Christopher Kelk Ingold

Christopher Kelk Ingold (28 October 1893 – 8 December 1970) was a pioneering chemist known for his significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the understanding of molecular structure, reaction mechanisms, and the electronic theory of organic reactions. His work laid the groundwork for modern physical organic chemistry, influencing how chemists think about and understand chemical reactions at the molecular level.

Early Life and Education

Christopher Kelk Ingold was born in London, England. He pursued his education at Hartley University College in Southampton, where he developed an interest in chemistry. Ingold furthered his studies at the University of London, earning his BSc in 1913. His academic journey continued at the University of Leeds, where he completed his PhD in 1918, focusing on the chemistry of isocyanides.

Academic Career

After completing his PhD, Ingold began his academic career at the University of Leeds as a lecturer. In 1924, he moved to the University of London, where he was appointed to the Chair of Organic Chemistry at University College London (UCL). Ingold's tenure at UCL was marked by groundbreaking research and significant contributions to the field of chemistry. He remained at UCL until his retirement in 1961.

Contributions to Chemistry

Ingold's contributions to chemistry are vast and varied. He is perhaps best known for his work on the mechanisms of chemical reactions, including the development of the nucleophilic substitution (SN1 and SN2 reactions) and electrophilic substitution theories. His research on the structure and reactivity of organic molecules led to the establishment of the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules for naming the stereochemistry of molecules, in collaboration with Robert S. Cahn and Vladimir Prelog.

Ingold was also instrumental in the development of the concept of mesomerism (now more commonly referred to as resonance), which describes the delocalization of electrons within molecules. This concept is crucial for understanding the stability and reactivity of many organic compounds, including aromatic compounds.

Legacy

Christopher Kelk Ingold's work has had a lasting impact on the field of chemistry. His theories and concepts are foundational to the study of organic chemistry and have influenced countless researchers and educators. Ingold's contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including election to the Royal Society in 1924 and the Copley Medal in 1965.

Selected Publications

Ingold authored and co-authored numerous publications throughout his career. Some of his most influential works include:

• Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry
• Principles of an Electronic Theory of Organic Reactions
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Death and Legacy

Christopher Kelk Ingold passed away on 8 December 1970. His legacy lives on through the continued relevance of his research in the field of chemistry. Ingold's contributions have shaped the way chemists understand chemical structures and reactions, making him one of the most influential chemists of the 20th century.