Friedrich Wöhler

Chemist known for organic synthesis

Friedrich Wöhler - Chemist known for organic synthesis
Born

July 31st, 1800
225 years ago

Died

1882
143 years ago — 82 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Germany

Links & References

Contributed significantly to the field of organic chemistry and is recognized for the synthesis of urea from ammonium cyanate in 1828. This experiment challenged the prevailing theory of vitalism and demonstrated that organic compounds could be created from inorganic substances. Wöhler also advanced the study of organic compounds, particularly in the areas of isomerism and coordination chemistry. His work laid foundational concepts for the modern understanding of chemical reactions and compounds.

Synthesis of urea from ammonium cyanate

Research on isomerism and coordination compounds

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