06/2023 – till date
Assistant Professor at Christ University, Department of Chemistry, Bengaluru, India.
05/2021 – 04/2023
Alexander von Humboldt postdoctoral fellow at Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. (Host: Prof. Martin Oestreich)
Project title: Development of new types of catalytic reactions using silylium and Lithium cation.
10/2020 – 04/2021
Specially Appointed Assistance Professor at Osaka University, Osaka, Japan (with Prof. Naoto Chatani)
Project title: Metal-free directed C‒H bond activation.
09/2019 – 09/2020
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) postdoctoral fellow at Osaka University, Osaka, Japan. (Host: Prof. Naoto Chatani)
Project title: Development of new C–H bond functionalization reactions.
10/2017 – 08/2019
Postdoctoral fellow at Osaka University, Osaka, Japan. (with Prof. Naoto Chatani)
Project title: Synthesis and characterization of metal complexes and their use in catalytic reactions.
EDUCATION
Educational Background
10/2014 – 09/2017
Ph.D. in Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis, Osaka University, Japan.
(Advisor: Prof. Kazushi Mashima; Mentor: Assoc. Prof. Hayato Tsurugi)
Project title: Studies on reductive transformations of alkyl halides by organosilicon reductants and paddlewheel dimolybdenum catalysts.
07/2012 – 08/2014
M.Sc. in Organometallic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India. (Advisor: Prof. Tarun Kanti Panda)
Project title: Sterically rigid bi-dentate N-(aryl)imino-acenapthenone(Ar-BIAO) ligands in zinc coordination sphere-syntheses and structures.
GPA score: 9.0/10.0.
07/2009 – 05/2012
B.Sc. in Chemistry (Hons.), University of Calcutta (R.K. Mission Residential College, Narendrapur), India.
Marks obtained (in percentage): 602/800 (75.25%).
Photochemical skeletal editing: conceptual advances in C–C and C–heteroatom bond activation Dwaipayan Das, Aritra Mukherjee, Supriya Rej Green Chemistry, 2026 Photochemical skeletal editing has emerged as a sustainable strategy for molecular restructuring. This review highlights advances in light-driven C–C and C–heteroatom bond activation, enabling selective insertion, deletion, and transmutation.
BX3-Mediated Arene Borylation: Concepts, Scope, and Mechanistic Insight Rahul Bangari, Rudraa Singh Rajpoot, Naoto Chatani, Supriya Rej Chemistry an Asian Journal, 2026 Transition metal‐free arene C‒H borylation has emerged as a promising strategy for the synthesis of arylborane compounds under mild, sustainable, and cost‐effective conditions, thus avoiding the limitations associated with precious metal‐catalyzed reactions. Central to these approaches is the use of highly electrophilic boron trihalides, which directly interact with the π‐electron systems of arenes to facilitate efficient borylation. This review article provides a critical analysis of the mechanistic pathways underlying such metal‐free transformations, with a particular emphasis on the elementary steps involved in the BX 3 ‐mediated C–H bond functionalization of arenes. Our discussion provides a conceptual framework to support both the interpretation of existing studies and the rational design of future methodologies in metal‐free borylation chemistry.
Preface Directed C H Bond Functionalization Concepts and Applications, 2026
Emerging METAL-FREE Directed C-H Functionalization Rahul Bangari, Supriya Rej Directed C H Bond Functionalization Concepts and Applications, 2026 In recent years, one of the notable transformations in organic synthetic chemistry has been the development of the CH bond functionalization strategy, due to its widespread use in medicinal chemical synthesis, natural-product derivatization, agrochemicals, and industrial applications. Given the extensive research in CH bond functionalization, several strategies have been discovered to activate the inert CH bond. In this context, metal-free CH bond functionalization has undoubtedly emerged as a significant advancement. This strategy addresses several key issues, such as ease of purification, cost-effectiveness, high applicability in industrial settings, and, most importantly, the elimination of precious metals. Due to the impact of metal-free CH bond functionalization, the development of such protocols has become a common focus of many young research groups. This chapter summarizes the recent discoveries in metal-free CH bond functionalization chemistry. It is anticipated that this overview will provide a broad perspective on the field and inspire researchers to explore further exciting developments.
Directed C-H Bond Functionalization: Concepts and Applications Directed C H Bond Functionalization Concepts and Applications, 2026 Streamlined, cost-effective, and environmentally benign concepts for the synthesis of chemical building blocks and pharmaceuticals Directed C—H Bond Functionalization summarizes recent advances in the field of selective and efficient C—H bond functionalization using directing groups. Written by a team of experts in the field, Directed C—H Bond Functionalization includes information on: History of the C—H bond activation and its discoveryIn-built functional group-directed C—H functionalization, proximal C—H bond functionalization, and template-assisted distal C—H bond functionalizationTransient-directing group-assisted C—H bond functionalization and bifunctional non-covalent template-assisted C—H functionalizationRedox catalytic methods and metal-free directed C—H functionalization reactionsIndustrial and synthetic application of directed C—H bond functionalization in organic synthesis, medicinal, and process chemistry With its all-encompassing approach, Directed C—H Bond Functionalization is a timely, essential reference for synthetic chemists in academia and industry working in the fields of organic synthesis, catalysis, sustainable chemistry, and drug design.
Industrial and Flow Application of Directed C-H Bond Functionalization Aritra Mukherjee, Rahul Bangari, Supriya Rej Directed C H Bond Functionalization Concepts and Applications, 2026 Synthetic chemistry is evolving at a rapid pace, and the advent of CH bond functionalization has been a game-changer in organic synthesis, addressing key challenges by tapping into the abundance of CH bonds in organic molecules. However, selective functionalization has long been a tough hurdle that was eventually overcome through the use of directing auxiliaries. Scientists then set their sights on bringing directed CH bond functionalization to industrial settings. Yet, this presented its own set of difficulties, as traditional methods often require harsh reaction conditions, long reaction times, and scalability issues in industrial scale. The entry of continuous-flow technology is a game-changer that not only tackles scalability but also reduces reaction times while offering safer and more efficient protocols.
Photochemical C-H Borylation in Organic Synthesis Supriya Rej, Stephanie G. E. Amos, Arjan W. Kleij ACS Catalysis, 2025 High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Although C–H bond functionalization has been extensively studied since its discovery in 1955, the borylation of organic compounds by activating C–H bonds only became popular since the valuable discovery by Hartwig in 1995 who considered a wider application of these transformations in synthetic organic chemistry. For C–H borylation, catalytic activation of this generally low-reactivity bond can be performed in many ways. Among the approaches reported are the use and application of stoichiometric reagents, thermal activation, and photochemical activation of suitable substrates. Iridium-, ruthenium-, and rhodium-based catalytic protocols using thermal activation have played a crucial role toward the establishment of this area. Photochemical activation, though, has only been scarcely explored despite the fact that it represents a comparably environmentally benign protocol using light as a renewable energy source. In this literature survey, we highlight the recent developments in photochemical C–H borylation from its initial inception up to the latest advancements.
The [3]Dendralene Motif as an Entry into Nazarov Cyclizations by Silylium-Ion Initiation Supriya Rej, Hendrik F. T. Klare, Martin Oestreich Organic Letters, 2023 Geminal alkenes bearing an aryl and an allenyl group contain the motif of [3]dendralenes. The central alkene double bond in these cross-conjugated polyenes can be reacted with a silylium ion, thereby initiating a Nazarov cyclization. The cationic intermediate emerging from the electrocyclic ring closure is captured by hydride in the presence of excess hydrosilane. The resulting benzannulated methylenecyclopentene derivatives bearing a silylalkyl group then engage in silylium-ion regeneration followed by an unusual endo-selective intramolecular hydrosilylation. This cascade eventually leads to the formation of a silicon-containing bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton.
Regioselective Transition-Metal-Free C(sp2)−H Borylation: A Subject of Practical and Ongoing Interest in Synthetic Organic Chemistry Supriya Rej, Naoto Chatani Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2022 Considerable advances have been made in the area of C−H functionalization in the last few decades. A number of approaches including both directed and nondirected strategies have been developed thus far. Among the various C−H functionalizations, C−H borylation is of special interest due to the wide applications of organoboron compounds. In this regard, various transition‐metal‐catalyzed regioselective strategies have been developed. However, the major concern regarding metal‐catalyzed C−H borylation procedures is the requirement of a precious metal as well as the contamination by metal precursors in the desired products, which limit the application of this process in large‐scale synthesis. Therefore, recent trends have involved the use of transition‐metal‐free systems. We summarize recent developments in transition‐metal‐free regioselective C−H borylation. We believe that this Review will help to increase interest in this field and stimulate further progress.
Aluminium complexes: next-generation catalysts for selective hydroboration Amrita Das, Supriya Rej, Tarun K. Panda Dalton Transactions, 2022 Development of efficient Al-complexes and their crucial roles in catalytic selective hydroboration of several unsaturated compounds such as carbonyls, alkenes, alkynes, imines, nitriles and others were well documented in this review.
Industrial and Flow Application of Directed C H Bond Functionalization A Mukherjee, R Bangari, S Rej Directed C‐H Bond Functionalization: Concepts and Applications, 509-524 , 2026 2026
Emerging Metal‐free Directed C H Functionalization R Bangari, S Rej Directed C‐H Bond Functionalization: Concepts and Applications, 373-404 , 2026 2026
Vinylsilanes as Ethylene Surrogates: Rh(I)-Catalyzed Direct Hydroarylation of In Situ Generated Ethylene R Bangari, A Mukherjee, S Rej Organic Letters , 2026 2026
Photochemical Skeletal Editing: Conceptual Advances in C–C and C–Heteroatom Bond Activation D Das, A Mukherjee, S Rej Green Chemistry , 2026 2026 Citations: 4
BX 3 ‐Mediated Arene Borylation: Concepts, Scope, and Mechanistic Insight R Bangari, RS Rajpoot, N Chatani, S Rej Chemistry–An Asian Journal 21 (1), e00972 , 2026 2026
Photochemical C–H Borylation in Organic Synthesis S Rej, SGE Amos, AW Kleij ACS Catalysis 15 (3), 1753-1770 , 2025 2025 Citations: 18
The [3] Dendralene Motif as an Entry into Nazarov Cyclizations by Silylium-Ion Initiation S Rej, HFT Klare, M Oestreich Organic Letters 25 (2), 426-431 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
Regio‐Selective Transition‐Metal‐Free C (sp2)‒H Borylation: A Subject of Practical and Ongoing Interest in Synthetic Organic Chemistry S Rej, N Chatani Angewandte Chemie International Edition , 2022 2022 Citations: 81
Silylium-ion-promoted hydrosilylation of aryl-substituted allenes: Interception by cyclization of the allyl-Cation intermediate S Rej, HFT Klare, M Oestreich Organic Letters 24 (6), 1346-1350 , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
Aluminium Complexes: Next-Generation Catalysts in Selective Hydroboration A Das, S Rej, TK Panda Dalton Transactions , 2022 2022 Citations: 48
Origin of the Enhanced Reactivity in the ortho C–H Borylation of Benzaldehydes with BBr 3 K Yamazaki, S Rej, Y Ano, N Chatani Organic letters 24 (1), 213-217 , 2021 2021 Citations: 12
An unusual perpendicular metallacycle intermediate is the origin of branch selectivity in the Rh (II)-catalyzed C–H alkylation of aryl sulfonamides with vinylsilanes K Yamazaki, S Rej, Y Ano, N Chatani Organometallics 40 (23), 3935-3942 , 2021 2021 Citations: 9
Overview of Regioselective and Stereoselective Catalytic Hydroboration of Alkynes S Rej, A Das, TK Panda Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis , 2021 2021 Citations: 130
Mechanism and Origins of Regiochemical Control in Rh (III)-Catalyzed Oxidative C–H Alkenylation and Coupling Sequence of Unprotected 1-Naphthylamines with α, β-Unsaturated Esters K Yamazaki, S Rej, Y Ano, N Chatani Organometallics 40 (9), 1371-1378 , 2021 2021 Citations: 4
Strategic evolution in transition metal-catalyzed directed C–H bond activation and future directions S Rej, A Das, N Chatani Coordination Chemistry Reviews 431, 213683 , 2021 2021 Citations: 298
Effect of Sulfonamide and Carboxamide Ligands on the Structural Diversity of Bimetallic RhII–RhII Cores: Exploring the Catalytic Activity of These Newly Synthesized Rh2 Complexes S Rej, N Chatani Inorganic Chemistry 60 (6), 3534-3538 , 2021 2021 Citations: 14
Transient Imine as a Directing Group for the Metal-Free o -C–H Borylation of Benzaldehydes S Rej, N Chatani Journal of the American Chemical Society 143 (7), 2920-2929 , 2021 2021 Citations: 79
Pyrimidine-directed metal-free C–H borylation of 2-pyrimidylanilines: a useful process for tetra-coordinated triarylborane synthesis S Rej, A Das, N Chatani Chemical Science 12 (34), 11447-11454 , 2021 2021 Citations: 36
Rh(I)-catalyzed Addition of the ortho C-H Bond in Aryl Sulfonamides to Maleimides N Ohara, S Rej, N Chatani Chemistry Letters 49 (9), 1053-1057 , 2020 2020 Citations: 7
Rh III ‐Catalyzed Double Dehydrogenative Coupling of Free 1‐Naphthylamines with α,β‐Unsaturated Esters S Rej, N Chatani Chemistry–A European Journal 26 (49), 11093-11098 , 2020 2020 Citations: 18
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Bidentate directing groups: an efficient tool in C–H bond functionalization chemistry for the expedient construction of C–C bonds S Rej, Y Ano, N Chatani Chemical Reviews 120 (3), 1788-1887 , 2020 2020 Citations: 1002
Rhodium‐Catalyzed C(sp 2 )‐ or C(sp 3 )−H Bond Functionalization Assisted by Removable Directing Groups S Rej, N Chatani Angewandte Chemie International Edition , 2018 2018 Citations: 395
Strategic evolution in transition metal-catalyzed directed C–H bond activation and future directions S Rej, A Das, N Chatani Coordination Chemistry Reviews 431, 213683 , 2021 2021 Citations: 298
Overview of Regioselective and Stereoselective Catalytic Hydroboration of Alkynes S Rej, A Das, TK Panda Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis , 2021 2021 Citations: 130
Regio‐Selective Transition‐Metal‐Free C (sp2)‒H Borylation: A Subject of Practical and Ongoing Interest in Synthetic Organic Chemistry S Rej, N Chatani Angewandte Chemie International Edition , 2022 2022 Citations: 81
Transient Imine as a Directing Group for the Metal-Free o -C–H Borylation of Benzaldehydes S Rej, N Chatani Journal of the American Chemical Society 143 (7), 2920-2929 , 2021 2021 Citations: 79
Rhodium (I)-catalyzed C8-alkylation of 1-naphthylamide derivatives with alkenes through a bidentate picolinamide chelation system S Rej, N Chatani ACS Catalysis 8 (7), 6699-6706 , 2018 2018 Citations: 69
Multiply-bonded dinuclear complexes of early-transition metals as minimum entities of metal cluster catalysts S Rej, H Tsurugi, K Mashima Coordination Chemistry Reviews 355, 223-239 , 2018 2018 Citations: 54
Aluminium Complexes: Next-Generation Catalysts in Selective Hydroboration A Das, S Rej, TK Panda Dalton Transactions , 2022 2022 Citations: 48
Group 1 and group 2 metal complexes supported by a bidentate bulky iminopyrrolyl ligand: synthesis, structural diversity, and ε-caprolactone polymerization study RK Kottalanka, A Harinath, S Rej, TK Panda Dalton Transactions 44 (46), 19865-19879 , 2015 2015 Citations: 41
Pyrimidine-directed metal-free C–H borylation of 2-pyrimidylanilines: a useful process for tetra-coordinated triarylborane synthesis S Rej, A Das, N Chatani Chemical Science 12 (34), 11447-11454 , 2021 2021 Citations: 36
Silylium-ion-promoted hydrosilylation of aryl-substituted allenes: Interception by cyclization of the allyl-Cation intermediate S Rej, HFT Klare, M Oestreich Organic Letters 24 (6), 1346-1350 , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
Rh (II)-catalyzed branch-selective C–H alkylation of aryl sulfonamides with vinylsilanes S Rej, N Chatani Chemical Science 11 (2), 389-395 , 2020 2020 Citations: 30
Dehalogenation of vicinal dihalo compounds by 1, 1′-bis (trimethylsilyl)-1 H, 1′ H-4, 4′-bipyridinylidene for giving alkenes and alkynes in a salt-free manner S Rej, S Pramanik, H Tsurugi, K Mashima Chemical Communications 53 (98), 13157-13160 , 2017 2017 Citations: 30
Rhodiumkatalysierte sp2‐und sp3‐C‐H‐Funktionalisierungen mit entfernbaren dirigierenden Gruppen S Rej, N Chatani Angewandte Chemie 131 (25), 8390-8416 , 2019 2019 Citations: 28
Mixed Ligated Tris(amidinate)dimolybdenum Complexes as Catalysts for Radical Addition of CCl 4 to 1-Hexene: Leaving Ligand Lability Controls Catalyst Activity S Rej, M Majumdar, S Kando, Y Sugino, H Tsurugi, K Mashima Inorganic Chemistry 56 (1), 634-644 , 2017 2017 Citations: 27
Rhodium (I)-catalyzed mono-selective C–H alkylation of benzenesulfonamides with terminal alkenes S Rej, N Chatani Chemical Communications 55 (71), 10503-10506 , 2019 2019 Citations: 24
Organosilicon reducing reagents for stereoselective formations of silyl enol ethers from α-halo carbonyl compounds S Pramanik, S Rej, S Kando, H Tsurugi, K Mashima The Journal of Organic Chemistry 83 (4), 2409-2417 , 2018 2018 Citations: 23
Photochemical C–H Borylation in Organic Synthesis S Rej, SGE Amos, AW Kleij ACS Catalysis 15 (3), 1753-1770 , 2025 2025 Citations: 18
Rh III ‐Catalyzed Double Dehydrogenative Coupling of Free 1‐Naphthylamines with α,β‐Unsaturated Esters S Rej, N Chatani Chemistry–A European Journal 26 (49), 11093-11098 , 2020 2020 Citations: 18
