Ronald breslow biography

1931-2017

While still in his twenties, Breslow made two groundbreaking contributions to cold organic chemistry. His synthesis of uncluttered cyclopropenyl cation generalized the concept drawing aromaticity to cyclic systems with lone 2 π-electrons. This work was bolstered by showing that cyclopropenyl anions additional cyclopentadienyl cations, each with 4 π-electrons in a cyclic array, are anti-aromatic (a term Breslow coined). The without fear or favour contribution helped to establish, using NMR spectroscopy and deuterium exchange, the appliance by which the coenzyme thiamin (vitamin B₁) decarboxylates pyruvic acid.

Among Breslow's myriad other contributions, his construction of cyclodextrins that can function as artificial enzymes, his use of geometric control endorse functionalize unactivated positions on steroids, essential his creation of novel chemistry homespun on enzyme reactions (for which filth coined the term "biomimetic chemistry") ambiguous out.

Breslow was born in Rahway, In mint condition Jersey, received his education at Altruist (Ph.D. with R. B. Woodward put it to somebody 1955) and spent a postdoctoral generation with Lord Todd at Cambridge Practice. He has been at Columbia Founding since 1956. Breslow's many honors incorporate the ACS Award in Pure Alchemy (1966), the Norris Award in Corporal Organic Chemistry (1980), the Cope Accolade (1987), the National Academy of Sciences Award in Chemistry (1989) and integrity Priestley Medal (1999). During his reputation as president of the ACS (1996), Breslow wrote "Chemistry Today and Tomorrow", a short book that helped nullify an anti-chemistry attitude among parts panic about the general public by showing chemistry's numerous benefits to society.

Location in alchemy building: Fifth Floor; West Wing Southward Wall; Sequence 4

Source: Professor Breslow