P.G Department of Khalsa College, Amritsar, hosted a highly informative two-day lecture series titled Language of Stereochemistry

P.G Department of Khalsa College, Amritsar, hosted a highly informative two-day lecture series titled "Language of Stereochemistry" presented by the distinguished chemist Prof. P.S. Kalsi. The series was aimed at enhancing the understanding of stereochemistry among students, researchers, and faculty members from various scientific disciplines.

Highlights of the Event

Day 1: Fundamentals of Stereochemistry

Opening Remarks: The event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Mehal Singh, Principal of the College, followed by Dr. Taminder Singh, Dean of Academic Affairs. The lecture series then introduced by Dr. Amit Anand, Head of the Department with an introduction to stereochemistry, highlighting its crucial role and significance in the field of chemistry. Prof. Kalsi set the stage by emphasizing the importance of understanding spatial arrangements of atoms in molecules and how these arrangements affect chemical properties and reactions.

Key Topics Covered:

• Basic Concepts of Stereochemistry: Prof. Kalsi provided an overview of the fundamental concepts, including chirality, enantiomers, and diastereomers.
• Molecular Geometry: Detailed discussions on various molecular shapes and configurations used to determine the absolute configuration of chiral centers.
• Optical Activity: The principles behind optical isomerism, including how chiral molecules interact with polarized light.
• Interactive Session: An engaging Q&A session followed the lecture, where participants posed questions on complex stereochemical concepts. Prof. Kalsi provided insightful answers and practical examples to clarify these concepts.

Day 2: Advanced Stereochemical Techniques and Applications

1. Advanced Topics:

• Conformational Analysis: A deep dive into the different conformations of cyclic compounds and the influence of these conformations on molecular stability and reactivity.
• Stereochemical Principles in Drug Design: The application of stereochemistry in pharmaceutical chemistry was explored, highlighting how stereoisomers can influence drug efficacy and safety.

2. Practical Demonstrations:

Prof. Kalsi conducted several practical demonstrations using molecular models to illustrate the principles discussed. These hands-on activities helped participants visualize and better understand the three-dimensional nature of stereochemical interactions.

3. Closing Session: The series concluded with a summary of the key takeaways and a discussion on emerging trends in stereochemistry. Participants were encouraged to apply the learned concepts to their research and academic pursuits.

Overall, the two-day lecture series by Prof. P.S. Kalsi was a resounding success, providing valuable insights into the "Language of Stereochemistry." The comprehensive coverage of both fundamental and advanced topics, coupled with interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, enriched the participants’ understanding of stereochemistry. P.G Department of Khalsa College, Amritsar, expressed gratitude to Prof. Kalsi for his expertise and engaging presentations. The event underscored the importance of stereochemistry in both theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry and left attendees with a deeper appreciation of the subject.