Gerhard Ludwig Closs (May 1, 1928 – May 24, 1992) was an American chemist specializing in physical organic chemistry,[1] member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences,[2] chairman of the chemistry department at the University of Chicago.[1] [3] Closs made seminal contributions in research of the magnetic properties of the intermediate compounds formed in chemical reactions.[1] He is also credited with the discovery that certain reactions polarize atomic nuclei.[1] The National Academies Press called him "one of the outstanding chemists of the post-World War II era".[2] He was also an early leader in the field of carbene chemistry.[2] The New York Times called him "pioneering chemist".[1]
Awards and Distinctions
- Jean Servas Stas Medal by the Belgian Chemical Society in 1971[2]
- James Flack Norris award by the American Chemical Society in 1974[2]
- Arthur C. Cope Award by the American Chemical Society in 1991[2]
- Photochemistry Prize by the Inter-American Photochemical Association in 1992[2]
- elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1974[2]
- elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1975[2]
- The Inter-American Photochemical Association honors his memory with the G. L. Closs Memorial Award[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e New York Times:Gerhard Closs Is Dead; Pioneering Chemist, 64
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j National Academies Press:GERHARD LUDWIG CLOSS, BY HEINZ D. ROTH
- ^ New York Times:Science Academy Elects 96 Members, April 28, 1974,
