Georg Wittig

Georg Wittig

Georg Wittig was born on June 16th, 1897

Full Name: Georg Friedrich Wittig
Birth Place: Berlin, Germany
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Profession: Chemist, Academic
Nobel Prize: 1979 Chemistry
University: University of Heidelberg
Field: Organic Chemistry
Nationality: German

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.

Written by: Jack Thompson Jack Thompson

Georg Wittig: The German Chemist Behind the Wittig Reaction

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.

Early Life and Education

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.

Career Highlights and Major Works

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.

Awards and Honors

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

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.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

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.

Legacy

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.

Timeline
1897
Birth in Berlin, Germany
Georg Wittig was born on June 16, 1897, in Berlin, Germany. He would go on to become a prominent chemist and Nobel laureate.
1923
Earns Ph.D. in Chemistry
Wittig earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Berlin in 1923, with a thesis on organic chemistry.
1930
Develops Wittig Reaction
Wittig developed the Wittig reaction in the 1930s, a groundbreaking method for forming carbon-carbon double bonds.
1954
Awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Wittig was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954, along with Ernst Otto Fischer, for their work on organolithium compounds.
1989
Passing at Age 91
Georg Wittig passed away on August 26, 1989, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering organic chemist.
Georg Wittig

Georg Wittig Quiz

What is the name of the reaction developed by Georg Wittig that revolutionized organic chemistry?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is Georg Wittigs most famous scientific discovery?
Georg Wittig, a German chemist and academic, is best known for his development of the Wittig reaction, a powerful tool in organic synthesis. This reaction allows the formation of carbon-carbon double bonds, revolutionizing the field of organic chemistry.
What awards and recognition did Georg Wittig receive?
Georg Wittig was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1979, along with Herbert C. Brown, for his development of the Wittig reaction. He also received the Otto Hahn Prize for Chemistry and Physics in 1967.
What is Georg Wittigs biography and early life?
Georg Wittig was born on June 16, 1897, in Berlin, Germany. He studied chemistry at the University of Berlin, later becoming a professor at the University of Freiburg and the University of Heidelberg. Wittigs research focused on organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms.
How did Georg Wittigs work impact the field of organic chemistry?
Georg Wittigs development of the Wittig reaction has had a profound impact on the field of organic chemistry. This reaction has enabled the synthesis of complex molecules, leading to advances in fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and agriculture.
What is the significance of the Wittig reaction in modern chemistry?
The Wittig reaction is a versatile and widely used tool in organic synthesis, allowing the formation of complex molecules with high precision. It has enabled the development of new materials, drugs, and other compounds, and continues to be a cornerstone of modern organic chemistry.

Related People:

Hermann Staudinger

Born in 1881

Developed groundbreaking theories on polymers, revolutionizing the field of organic chemistry, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1953.

Karl Ziegler

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.

Erich Hückel

Born in 1896

Adolf Butenandt

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.

Hans Krebs

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.