2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Development of Metathesis Method

In 2005, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Yves Chauvin, Robert H. Grubbs, and Richard R. Schrock “for the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis.”

The official press release included the following:

“This year’s Nobel Prize Laureates in chemistry have made metathesis into one of organic chemistry’s most important reactions.”

“In 1971 Yves Chauvin was able to explain in detail how metathesis reactions function and what types of metal compound act as catalysts in the reactions. Now the “recipe” was known. Richard Schrock was the first to produce an efficient metal-compound catalyst for metathesis. This was in 1990. Two years later Robert Grubbs developed an even better catalyst, stable in air, that has found many applications.”

“Metathesis is used daily in the chemical industry, mainly in the development of pharmaceuticals and of advanced plastic materials. Thanks to the Laureates’ contributions, synthesis methods have been developed that are more efficient (fewer reaction steps, fewer resources required, less wastage), simpler to use (stable in air, at normal temperatures and pressures) and environmentally friendlier (non-injurious solvents, less hazardous waste products).”

“This represents a great step forward for “green chemistry”, reducing potentially hazardous waste through smarter production. Metathesis is an example of how important basic science has been applied for the benefit of man, society and the environment.”

Additional information on the 2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry:

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2005 (Homepage)

2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Official Press Release

Development of the Metathesis Method in Organic Synthesis

Metathesis-a change-your-partners dance
Yves Chauvin
Institut Français du Pétrole
Rueil-Malmaison, France

Yves Chauvin Autobiography (Nobel Prize)

Yves Chuvin Nobel Lecture
Robert H. Grubbs
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Pasadena, CA, USA

Robert H. Grubbs Autobiography (Nobel Prize)

Robert H. Grubbs Nobel Lecture

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The Metathesis Waltz
Richard R. Schrock
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, MA, USA

Richard R. Schrock Autobiography (Nobel Prize)