Benjamin List

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Benjamin List (born January 11, 1968) is a German chemist who is renowned for his work in the field of organic chemistry. He is particularly noted for his contributions to the development of organocatalysis, a method that uses small organic molecules as catalysts in chemical reactions.

Early Life and Education

Benjamin List was born in Frankfurt, Germany. He pursued his undergraduate studies in chemistry at the University of Frankfurt, where he developed a strong interest in organic synthesis. He later completed his Ph.D. at the same institution under the supervision of Johann Mulzer.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., List conducted postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, where he worked with Carlos F. Barbas III. During this time, he made significant advancements in the field of organocatalysis.

In 2003, List returned to Germany to join the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Mülheim an der Ruhr. He has since held various positions at the institute, including Director of the Department of Homogeneous Catalysis.

Research and Contributions

Benjamin List is best known for his pioneering work in organocatalysis. This field involves the use of small organic molecules to accelerate chemical reactions, offering an alternative to traditional metal-based catalysts. His research has led to the development of new, more efficient, and environmentally friendly catalytic processes.

One of his most notable achievements is the development of the proline-catalyzed intermolecular aldol reaction, which has become a fundamental reaction in organic synthesis. This work has had a profound impact on the field, leading to numerous applications in the synthesis of complex natural products and pharmaceuticals.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Benjamin List has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to chemistry. Some of these include:

• The Leibniz Prize (2016)
• The Arthur C. Cope Award (2021)
• The Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2021), which he shared with David W.C. MacMillan for their independent work on the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.

Personal Life

Benjamin List is married and has children. He continues to reside in Germany, where he actively engages in research and mentoring young scientists.

Related Pages

• Organocatalysis
• Max Planck Institute for Coal Research
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Leibniz Prize
• Arthur C. Cope Award