Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a multidisciplinary field that blends organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical techniques, computational methods, and biological sciences to design, synthesize, and evaluate new pharmaceutical agents.
The department is deeply involved in:
- The design and molecular modification of chemical entities to enhance therapeutic value.
- Understanding the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity (Structure-Activity Relationship – SAR).
- Applying computer-aided drug design (CADD), combinatorial chemistry, and target-based drug discovery.
- Ensuring the quality, efficacy, and safety of drug molecules from a molecular level to the final dosage form.
As the human genome becomes increasingly understood, rational drug design has become a powerful approach for developing target-specific therapeutics, putting pharmaceutical chemists at the forefront of innovation in healthcare.
Key Laboratory Facilities
The department is well-equipped with modern instrumentation and lab facilities to support undergraduate and postgraduate education, research, and practical training in drug synthesis, analysis, and quality control. This lab supports analytical techniques and instrumentation essential for both qualitative and quantitative drug analysis.
| Instrumentation | Purpose / Application |
| Potentiometer | Measures electrochemical potential for titrations and ion activity studies. |
| pH Meter | Determines the acidity/alkalinity of pharmaceutical solutions. |
| Flame Photometer | Analyzes sodium, potassium, and calcium content in formulations. |
| Polarimeter | Measures optical rotation; used for testing purity and stereoisomerism. |
| Colorimeter | Determines concentration of colored compounds based on light absorption. |
| UV Spectrophotometer | Quantitative analysis of drug substances via UV absorption. |
| Conductometer | Measures electrical conductivity of ionic compounds in solution. |
| Refractometer | Assesses refractive index for purity checks and identification. |
| Nepheloturbidity Meter | Measures the turbidity (cloudiness) in liquid samples; used in suspension formulation. |
| Fuming Chamber | Ensures safe handling of volatile and hazardous chemicals. |
| Vacuum Pumps | Used in filtration, evaporation, and drying processes. |
| Hot Air Oven | Drying and sterilization of glassware and samples. |
| Melting Point Apparatus | Determines purity and identity of organic compounds. |
| Deep Freezer | Stores temperature-sensitive chemicals and reagents. |
| Ice Cube Machine | Provides cooling required for temperature-sensitive reactions. |
| Weighing Balance | High-precision weighing of chemical substances. |
| Hot Plate / Heating Mantle | Heats samples in flasks for synthesis and reactions. |
| U.V Chamber | Visualizes compounds on TLC plates; used in compound identification. |
| Parr Hydrogenator | Enables catalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds under high pressure. |
| High Pressure Reaction Vessel | Carries out reactions requiring elevated pressure and temperature. |
| Melting Point Apparatus | Used for repeated measurements in organic compound characterization. |
| Heating Mantle | Heats reaction flasks evenly without open flame. |
| Gas Chromatography (GC) | Separation and analysis of volatile organic compounds. |
| GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) | Combines separation and structural identification of drug substances. |
| Microwave Oven (Lab-scale) | Facilitates microwave-assisted organic synthesis (faster, cleaner reactions). |
| Parallel Synthesis Apparatus | Enables simultaneous synthesis of multiple analogs or reaction trials. |
| Magnetic Stirrer / Mechanical Stirrer | For homogeneous mixing during chemical reactions. |
| Rotary Evaporator | Removes solvents from reaction mixtures under reduced pressure. |