Prof (Dr) Renjith Thomas CChem, FRSC

Professor, Department of Chemistry,  Dean of Research & Development and International Relations, Director, 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 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

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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Alen Binu Abraham : Non-Covalent Interactions of Caffeine and Ascorbic Acid

Alen Binu Abraham : Non-Covalent Interactions of Caffeine and Ascorbic Acid

In this study, we explored the non-covalent interactions between caffeine and ascorbic acid, focusing on their hydrogen bonding in both gas and solvent (water) phases, using Density Functional Theory. The binding energy calculations revealed significant interactions with values of −14.65 kcal/mol in the gas phase and −11.62 kcal/mol in water. Through Natural Bond Orbital, RDG, AIM, and LED analyses, we confirmed the stabilization energy and electron delocalization in the caffeine-ascorbic acid complex, enhancing our understanding of drug-drug interactions and their implications for drug efficacy and delivery systems. Abraham, Alen Binu, Alzahrani, Abdullah Y. and Thomas, Renjith. "Exploring non-covalent interactions between caffeine and ascorbic acid: their significance in the physical chemistry of drug efficacy" Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, vol. 238, no. 2, 2024, pp. 401-420. 

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Gayathri: Hydrogen Bonding and Dynamics of Prontosil in Water and Methanol

Gayathri: Hydrogen Bonding and Dynamics of Prontosil in Water and Methanol

In this theoretical study, we investigated the solvation energies of prontosil, a pioneering sulfa drug, in water and methanol using DFT/M06-2X/cc-pVDZ level of theory. Our findings reveal that prontosil shows more favorable interactions with methanol than water, as evidenced by NBO, RDG, QTAIM analyses, and local energy decomposition (LED) analysis using DLPNO-CCSD(T). The prontosil-methanol complex displayed the lowest binding energy and highest stability, suggesting methanol as a more suitable solvent for prontosil in terms of molecular interactions and stability. These insights are further corroborated by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, underscoring the importance of solvent choice in drug design and molecular interaction studies. Here is the link to "Understanding the hydrogen bonding preferences and dynamics of prontosil in water and methanol":

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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

Prof Igor Alabugin, Florida State Univeristy, Visits our lab

Prof Igor Alabugin, Florida State Univeristy, Visits our lab

WIth my friend and collabortaor, Prof Igor Alabugin, Florida State University, visiting St Berchmans College for an expert talk.

Schrodinger Webinar series

Schrodinger Webinar series

We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our International Webinar Series-2026 organised by the Centre for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (CTCC), in celebration of the 100 Years of the Schrödinger Equation (1926–2026). 🧑‍🏫This special webinar series brought together eminent scientists, researchers, academicians, and students from around the world to commemorate one of the greatest milestones in the history of modern science. Through insightful lectures, engaging discussions, and a Junior Researchers Meet, we celebrated the enduring legacy of Erwin Schrödinger and the profound impact of the Schrödinger equation on physics, chemistry, materials science, quantum computing, and many other disciplines.🧑‍🎓🧑‍🔬 We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our distinguished speakers, presenters, and participants for their enthusiastic participation and invaluable contributions. Your support and engagement made this celebration a truly memorable and enriching scientific event.❤️🙏🎉

Sepaking at Coimbatore

Sepaking at Coimbatore

Giving a Keynote address as PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore. June, 2026

@Shiv Nadar University, Delhi

@Shiv Nadar University, Delhi

At SNiOE, where Andrew studies BSc by Reserach in Chemistry

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