Fraser Stoddart

President Barack Obama greets the 2016 American Nobel Prize winners in the Oval Office

Error creating thumbnail:

Rotaxane Crystal Structure EurJOrgChem page2565 year1998

Catenane Crystal Structure ChemComm page634 1991 commons

Molecular Borromean Rings Atwood Stoddart commons

Molecular Solomon's knot AngewChemIntEd 2007 v46 p218

Sir James Fraser Stoddart (born 24 May 1942) is a Scottish chemist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016, alongside Jean-Pierre Sauvage and Bernard L. Feringa, for the design and synthesis of molecular machines. His work has been pivotal in the development of the field of supramolecular chemistry, focusing on the mechanical interlocking of molecules, which has led to the creation of numerous innovative molecular systems.

Early Life and Education

Fraser Stoddart was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and grew up on a farm. He attended the University of Edinburgh, where he received his B.Sc. degree in Chemistry in 1964 and his Ph.D. in 1966. His doctoral thesis was on the stereochemistry of cyclic and acyclic systems under the supervision of Edmund Hirst.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Stoddart held various academic positions, including at the University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham in the UK, where he developed his interest in the chemistry of molecular systems that led to the creation of catenanes and rotaxanes. These are complex molecules that consist of rings which are interlocked on a molecular level, a key component of molecular machines.

In 1997, Stoddart moved to the United States, where he joined the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and later at the Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he is currently a Board of Trustees Professor of Chemistry. His research has been instrumental in the development of nanotechnology, particularly in the creation of molecular switches and molecular motors.

Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016 was awarded to Stoddart for the design and synthesis of molecular machines. His contribution to the prize was focused on the development of rotaxanes, which he has utilized to create molecular lift, molecular muscles, and a molecular computer chip. This work is considered a significant step forward in the creation of molecular machines that could potentially perform tasks and processes on a molecular scale, including drug delivery and the creation of new materials.

Personal Life

Fraser Stoddart is known for his dedication to science and education, often speaking about the importance of curiosity-driven research. He has been honored with numerous awards and honors besides the Nobel Prize, including being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for his services to chemistry and molecular science.

Legacy and Impact

Stoddart's work has had a profound impact on the field of chemistry, particularly in the areas of supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology. His pioneering research has opened up new possibilities for the construction of complex molecular systems that can perform specific functions, which has implications for a wide range of scientific disciplines and industries. His dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists has also been a significant part of his legacy.