Ernst Otto Fischer

Ernst Otto Fischer was born on November 10, 1918, in Solln, which is today a part of Munich, Germany. He was the son of Karl T. Fischer, a physicist, and Valentine Fischer (née Schönchen), who passed away when Ernst was just a year old. Growing up in a scientific family, Fischer was inspired to pursue chemistry and went on to have an illustrious career in inorganic chemistry. His pioneering work in the field of organometallic chemistry earned him international acclaim.

In 1949, Ernst Otto Fischer received his doctorate in chemistry from the Technical University of Munich. His thesis was focused on the chemistry of precious metals, a subject that would define a substantial portion of his later research work. Under the mentorship of Walter Hieber, Fischer developed a keen interest in the novel field of organometallic chemistry, which would become his primary area of academic inquiry and innovation.

In 1952, Ernst Otto Fischer and his colleague Walter Hieber were the first to describe the so-called sandwich compounds, specifically ferrocene, which consists of a transition metal sandwiched between two cyclic organic molecules. This discovery laid the foundation for the field of organometallic chemistry and provided new insights into the chemistry of metal-carbon bonds, earning critical recognition in academia.

In 1954, after his successful discovery of ferrocene, Ernst Otto Fischer completed his habilitation at the Technical University of Munich, which is a post-doctoral qualification that allows one to conduct self-directed university teaching. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his academic career, setting the stage for his future research that would continue to influence the field of chemistry on a global scale.

In 1963, Ernst Otto Fischer co-authored the influential textbook 'The Chemistry of the Transition Elements', which provided a comprehensive overview of the chemical properties and reactions of transition elements, including their complex behaviors and roles in advanced materials. This book became a key educational resource for students and researchers in chemistry and highlighted Fischer's dedication to educational work.

Ernst Otto Fischer was appointed as a full professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in 1964. This appointment recognized his contributions to the field of inorganic chemistry and his role in establishing the university as a leading center for research in organometallic sciences. Under Fischer's leadership, the department attracted many outstanding students and researchers who went on to achieve significant success.

On December 10, 1973, Ernst Otto Fischer was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly with Geoffrey Wilkinson for their independent work on organometallic compounds, specifically the chemistry of ferrocene and other sandwich compounds. This work fundamentally altered the understanding of chemical bonding and structure, providing the groundwork for advances in various fields including catalysis and materials science.

In October 1984, Ernst Otto Fischer published a landmark paper titled 'Organometallic Chemistry - A New Paradigm', which outlined the transformative impact that the field has had on both theoretical and applied chemistry. Fischer's work helped establish organometallic chemistry as a core discipline in chemical science, influencing new generations of chemists. This paper is still frequently cited in organometallic research today.

In 1991, Ernst Otto Fischer retired from his position at the Technical University of Munich. Even after his official retirement, Fischer continued to be active in the field of chemistry, engaging in collaborations and mentorship. His legacy at TUM remained strong, as the university continued to build on the foundation he had established in organometallic chemistry.

Ernst Otto Fischer passed away on July 23, 2007, in Munich, Germany, at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a prolific career that left an indelible mark on the field of chemistry. Through his pioneering work, Fischer inspired countless chemists and expanded the understanding of organometallic compounds, making substantial contributions to both theoretical and practical applications across various industries.