Developed the Wittig reaction, a groundbreaking method for forming carbon-carbon double bonds, revolutionizing organic chemistry. This discovery enabled the creation of complex molecules with unprecedented precision.
Georg Wittig is renowned for his groundbreaking work in organic chemistry, particularly for developing the Wittig reaction, a method for synthesizing alkenes from aldehydes and ketones using phosphonium ylides. This seminal discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1979, shared with Herbert C. Brown.
Wittig was born on June 16, 1897, in Berlin, Germany, and spent his early years in Kassel, where his father was a professor at the applied arts high school. He developed an interest in chemistry and enrolled at the University of Tübingen in 1916. However, his studies were interrupted by World War I, during which he served as a lieutenant in the cavalry of Hesse-Kassel and later became an Allied prisoner of war from 1918 to 1919.
After the war, Wittig struggled to restart his chemistry studies due to overcrowding at the universities. Fortunately, a direct plea to Karl von Auwers, a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Marburg, allowed him to resume his university study. Wittig earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry in just three years and began his academic career under Auwers' guidance.
Wittig's academic career was marked by several notable achievements. He became a close friend and collaborator of Karl Ziegler, with whom he shared a mentor-mentee relationship under Auwers. Wittig's expertise in stereochemistry led to the publication of a 400-page book on the subject, which impressed Hans Meerwein, Auwers' successor. This led to Wittig's appointment as a lecturer and later as a professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig in 1932.
During his time in Braunschweig, Wittig showed solidarity with Karl Fries, who was being targeted by the Nazi regime. After Fries' forced retirement, Wittig joined the University of Freiburg in 1937, where he continued to work on his groundbreaking research.
Wittig's work was characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and his passion for understanding the intricacies of organic chemistry. His discovery of the Wittig reaction revolutionized the field, enabling the synthesis of complex molecules and paving the way for significant advances in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and other areas.
Wittig married Waltraud Ernst, a colleague from the Auwers working group, in 1931. He remained dedicated to his work throughout his life, making significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry until his passing on August 26, 1987.
Georg Wittig's legacy extends far beyond his Nobel Prize. His work has had a profound impact on modern chemistry, enabling the synthesis of complex molecules and contributing to significant advances in various fields. His dedication to his craft and his perseverance in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to chemists and scientists around the world.
Born in 1881
Developed groundbreaking theories on polymers, revolutionizing the field of organic chemistry, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1953.
Born in 1898
Developed groundbreaking catalysts that revolutionized the production of plastics and led to the creation of new materials, earning a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Born in 1903
A German biochemist and academic who discovered the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1939.
Born in 1898
A high-ranking officer in the German Wehrmacht during World War II, known for his involvement in the July 20 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
