Robert H. Grubbs
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2005
Born: 27 February 1942, Possum Trot, KY, USA
Affiliation at the time of the award: California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA, USA
Prize motivation: “for the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis.”

Work
Organic substances – a multitude of chemical compounds that contain the element carbon – are the basis of all life. Metathesis is an important type of chemical reaction in assembling or synthesizing organic substances. In metathesis double bonds between carbon atoms are broken and reorganized at the same time as atomic groups change place. Around 1992 Robert Grubbs discovered a metallic compound that effectively facilitates metathesis and is stable in the air. Metathesis has enabled more effective and environmentally sound processes in industry.

MLA style: Robert H. Grubbs – Facts. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Media AB 2021. Mon. 12 Apr 2021. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2005/grubbs/facts/>

Abstract Title: Exploring advances in polymer synthesis and catalysis in organic synthesis

Abstract Body: This talk will help you gain a new perspective on some of the most impactful chemistries in the modern world, including packaging, industrial processes, and consumer goods. For example, the total world polyolefins annual capacity exceeds 120 million tons or 0.12 quadrillion grams. This talk will cover advances in mechanisms of metal-catalyzed reactions, polymers synthesis, and catalysis in organic synthesis.