Roald Hoffmann

Roald Hoffmann 05

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Roald Hoffmann HD2006 AIC Gold Medal

Roald Hoffmann (born July 18, 1937) is a renowned American chemist and Nobel laureate, recognized for his work in the areas of chemical reactions, quantum chemistry, and molecular orbitals. Born in Złoczów, Poland (now Zolochiv, Ukraine), Hoffmann survived the Holocaust and emigrated to the United States in 1949. He pursued his education in chemistry, earning a bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 1958 and a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1962 under the guidance of William N. Lipscomb, Jr..

Early Life and Education

Roald Hoffmann was born into a Jewish family in Poland. During World War II, he and his family were forced into hiding to escape the Nazis. After the war, Hoffmann and his mother moved to the United States, where he later became a naturalized citizen. His interest in chemistry began in high school and continued to grow as he pursued higher education at Columbia and Harvard.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Hoffmann joined the faculty at Cornell University, where he has spent the majority of his academic career. His research has focused on theoretical aspects of chemistry, particularly the development of the Extended Hückel method, a simplified approach to understanding the behavior of electrons in molecules and solids. This work laid the foundation for his most notable achievement, the development of the Woodward-Hoffmann rules alongside Robert Burns Woodward. These rules, which predict the outcomes of chemical reactions, have had a profound impact on the field of organic chemistry, influencing how chemists understand and predict the courses of chemical reactions.

Nobel Prize

In 1981, Hoffmann was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly with Kenichi Fukui for their theories, developed independently, concerning the course of chemical reactions. Hoffmann's part of the prize was specifically for his contributions to the development of the Woodward-Hoffmann rules.

Other Contributions

Beyond his scientific research, Hoffmann is also known for his efforts to bridge the gap between science and the humanities. He has written several books and articles on the philosophy of science, chemistry, and the arts. Hoffmann is also a poet and playwright, using these forms to explore the human aspects of science and the creative process.

Legacy

Roald Hoffmann's work has significantly influenced the field of chemistry, providing a deeper understanding of chemical processes and how molecules interact during reactions. His interdisciplinary approach to science and the arts has inspired conversations about the role of science in society and the connections between different fields of inquiry.

Selected Works

• The Same and Not the Same (1995)
• Old Wine, New Flasks: Reflections on Science and Jewish Tradition (with Shira Leibowitz Schmidt) (1997)
• Chemistry Imagined: Reflections on Science (with Vivian Torrence) (1993)

Awards and Honors

• Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1981)
• National Medal of Science (1983)
• American Chemical Society Priestley Medal (1990)

Personal Life

Hoffmann has been an active voice in the scientific community, advocating for ethical considerations in scientific research and the importance of science education. He resides in Ithaca, New York, where he continues to write, lecture, and engage in scientific discussions.