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