Robert Burns Woodward

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Robert Burns Woodward in 1965

Robert Burns Woodward (April 10, 1917 – July 8, 1979) was an American organic chemist who is considered one of the most influential chemists of the 20th century. He made significant contributions to the synthesis of complex organic molecules and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1965 for his achievements in organic synthesis. Woodward's work not only advanced the field of chemistry but also had profound implications for the pharmaceutical industry and the development of new drugs.

Early Life and Education

Woodward was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and developed an interest in chemistry at an early age. He entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at the age of 16 but left after two years due to health issues and dissatisfaction with the teaching methods. Despite this, he continued his studies independently and returned to MIT to complete his degree, receiving his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1937.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Woodward joined the faculty at Harvard University, where he spent the majority of his career. His early work involved the study of natural products and the development of new synthetic pathways. Woodward was known for his meticulous approach to organic synthesis, often tackling molecules that were considered impossible to synthesize at the time.

One of Woodward's most notable achievements was the synthesis of quinine, a treatment for malaria, in 1944. This work demonstrated the potential of synthetic organic chemistry to produce complex natural products. He also led the synthesis of cholesterol, cortisone, and vitamin B12, among other molecules, showcasing the power of organic synthesis to impact medicine and biology.

Woodward's synthesis of vitamin B12 was particularly significant, as it was one of the most complex natural products synthesized at the time. This work, done in collaboration with Albert Eschenmoser, was a monumental effort that spanned many years and highlighted Woodward's skill in planning and executing multi-step synthetic pathways.

In addition to his synthetic work, Woodward made significant contributions to the development of theoretical tools in organic chemistry. He was instrumental in the development of the Woodward-Hoffmann rules, which predict the outcomes of chemical reactions based on the conservation of orbital symmetry. This work, done in collaboration with Roald Hoffmann, provided a deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying chemical reactions and earned Hoffmann the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1981 (Woodward had passed away by then).

Awards and Honors

Woodward received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1965. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and received the Copley Medal from the Royal Society, among other accolades.

Legacy

Woodward's legacy in the field of chemistry is profound. His work on the synthesis of complex natural products opened new avenues for the development of drugs and had a lasting impact on the pharmaceutical industry. His contributions to theoretical chemistry also continue to influence the field. Woodward is remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his role as a mentor to many chemists who went on to have distinguished careers of their own.

Selected Works

• Synthesis of Quinine
• Synthesis of Cholesterol
• Synthesis of Cortisone
• Synthesis of Vitamin B12
• Woodward-Hoffmann Rules