Ivory Tower: Researcher’s chemistry work may prove game-changer

Akanksha Kapoor, a student of Post-Graduate Department of Chemistry at DAV College, Amritsar, recently completed her two-month summer internship at the CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (IHBT), Palampur.

A budding research scientist, she carried out her work on “Synthesis of Diversely Substituted Isoquinolones and Benzamides and their Characterisation” under the supervision of Dr Upendra Sharma, Principal Scientist, Chemical Technology Division.

Akansha’s work is on synthesis of chemicals, especially expensive industrial-use chemicals and she says that this research is going to help break into the otherwise exclusive market of industrial chemistry.

“The synthesis and characterisation of substituted isoquinolones and benzamides are crucial for industrial applications, particularly in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, because these compounds are biologically active cores. Once we gain an insight into the techniques and variables involved, we can aid modern synthesis that focuses on efficient, environment-friendly methods using metal-catalysed reactions, which allow for a diverse range of functional groups,” she said.

Isoquinolone and benzamide cores are prevalent in natural products with diverse biological activities, making them valuable lead compounds for drug discovery. Isoquinolones and benzamides are explored for their potential to combat drug-resistant pathogens and target various cancer types.

She gained valuable exposure to experimental set-ups related to reaction mechanisms and acquired hands-on training in advanced instrumentation techniques such as NMR, GC and HPLC. She also developed proficiency in ChemDraw software, including 3D molecular visualisation.

College principal Dr Amardeep Gupta informed that Akanksha exhibited a keen curiosity for research. Her proactive approach and meticulous work ethics were valuable assets to the project. “She is a promising young scientist with a bright future ahead,” he said while speaking about her research. Akanksha is currently pursuing her MSc in Chemistry from DAV College.