Odd Hassel

Odd_Hassel

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Odd Hassel (17 May 1897 – 11 May 1981) was a Norwegian physical chemist and Nobel laureate. He is best known for his work on the structure of cyclohexane and its derivatives, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969, shared with Derek Barton.

Early Life and Education

Odd Hassel was born in Kristiania, now known as Oslo, Norway. He was the son of Ernst Hassel, a gynecologist, and Mathilde Klaveness. Hassel attended the University of Oslo, where he studied chemistry and graduated in 1920. He then pursued further studies in Germany, working under the guidance of Peter Debye at the University of Munich.

Academic Career

Upon returning to Norway, Hassel joined the University of Oslo as a lecturer in 1925. He became a professor of physical chemistry in 1934, a position he held until his retirement in 1964. During his tenure, Hassel focused on the study of molecular structures using X-ray crystallography and other techniques.

Research and Contributions

Hassel's most significant contribution to chemistry was his research on the conformation of cyclohexane and its derivatives. He demonstrated that cyclohexane can exist in different conformations, such as the chair and boat forms, which have different energy levels and stability. This work was crucial in understanding the three-dimensional structure of organic molecules and their chemical behavior.

Hassel's research laid the foundation for the field of stereochemistry and had a profound impact on the development of organic chemistry. His findings were instrumental in the study of reaction mechanisms and the design of pharmaceuticals.

Nobel Prize

In 1969, Odd Hassel was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Derek Barton for their contributions to the development of the concept of conformation and its application in chemistry. The Nobel Committee recognized their work as a major advancement in the understanding of molecular structures.

Personal Life

Odd Hassel was known for his modesty and dedication to science. He remained active in research and academia throughout his life. Hassel passed away on 11 May 1981 in Oslo, leaving behind a legacy of significant scientific contributions.

Legacy

Odd Hassel's work continues to influence the field of chemistry, particularly in the areas of stereochemistry and organic chemistry. His research on molecular conformations remains a fundamental concept in the study of chemical structures and reactions.

Related Pages

• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Cyclohexane
• Stereochemistry
• Organic chemistry
• X-ray crystallography
• Reaction mechanism
• Pharmaceuticals