Otto Wallach

Otto Wallach was born on March 27, 1847, in Königsberg, Prussia. Wallach became one of the most renowned chemists of his time, known particularly for his work on the chemistry of alicyclic compounds and essential oils. His contributions laid the groundwork for many advancements in organic chemistry, especially in the field of terpenes.

In 1869, Otto Wallach completed his studies at the University of Göttingen, where he majored in chemistry. During his time there, he was greatly influenced by the teachings of Friedrich Wöhler, a notable chemist of the era. This education set the foundation for Wallach's future groundbreaking research in organic chemistry.

After years of research and academic work, Otto Wallach achieved the distinction of becoming a professor at the University of Bonn in 1876. Here, he focused on natural products chemistry, which led to important discoveries in the field of terpenes. Wallach's tenure at Bonn significantly contributed to his development as a chemist and researcher.

In 1884, Otto Wallach joined the faculty of the University of Göttingen, where he continued his pioneering research in organic chemistry. His return to Göttingen marked a period of intense scientific activity and productivity, as he further developed his theories and experiments on terpenoids which would later gain him international fame.

In 1909, Otto Wallach was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering and diverse work on the chemistry of aliphatic compounds, mainly relating to terpenes. His groundbreaking research and findings on essential oils opened new lines of inquiry in organic chemistry and continue to influence the field to this day.

Otto Wallach retired in 1912 after a long and illustrious career in academia and research. Despite his retirement, his influence continued to permeate the field of organic chemistry due to his revolutionary work on terpenes, which remained foundational in the field. His contributions were world-renowned and his absence in active research marked the end of an era.

Otto Wallach passed away on February 26, 1931, in Göttingen, Germany. His death marked the loss of one of the greatest chemists, whose vast contributions to organic chemistry and his groundbreaking work on terpenes and cyclic compounds would forever leave a significant legacy in the sciences. Wallach is remembered for shaping modern organic chemistry.