Ei-ichi Negishi

Ei-ichi Negishi was born on July 14, 1935, in Hsinking (now Changchun), the capital of Manchukuo, a puppet state of Imperial Japan. He later moved to Japan, where he studied chemistry and developed an interest in organic synthesis, ultimately becoming a renowned chemist known for his work in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

Ei-ichi Negishi graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1960 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in chemical engineering. This education laid the foundation for his future academic and research career, as he would go on to become one of the leading figures in the field of organic synthesis and organometallic chemistry.

In 1963, Ei-ichi Negishi moved to the United States to pursue further studies in chemistry. He joined the University of Pennsylvania as a postdoctoral researcher under Professor Allan R. Day. This move marked the beginning of his illustrious career in the United States, where he would later make groundbreaking contributions to chemistry.

In 1979, Ei-ichi Negishi published his pioneering work on the Negishi coupling reaction, a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction that created new carbon-carbon bonds. This reaction played a crucial role in organic synthesis and significantly advanced the field of organometallic chemistry.

In 1989, Ei-ichi Negishi joined Purdue University as a professor of chemistry. At Purdue, he continued his pioneering research in organic chemistry, helping to advance the field of cross-coupling reactions. His work at Purdue further cemented his reputation as a world-class chemist and educator.

Ei-ichi Negishi was awarded the American Chemical Society Award in Organometallic Chemistry in 1990 in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of organometallic chemistry, particularly his work on reaction mechanisms involving transition metal catalysts and their application in organic synthesis.

On October 6, 2010, Ei-ichi Negishi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Richard F. Heck and Akira Suzuki, for their contributions to the development of palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. This recognition highlighted the importance of these reactions in the formation of complex organic compounds and their wide range of applications.

On December 10, 2010, Ei-ichi Negishi delivered his Nobel Lecture in Stockholm, where he discussed his contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly his work on palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. His lecture was part of the Nobel Prize award ceremony, recognizing his outstanding achievements in the field of chemistry.

In August 2019, Ei-ichi Negishi published his autobiography, chronicling his life journey from his early days in Japanese-occupied China to his groundbreaking contributions to chemistry. The book provides insights into his personal and professional life, offering readers a unique perspective on the man behind the scientific achievements.

Ei-ichi Negishi passed away on June 6, 2021, at the age of 85. His passing marked the loss of a brilliant chemist who made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry. Negishi's work, particularly in the area of palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, continues to influence the field of chemistry today.