Roger Adams

Roger Adams chemist

Roger Adams (January 2, 1889 – July 6, 1971) was an American organic chemist known for his work in the field of chemistry. He is best known for the development of the Adams' catalyst, a platinum-based catalyst used in hydrogenation reactions. Adams made significant contributions to the synthesis and structural elucidation of natural products, including the isolation of cannabidiol (CBD) from cannabis.

Early Life and Education

Roger Adams was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University, where he earned his B.A. in 1909 and his Ph.D. in 1912 under the supervision of Charles Loring Jackson. After completing his doctorate, Adams spent a year in Germany studying under Emil Fischer and Otto Diels.

Career

In 1916, Adams joined the faculty of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he would spend the majority of his career. He became a full professor in 1919 and served as the head of the Department of Chemistry from 1926 to 1954. During his tenure at UIUC, Adams mentored numerous students and conducted pioneering research in organic chemistry.

Adams' Catalyst

One of Adams' most notable achievements was the development of the Adams' catalyst, also known as platinum dioxide. This catalyst is widely used in hydrogenation reactions, which are essential in the synthesis of various organic compounds. The catalyst's effectiveness and versatility have made it a staple in both academic and industrial laboratories.

Natural Products

Adams made significant contributions to the study of natural products. He was instrumental in the isolation and structural determination of cannabidiol (CBD) from cannabis. His work laid the foundation for further research into the medicinal properties of cannabinoids.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Roger Adams received numerous awards and honors, including:

• The Priestley Medal (1946)
• The Willard Gibbs Award (1936)
• The Perkin Medal (1954)
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences (1935)

Personal Life

Adams was married to Leona E. Young in 1915, and they had two children. He was known for his dedication to his students and his passion for chemistry. Adams passed away on July 6, 1971, in Urbana, Illinois.

Legacy

Roger Adams' contributions to organic chemistry have had a lasting impact on the field. His work on catalysts and natural products continues to influence research and industrial practices. The Roger Adams Award in Organic Chemistry, established by the American Chemical Society, is named in his honor and is awarded biennially to recognize outstanding contributions to organic chemistry.

See Also

• Adams' catalyst
• Cannabidiol
• Hydrogenation
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Priestley Medal
• National Academy of Sciences