Richard R. Schrock

Richard R. Schrock, an American chemist renowned for his contributions to the field of organometallic chemistry, was born on January 4, 1945, in Berne, Indiana. His early education and interest in science laid the foundation for a prolific career in chemistry, leading to groundbreaking research and numerous awards.

In 1967, Richard R. Schrock graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Riverside. This educational milestone marked the beginning of his journey in academia and research, providing him with a strong foundation in chemistry that would later culminate in his notable contributions to metathesis catalysts.

Richard R. Schrock received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1971. Under the supervision of Professor J.A. Osborn, he conducted significant research that laid the groundwork for his future discoveries in the field of organometallic chemistry, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work on transition metal complexes.

In 1975, after completing postdoctoral work, Richard R. Schrock began working at E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, commonly known as DuPont. During his time at DuPont, he focused on research involving transition metal catalysts, which would become a pivotal aspect of his career as he explored and developed new catalytic methods.

Richard R. Schrock joined the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1978, where he began his academic career as a professor of chemistry. At MIT, he furthered his research into organometallic compounds and catalyst development, mentoring many students and contributing significantly to the field.

In 1980, Richard R. Schrock made a significant discovery in the field of chemistry by developing a new class of catalysts based on molybdenum. These catalysts proved crucial for metathesis reactions, a process pivotal in organic synthesis and industrial applications, enhancing the efficiency and range of reactions possible.

Richard R. Schrock was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2005, sharing the prestigious award with Robert H. Grubbs and Yves Chauvin. He received the honor for his development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis, which allowed for more efficient and selective chemical reactions, transforming industrial chemistry.

In 2006, Richard R. Schrock was honored with the Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry. This award recognized his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of organometallic chemistry, particularly his work on transition metal catalysts that have had significant industrial and academic impact.

Richard R. Schrock was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2015. This honor reflected his sustained excellence and leadership in the field of chemistry, acknowledging his contributions to scientific research, innovation, and the advancement of chemical knowledge.

In 2021, Richard R. Schrock retired from his long-time position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Over his illustrious career, he shaped future generations of chemists and made significant strides in the development of catalysts, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of organometallic chemistry.