About

Dr. Collins Obuah is a distinguished inorganic chemist with a PhD and MSc in Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg, and a BSc from the University of Ghana. Since joining the University of Ghana in 2016, he has made significant contributions to the Department of Chemistry, becoming a Senior Lecturer in 2019. His expertise lies in the design, computational studies, and synthesis of inorganic compounds, particularly nitrogen-based moiety systems, with applications in water purification, sensors, catalytic processes, and biological activities.

Dr. Obuah is skilled in various characterization techniques, including NMR, MS spec, EDX, X-ray crystallography, and more. His research excellence has earned him numerous awards, such as the SASOL Postgraduate Medal of Excellence. He is also dedicated to mentoring students, having supervised over many postgraduate and numerous undergraduate students.

His commitment to advancing chemistry is evident through his participation in international programs and securing significant grants. Dr. Obuah collaborates with institutions like the University of Johannesburg and Aston University. With over 30 publications, he is a leading figure in computational and inorganic chemistry and an asset to the University of Ghana.

Education

Ph.D.: Inorganic Chemistry; University of Johannesburg

M. Phil./MSc: Inorganic Chemistry; University of Johannesburg 

B.Sc.: Chemistry; University of Ghana

Research Interest

My current research investigates metal-based compounds for catalysis, therapeutic and diagnostic applications. I use wet and computational chemistry to model interactions between metal complexes and biological targets, optimizing efficacy and selectivity. This aim is to develop new drugs and imaging agents for diseases like cancer and HIV. I also use computational methods to design catalysts for olefin transformation reactions and predict their mechanistic pathways. 

Publications

1. Yahaya, E. S., Anak, J. A., Amissah, N. A., Obuah, C., Adjei, P. O., Saahene, R. O., Ainooson, M. K., Ablordey, A., Ekor, M., (2024). In Vitro Antibacterial and Synergistic Activity of Pyrazolyl Sulphonamide Derivatives against Staphylococcus Haemolyticus. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research 12, 44-53. https://doi.org/10.69857/joapr.v12i5.612.
2. Donkor, G., Aniagyei, A., Obuah, C., Kumi, J. A., Adei, E., (2024). Investigating the regio‑, chemo‑ and stereoselectivities of the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of 1‑pyrroline‑1‑oxide and C, N‑diphenyl nitrone with a 1, 2‑cyclooctadiene carboxylate: a DFT study. Theoretical Chemistry Accounts 143, 70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00214-024-03148-3.
3. Brah, A. S., Obuah, C., Adokoh, C. K., (2024). Innovations and modifications of current extraction methods and techniques of citrus essential oils: a review. Discover Applied Sciences 6, 460. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06100-z.
4. Anan, J., Fosu, E. A., Obuah, C., Ainooson, M.K., Aniagyei, A., Hamenu, L., Oppong, A., Muller. A., (2024). A DFT and TD-DFT studies of the photosensitizing capabilities of thiophene-based dyes. Computational and Theoretical Chemistry 1237, 114633. DOI:10.1016/j.comptc.2024.114633.
5. Fosu, E. A., Obuah, C., Hamenu, L., Aniagyei, A., Oppong, A,. Ainooson, M. K., Muller, A,. (2023). Theoretical studies on the reaction mechanisms of the oxidation of tetramethylethylene using MO3Cl (M=Mn, Tc and Re).  Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling, 120, 108419. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108419.
6. Amoah, C., Obuah, C., Hamenu, L., Oppong, A,. Ainooson, M. K., Muller, A,. (2023). A new sulfonamide-based chemosensor for potential fluorescent detection of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions. Tetrahedron, DOI:10.1016/j.tet.2023.133276
7. Brah, A. S., Armah, F. A., Obuah, C., Akwetey, S. A., Adokoh, C. K., (2023). Toxicity and therapeutic applications of citrus essential oils (CEOs): a review. International Journal of Food Properties, 26, 1, 301-326. DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2022.2158864 
8. Fosu, E. A., Obuah, C., Hamenu, L., Aniagyei, A., Ainooson, M. K., Govender, K. K., (2022). A DFT study on the reaction mechanisms of the oxidation of ethylene mediated by technetium and manganese oxo complexes. Journal of Molecular Modeling, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00894-022-05092-0.
9. Adokoh, C. K., Keter, F. K., Obuah, C., Kinfe, H. H., Tshikhudo, R., and Darkwa, J., (2022). Glyco disulfide capped gold nanoparticle synthesis: cytotoxicity studies and effects on lung cancer A549 cells. Future Medicinal Chemistry, https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc-2021-0165.
10. Fosu, E. A., Obuah, C., Hamenu, L., Aniagyei, A., Ainooson, M. K., Govender, K. K., (2021). Quantum Mechanistic Studies of the Oxidation of Ethylene by Rhenium Oxo Complexes. Journal of Chemistry, https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7931956. 
11. Amoah C., Obuah, C., Ainooson M.K., C. K. Adokoh, Muller, A. (2021). Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial applications of pyrazolyl-sulfonamides and their palladium complexes. New Journal of Chemistry, 45, 3716-3726.
12. Amoah C., Obuah, C. Ainooson M.K., Muller, A. (2021). Synthesis, characterization and fluorescent properties of ferrocenyl pyrazole and triazole ligands and their palladium complexes. Journal of Organometallic Chemistry 935, 121664-121671.