Developed the concept of aromaticity, a fundamental principle in organic chemistry, and made significant contributions to the field of computational chemistry.
Paul von Ragu Schleyer, a renowned American physical organic chemist, left an indelible mark on the scientific community with his prolific research, earning him the distinction of being the world's third most cited chemist in 1997. With over 1100 technical papers to his name, Schleyer's groundbreaking work in lithium chemistry, ab initio molecular orbital theory, and carbonium ions continues to inspire generations of scientists.
Born on February 27, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, Schleyer graduated as valedictorian from Cleveland West Technical High School in 1947. He went on to receive his A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1951, magna cum laude. Schleyer then earned his Ph.D. degree from Harvard University in 1957, where he worked under the guidance of physical organic chemist Paul Doughty Bartlett.
Schleyer's academic journey began at Princeton University, where he started teaching in 1954 and eventually became the Eugene Higgins Professor of Chemistry. During his tenure at Princeton, he was awarded several prestigious fellowships, including a Fulbright Fellowship, Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, a J.J. Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Humboldt Special Fellowship.
As a testament to his dedication to research, Schleyer's laboratory-office combination at Princeton's Frick Laboratory was often filled with activity until late in the evening. This devotion led to the publication of twelve monographs, solidifying his reputation as a leading authority in his field.
In 1997, Schleyer became the codirector of the Institute for Organic Chemistry at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. Later, he took on the role of Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
Schleyer's impact on the scientific community extends beyond his research. He was a past president of the World Association of Theoretically Oriented Chemists, a fellow of the International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science, and editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia of Computational Chemistry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Schleyer's passion for chemistry inspired countless students and colleagues, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the course of scientific inquiry.
Paul von Ragu Schleyer passed away on November 21, 2014, leaving behind a profound impact on the world of chemistry. His remarkable contributions, unwavering dedication, and inspiring legacy will continue to motivate future generations of scientists.
89 Years Old
A Nobel Prize-winning chemist who pioneered the field of organic chemistry and introduced the concept of orbital symmetry, revolutionizing our understanding of chemical reactions.
Born in 1893
A pioneering scientist who discovered deuterium, a heavy isotope of hydrogen, and later contributed to the discovery of many other elements, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
Born in 1901
Pioneering chemist and peace activist who won two unshared Nobel Prizes, one for chemistry and one for peace, for his groundbreaking work on the nature of the chemical bond and his tireless efforts to promote nuclear disarmament.
Born in 1912
A renowned chemist and academic who discovered and isolated ten transuranic elements, including plutonium, and was a leading figure in the development of nuclear energy. His work had a profound impact on our understanding of the periodic table and the properties of atomic nuclei.
93 Years Old
A prominent leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as both a counselor in the First Presidency and as the church's president, while also being a prolific author and educator. He is known for his inspirational writings and devotion to his faith.
Born in 1899
Developed quantum mechanics theories, including the concept of magnetism, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977.
Born in 1896
Developed the molecular orbital method, a fundamental concept in chemistry that explains the structure and behavior of molecules. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1966 for his work.
98 Years Old
Developed innovative synthetic methods, transforming organic chemistry and enabling the creation of complex molecules with precise structures.
