The undergraduate (B.Sc..), Post graduate (M.Sc..), research (M. Phil and Ph. D..) degree programs in chemistry were commenced from the year 1940, 1959 and 1962 respectively. Since May 1940, the Department of Chemistry is housed in the building for which foundation was laid on March 31, 1939 at Chetpet, Chennai. With the special grant of rupees One Lakh (Rs 1,00,000) sanctioned by the University Grants Commission in appreciation of the educational service, the present magnificent edifice of the PG and Research block of chemistry was constructed and declared open on August 20, 1962 by the then Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Shri K. Kamaraj.
Over the decades, the department has the pride of housing two large oil gas plants for providing gaseous fuel to the laboratories, a bomb calorimeter, diverse spectroscopes, spacious and innumerous work benches, fuming hoods, ample glassware, sophisticated apparatus and fine chemicals essential for upholding high standards in teaching, learning and research. The department owns to its credit a huge Library with more than 7500 books, rare collections of periodicals and journals authored/edited by eminent scholars. An air conditioned smart classroom named 'Alchemy Hall and renovated UG, PG and Research laboratories are the accompaniments to the department on this 175th year.
The purpose for which this department thrives is to educate, inspire and raise top caliber learners and researchers in chemical sciences, competent to discover, invent and transform science to technology for the betterment of mankind. The faculty consistently spawns and fosters minds with strong knowledge in the basics of chemistry, scientific awareness to apprehend the advancements required and the innovation of the inquisitive intelligence for the future. Providing liberty and encouragement the department imbibes amongst scholars and students the realization of the motto of our institutions Mind Moves Matter. Since decades, the department holds the pride in admitting largest number of undergraduate students in this region. The Department has also served as the Post Graduate centre for studies in General Chemistry, University of Madras. Furthermore the Department has awarded 92 doctorates and more than 500 M. Phil degrees. The current faculty has gained mentorship from premier institutions in India and renowned universities abroad. Several awards, fellowships and research grants, at national and international level have been earned over the years by the faculty members.
Currently, the thrust areas of research in the department include Bio/Chemosensors, Boron neutron capture therapy, Biomaterials, Bioinorganic and Macro Molecular Chemistry, Catalysis, Green Chemistry, Kinetics, Modified DNA Synthesis, Nano Chemistry, Organo Metallics, Organic synthesis, Polymer chemistry, Photochromic Organo Gels and Liquid Crystals, Solid Waste Management. Supra Molecular Chemistry and Ultra fast processes.
The Department has had the glory of organizing invited lectures, workshops. endowment lectures, practical training, seminars and conferences at national and international levels. The jewel in the crown of such collection of events was the endowment lecture delivered by our own student Dr. P. Kuppuswamy, Professor, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA During this period sincere efforts were taken by the subsequent HODs and faculty in restoration of the edifice, laboratories and installation of modern instruments with support from corners all around despite declining funds from the national sources The department completely switched over from environmentally insecure oil gas to the natural gas fuel system in the laboratories with funds from Philanthropists.
This ancient and glorious department is effectively serving the cause of higher education predominantly to the less fortunate and downtrodden sections of our society.
