Gerhard L. Closs

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

1. New York Times:Gerhard Closs Is Dead; Pioneering Chemist, 64
2. National Academies Press:GERHARD LUDWIG CLOSS, BY HEINZ D. ROTH
3. New York Times:Science Academy Elects 96 Members, April 28, 1974,