Prof (Dr) Renjith Thomas FRSC

Professor and Dean, Principal Investigator, Centre for Theoretical & Computational Chemistry (CTCC), St Berchmans College (Autonomous), Mahatma Gandhi University, Changanassery, Kerala, India. 

About

The Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Research Group at the St. Berchmans College CTCC is a dynamic hub for scientific innovation and discovery. Established in 2022, our group has rapidly built a prestigious reputation through a consistent record of high-impact publications and the successful pursuit of competitive research grants. We pride ourselves on a vibrant, inclusive culture that unites PhD scholars, postdoctoral fellows, and dedicated undergraduate and postgraduate students. By integrating visiting researchers and maintaining strong global collaborations, we foster an interdisciplinary environment where diverse expertise drives breakthroughs in the molecular sciences.
Please see the research page to know more about our research  and also the about page to know more about the Dr Renjith Thomas.

Our Publications

A Systematic Computational Protocol for Deconstructing Non-Covalent Interactions: BerchNCI 1.0

A Systematic Computational Protocol for Deconstructing Non-Covalent Interactions: BerchNCI 1.0

Non-covalent interactions constitute the fundamental organizing principles of supramolecular assemblies; however, the accurate modeling of these subtle, dispersion-driven forces remains a formidable challenge in theoretical chemistry. In this work, we formally propose the Berchmans Protocol for Modelling Non-Covalent Interactions 1.0 (BerchNCI 1.0), a comprehensive, hierarchical computational workflow designed to decipher the electronic anatomy of NCIs with benchmark precision.

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Electron Upconversion Enables CP and CS Bond Formation Under Mild Oxidative Conditions: A Theoretical Study

Electron Upconversion Enables CP and CS Bond Formation Under Mild Oxidative Conditions: A Theoretical Study

Meera's first paper as the part of her PhD thesis published in Journal of Computational Chemistry. The work has been based on some of the finidngs of Prog Igor Alabugin of Florida State University, USA. Traditional methods for forming carbon–phosphorus (C–P) and carbon–sulfur (C–S) bonds often rely on strong oxidants that generate high-energy carbocation intermediates, frequently leading to unwanted side reactions. In this work, we employ DFT to investigate an alternative mechanism operating under basic conditions that utilizes three-electron bond formation and concomitant electron upconversion. Our computational results reveal a radical-anionic pathway initiated by a cyclization to form a 2-center-3-electron (2c-3e) bond, followed by the oxidation of the resulting upconverted radical-anion by mild oxidants such as molecular oxygen . This pathway is shown to be both thermodynamically and kinetically favored over conventional two-electron routes, providing a more controlled and selective strategy for C–P and C–S bond construction. These findings suggest that electron-upconversion mechanisms can significantly advance green chemistry by reducing dependence on harsh reagents and minimizing synthetic side reactions.

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Sneha & Ananya’s paper in Journal of Physical Chemistry B

Sneha & Ananya’s paper in Journal of Physical Chemistry B

PhD student Sneha Anna Sunny's paper on the Mapping the Interaction Landscape of Adenosine and Minoxidil Sulfate Using an Independent Gradient Model Based on Hirshfeld Partition and Interaction Region Indicator. Ananya Prakash is a final year MSc Physics student of our college who worked in our lab as part of the Kerala Theoretical Physics Initiative (KTPI) student project initiative,

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Manjesh Mathew: Benchmarking Computational Approaches for Proton Affinity

Manjesh Mathew: Benchmarking Computational Approaches for Proton Affinity

In this collaborative study with Dr Ralph Puchta, Manjesh Mathew, PhD student assessed the proton affinities and gas phase basicities of molecules ranging from ammonia to proton sponges like PMG using computational methods including B3LYP, BP86, PBEPBE, APFD, wB97XD, and M062X with the def2tzvp basis set. The M062X method showed the highest accuracy, closely matching experimental results for all examples, especially those containing heteroatoms, while APFD and wB97XD tended to overestimate values. Dispersion corrections were evaluated but found not to significantly affect basicity predictions. Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

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What We Do


The group has established a strong presence in the scientific community through a robust publication record and the successful acquisition of competitive research funding. It consists of a vibrant and diverse team of PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and MSc students, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment for scientific inquiry and discovery.

To pioneer at the intersection of fundamental molecular theory and computational innovation, CTCC is dedicated to decoding the interesting un predicatble nature of the chemical bond. Our research focuses on the rigorous analysis of non-covalent interactions, aromaticity, and electronic structure to provide a definitive understanding of molecular behavior. By integrating traditional chemical intuition with emerging technologies in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, we strive to advance the frontiers of catalysis, molecular recognition, and solvation dynamics. Our mission is to foster an interdisciplinary environment that empowers the next generation of scientists to bridge the gap between abstract theory and sustainable solutions in molecular materials science, energy science, drug discovery etc , ensuring a future grounded in molecular excellence.

Non-Covalent Interactions (NCI): Modeling and deconstructing weak interactions, specifically hydrogen bonds, sulfur-centered hydrogen bonds, and halogen bonds.
The Berchmans Protocol: Implementing the BerchNCI 1.0 systematic computational protocol for deconstructing non-covalent interactions.
Proton Sponges: Researching the electronic structure and properties of specialized organic bases.
Aromaticity: Investigating ground and excited state aromaticity, as well as dynamic aromaticity.

Solvation Dynamics: Studying how solvents like water, ethanol, and DMSO interact with bioactive molecules.
Machine Learning Integration: Applying machine learning tools to understand and predict solvation dynamics

Organic Semiconductors: Elucidating π-π interactions in for next-generation OLEDs.
Catalysis Modeling: Investigating electron-hole upconversion reactions and various catalyzed cycloaddition reactions
.Nanoscale Interactions: Studying the adsorption of drugs onto 2D/3D nanosurfaces and metal nanoclusters for enhanced Raman detection (SERS).

In Silico Modeling: Designing molecular libraries of anticancer and antimicrobial heterocycles, particularly those with imidazole and pyrazole backbones.
Drug Repurposing: Using computational tools to evaluate existing drugs for new therapeutic applications, including research on COVID-19 protein inhibition.
Photodynamic Therapy: Modeling the deexcitation dynamics of photosensitizers in solution after photo-excitation.

We are moving beyond traditional molecular modeling to lead a new era of autonomous, AI-driven discovery and quantum-enhanced simulation. Our research is strategically shifting toward the development of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms that achieve a level of precision in molecular interactions previously thought impossible. By pioneering these computational tools, we aim to design next-generation materials for CO2​ capture and explore quantum effects in biological systems to address the most pressing global challenges in energy and healthcare.
We also redefining the discovery process by transitioning from manual drug design to AI-integrated material innovation. Using our established BerchNCI 1.0 protocol as a foundation, We are building a standardized digital framework to deconstruct the complex "molecular glue" of non-covalent interactions with absolute predictive accuracy. This systematic approach allows my group to bypass traditional trial-and-error methods, accelerating the creation of smart, sustainable chemicals and life-saving pharmaceuticals.
Ultimately, our work at CTCC bridges the gap between fundamental theory and real-world impact. Through global partnerships and interdisciplinary inquiry,We arefostering an environment where quantum computing and AI serve as the primary drivers for a sustainable future. This vision ensures that our research remains at the absolute forefront of next-generation scientific discovery, turning subatomic insights into global solutions.

News & Updates

Fr Jose Thekkan All Indian Best College Teacher Award 2024

Fr Jose Thekkan All Indian Best College Teacher Award 2024

Dr Renjith Thomas was selected for the Fr Jose Thekkan All Indian Best College Teacher Award 2024, instituted by Christ College (Autonomous), Iringalakuda. The award function held on 26th Mqrch, 2024 at Iringalakuda. Please see the link given below.

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Malayala Manorama Report on our work – Student Exodus Study

Malayala Manorama Report on our work – Student Exodus Study

Our study on Student Exodius from Kerala reported in Malayala Manorama

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Dr Renjith Thomas selected for the Best College Teacher Award in Kerala- Prof Sivaprasad Award.

Dr Renjith Thomas selected for the Best College Teacher Award in Kerala- Prof Sivaprasad Award.

Dr Renjith Thomas was selected for the Prof Sivaprasad Award for the best college teacher in Kerala. The award was presented on 16th June 2023 by Prof Achyuth Sankar  of Kerala University in the presence of Smt G Chinjurani, Minister, the Government of Kerala at Kollam.

With Dean of Science and team, University of Nis

With Dean of Science and team, University of Nis

Get In Touch

We welcome research collaborations and enquiries from theoreticians, experimental chemists, and interdisciplinary researchers. Prospective PhD, postdoctoral, and student researchers are encouraged to contact us via the details below or the message form.

Prof. (Dr.) Renjith Thomas
FRSC
Department of Chemistry

St. Berchmans College (Autonomous)

Changanassery, Kerala, India – 686101
https://faculty.sbcollege.ac.in/profile/renjith.thomas.frsc
www.thertlab.org

[email protected]
[email protected]
+91 95446 58314