August Kekule

August Kekule was a German chemist who proposed the ring structure of carbon atoms in organic molecules and became the principal founder of the theory of chemical structure.

Chemist

September 7, 1820

July 13, 1896

75

Friedrich August Kekulé von Stradonitz, a distinguished German chemist, made substantial contributions to organic chemistry, particularly in the area of structural theory. He is most famous for proposing the concept of tetravalent carbon and discovering the structure of benzene. Kekulé’s innovative ideas transformed the understanding of organic compounds and established the foundation for the theory of chemical structure.

Kekulé also held a professorship in chemistry at the University of Ghent in Belgium, where he played a vital role in redeveloping the chemistry curriculum. His other accomplishments include synthesizing coumarin, researching uric acid, and publishing the journal Liebigs Annalen der Chemie.

Among his many achievements, Kekulé established the theory of chemical structure, recognized the direct linkage of carbon atoms to form carbon chains, and advanced the field of structural chemistry. However, his most renowned work remains his proposed structure for the benzene molecule.

In summary, Friedrich August Kekulé’s pioneering ideas and discoveries in organic chemistry continue to influence the field and inspire future generations of chemists. Notably, he proposed the ring structure of carbon atoms in organic molecules, including benzene, and became the principal founder of the theory of chemical structure.