Thomas Midgley Jr.
Chemist and engineer; inventor of leaded gasoline

Born
May 18th, 1889
135 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 1944
80 years ago — 55 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
Contributed significantly to chemistry and engineering as an American chemist and engineer. Developed leaded gasoline in the 1920s, which was widely used as a fuel to reduce engine knocking. Later, invented chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) for refrigeration and air conditioning, which became widespread due to their efficiency. The environmental impacts of these inventions were recognized later, leading to significant changes in policies and practices regarding fuel and refrigerants.
Invented leaded gasoline
Developed chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
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