

Summary

Study on the lifecycle of polyethylene-like polymers.

Depolymerization of waste polyethylene to linear alkenes via sequential dehydrogenation and metathesis

Published by

Green Chem.

Summary

Detailed study on polyethylene depolymerization for linear alkenes.

A hybrid silylene-Pd catalyst: efficient C-N cross-coupling of sterically bulky amines and chiral amines

Published by

Chem. Commun.

Summary

Development of a novel hybrid catalyst for C-N cross-coupling.

Metal catalysed depolymerization and upcycling of polyolefins to value-added chemicals

Published by

Patent

Summary

Patent for metal-catalyzed depolymerization of polyolefins (CSIR no-2023-NF-0065; India application no. 202311029393).

Metal-catalyzed plastic depolymerization

Published by

Cell Reports Physical Science

Summary

Overview of metal-catalyzed plastic depolymerization techniques.

Upcycling of halogenated polymers to obtain value-added products

Published by

Patent

Summary

Patent for upcycling halogenated polymers (CSIR) 2023-INV-0068.

Ruthenium catalyzed depolymerization and upcycling

Published by

Patent

Summary

Patent for ruthenium-catalyzed depolymerization and upcycling (CSIR) 2023-INV-0069.

Controlled di-lithiation enabled synthesis of phosphine-sulfonamide ligands and implications in ethylene oligomerization

Published by

Dalton Trans.

Summary

Research on phosphine-sulfonamide ligands and their use in ethylene oligomerization.

Highly enantioselective synthesis of sitagliptin

Published by

Asian J. Org. Chem.

Summary

Achieving high enantioselectivity in sitagliptin synthesis.

Cover Feature: Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Sitagliptin

Published by

Asian J. Org. Chem.

Summary

Cover feature highlighting highly enantioselective sitagliptin synthesis.

Synthesis of sitagliptin via rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation and a process thereof

Published by

Patent

Summary

Patent for rhodium-catalyzed sitagliptin synthesis (India, US, World applications).

Languages

English

Skills

Analytical Techniques

NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, IR, DSC, GPC, XRD, PSA, API3000, API3200.

Reaction Chemistry

Catalysis (homogeneous and heterogeneous), Organic Synthesis, Asymmetric Synthesis, Ligand Design, Organometallic Chemistry, High-Pressure Hydrogenations, Air- and Moisture-Sensitive Reactions, Glove Box Techniques, Schlenk Techniques, Cannula Techniques, Reaction Mechanism Studies, Process Development.

Polymer Science

Polymer Depolymerization (Chemical), Plastic Recycling, Polymer Synthesis, Polyolefin Upcycling.

Green Chemistry & Sustainability

Sustainable Green Chemistry Practices, Sustainable Innovations, Chemical Recycling.

Laboratory Management

Laboratory Techniques, Safety Protocols, Safety and Cleaning In-charge, Equipment Operation.

Research & Development

Fundamental Research, Application-Driven Solutions, Problem-Solving, Method Development, Intellectual Property Development.

Mentorship & Leadership

Supervising Project Students, Mentoring, Comprehensive Training, Project Management.

Communication

Strong Oral Communication, Strong Written Communication, Scientific Report Writing, Oral Presentations, Poster Presentations.

Extraction Techniques

Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE), Protein Precipitation (PPT), Solid Phase Extraction (SPE).

References

Dr. Samir H. Chikkali

Chief Scientist and Professor, Polymer Science and Engineering Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory. Contact information available upon request.

Dr. Santosh B. Mhaske

Sen. Principal Scientist and Professor, Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory. Contact information available upon request.

Dr. Nagaraju Barsu

Senior Scientist, Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory. Contact information available upon request.