Derek Barton

Derek Barton
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Name	Derek Barton
Birth date	September 8, 1918
Birth place	Gravesend, Kent, England
Death date	March 16, 1998
Death place	College Station, Texas, United States
Nationality	British
Fields	Chemistry
Institutions	Imperial College London, Texas A&M University
Alma mater	Imperial College London
Doctoral advisor	Ian Heilbron
Known for	Conformational analysis
Awards	Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1969)

Derek Barton was a renowned British chemist who made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the area of conformational analysis. His work had a profound impact on the understanding of molecular structure and chemical reactions, influencing the research of Vladimir Prelog, Robert Burns Woodward, and Elias James Corey. Barton's collaborations with Alexander Todd and Lord Todd led to important discoveries in the field of biochemistry, including the study of vitamins and coenzymes. His research also drew on the work of Linus Pauling and Erwin Schrödinger.

● Early Life and Education

Derek Barton was born in Gravesend, Kent, England, and grew up in a family that encouraged his interest in science and mathematics. He attended Tonbridge School and later studied chemistry at Imperial College London, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1940. Barton then pursued his Ph.D. under the supervision of Ian Heilbron at Imperial College London, graduating in 1942. During his time at Imperial College London, Barton was influenced by the work of Christopher Ingold and Robert Robinson, and he also interacted with other notable chemists, including Alexander Fleming and Ernst Chain.

● Career

Barton began his academic career as a lecturer at Imperial College London in 1945, where he worked alongside Dennis Chapman and George Porter. In 1949, he moved to Birkbeck, University of London, and later, in 1957, he became the Professor of Organic Chemistry at Imperial College London. Barton's research group at Imperial College London included notable chemists such as Jack Baldwin and Sir John Cornforth. In 1986, Barton joined Texas A&M University as a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, where he continued to conduct research and mentor students, including K. Barry Sharpless and William S. Knowles.

● Research and Contributions

Barton's research focused on conformational analysis, which is the study of the three-dimensional structure of molecules. His work led to a deeper understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and chemical reactivity, and it had significant implications for the development of new drugs and agrochemicals. Barton's research also explored the biosynthesis of natural products, including steroids and alkaloids, and he collaborated with biologists such as Konrad Bloch and Feodor Lynen. His contributions to organic chemistry have been recognized as fundamental to the work of James Tour, Fraser Stoddart, and Jean-Marie Lehn.

● Awards and Honors

Barton received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to chemistry, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969, which he shared with Odd Hassel. He was also awarded the Copley Medal in 1980 and the Davy Medal in 1961, both from the Royal Society. Barton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1954 and was knighted in 1972 for his services to science. He received honorary degrees from University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University, and he was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

● Personal Life

Barton was married to Christianne and had two children, William and Ian. He was known for his love of music and literature, and he enjoyed hiking and traveling in his free time. Barton was also a strong supporter of scientific education and research funding, and he served on the boards of several scientific organizations, including the Royal Society and the American Chemical Society. Throughout his life, Barton maintained close relationships with his colleagues, including Lord Todd and Vladimir Prelog, and he continued to contribute to the field of chemistry until his death in 1998. Category:British chemists