Otto Wallach

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Otto Wallach
Otto Wallach.jpg
Otto Wallach
BornMarch 27, 1847
DiedFebruary 26, 1931
NationalityGerman
Alma materUniversity of Göttingen
Known forTerpenes
AwardsNobel Prize in Chemistry (1910)
Scientific career
FieldsChemistry
InstitutionsUniversity of Göttingen
Doctoral advisorFriedrich Wöhler



Otto Wallach (March 27, 1847February 26, 1931) was a German chemist who made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the study of terpenes. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1910 for his pioneering work in this area.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Otto Wallach was born in Königsberg, in the Kingdom of Prussia. He studied at the University of Göttingen, where he was mentored by the renowned chemist Friedrich Wöhler. Wallach completed his doctoral degree in 1869.

Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his education, Wallach worked at the University of Bonn before returning to the University of Göttingen as a professor. His research focused on the structure and properties of terpenes, a class of organic compounds found in essential oils and resins.

Contributions to Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Wallach's work on terpenes led to the development of new methods for their isolation and structural determination. He established the relationship between the structure of terpenes and their chemical properties, which laid the foundation for further research in natural product chemistry.

Nobel Prize[edit | edit source]

In 1910, Otto Wallach was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his contributions to the understanding of terpenes and their chemical structure. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of organic chemistry and has influenced subsequent research in natural products and phytochemistry.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Wallach's research has been fundamental in the development of modern organic chemistry. His methods for the analysis and synthesis of terpenes are still used today. The Wallach reaction, a chemical reaction named after him, is a testament to his lasting influence in the field.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD