Otto Paul Hermann Diels

Otto Paul Hermann Diels was born on January 23, 1876, in Hamburg, Germany. Diels would later go on to become a renowned chemist, known for his development of the Diels-Alder reaction with his student Kurt Alder. His work in the field of organic chemistry would earn him significant recognition, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

In 1899, Otto Diels received his doctorate from the University of Berlin, where he studied under Emil Fischer, a prominent chemist. During his time at the university, Diels was involved in rigorous research and studies that laid the foundation for his future contributions to organic chemistry.

In 1906, Otto Diels was appointed as a professor of chemistry at the University of Kiel. This position allowed him to further his research in organic chemistry. It was during his time here that he made several important discoveries and mentored students who would later become influential chemists themselves.

In 1928, Otto Diels and his student Kurt Alder discovered the cycloaddition reaction now known as the Diels-Alder reaction. This reaction is a method to create a six-membered ring by reacting a conjugated diene with a dienophile. The Diels-Alder reaction is a cornerstone in synthetic organic chemistry and is widely used in the synthesis of complex organic compounds.

Otto Diels retired from his professorship at the University of Kiel in 1945. After an illustrious career, during which he made significant contributions to organic chemistry, Diels's retirement marked the end of an era of groundbreaking research and education at the institution.

On December 10, 1950, Otto Diels was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with his former student Kurt Alder. They were honored for their discovery of the diene synthesis, now known as the Diels-Alder reaction. This achievement highlighted the importance of their work in the field of chemistry.

Otto Paul Hermann Diels passed away on March 7, 1954, in Kiel, Germany. Over his lifetime, Diels made numerous impactful contributions to the field of chemistry, influencing scientific thought and inspiring future generations of chemists. His legacy continues through the reactions and principles he discovered and developed.