It is my distinct pleasure to provide a few words about this special issue, dedicated to Professor B. S. (Raj) Thyagarajan (“Dr. T”) to celebrate his immense contributions as a member of the Editorial Board of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements, a position from which he has recently retired. From his tireless teaching and research at the University of Texas at San Antonio until his retirement in 2000, to his inspiring mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, Professor Thyagarajan has shown remarkable leadership qualities and passion in all that he has done.
Upon his retirement from UTSA, he received a personal greeting from Governor Rick Perry. Dated October 17, 2001, part of it reads:
Your contributions to higher education and chemical research have been outstanding. As The University of Texas at San Antonino, now in its fourth decade, continues to mature into one of the Lone Star State's top-tier institutions, it builds upon a legacy that you have done much to shape. You came to UTSA during the university's nascent years, almost thirty years ago, as founding director of the Division of Earth and Physical Sciences. The current strength of teaching and research in three scientific disciplines at UTSA—chemistry, physics and geology—reflects your academic leadership.
His scientific career, starting with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Madras (India, 1956), then brought him to the USA for two post-doctoral appointments at Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Following 8 years back at the University of Madras as a reader in organic chemistry, his work took him to Japan for both appointments and conference presentations and then to UTSA (via the University of Idaho) in 1974.
As an author of more than 100 scientific papers and books, Professor Thyagarajan served as a member of the Editorial Board for in excess of 30 years and also fulfilled a role as Associate Editor. For those contributions, we are truly thankful. Examples of his research and professional activities are found throughout the fields of organic sulfur chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, natural products chemistry, and reaction mechanisms; he remained an active reviewer of submissions until his recent retirement.
I asked a wonderful sulfur chemistry colleague, and member of the Editorial Board, Professor Józef Drabowicz (Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies in Łódź, Poland) to serve as guest editor. In accepting this role, Professor Drabowicz extended invitations to main group chemists from around the world to contribute dedicated papers for this issue. On behalf of the entire Editorial Board, I am delighted to present this selection of more than 25 accepted papers covering a broad range of chemistry involving heteroatoms. I would like to profusely thank Professor Drabowicz for his work on this issue, together with assistance from Professor Charles Stirling (University of Sheffield), and the production staff at Taylor and Francis (Kevin Swanson, Peggy Rote, and Anne Hirs).
Professor Thyagarajan has been a mentor to me, too, in my role as Editor-in-Chief. I have appreciated our phone calls and emails. In developing my comments I was heartened to receive accolades from some of his former students, which only strengthened what I had already learned about him. Great chemist, blessed teacher, and exceptional mentor. Please enjoy the contents of this special issue.
With my best wishes,