Carl Djerassi

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Carl Djerassi

Carl Djerassi (pronounced: Karl Juh-ras-ee) (October 29, 1923 – January 30, 2015) was an Austrian-born Bulgarian-American chemist, novelist, and playwright. He is best known for his contribution to the development of oral contraceptive pills, earning him the nickname "father of the pill".

Etymology

The name Carl is of German origin and means "free man". The surname Djerassi is of Bulgarian origin.

Early Life and Education

Djerassi was born in Vienna, Austria to a Bulgarian father and an Austrian mother. He emigrated to the United States in 1939 and later became a naturalized American citizen. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1942 and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1945.

Career

In 1951, while working at Syntex, a Mexican pharmaceutical company, Djerassi developed norethindrone, a synthetic molecule that was a key step in the creation of the first oral contraceptive pill. He also made significant contributions to the methods of organic synthesis and the application of physical organic chemistry to solving problems of biological importance.

Djerassi also had a successful career as a novelist and playwright, with works often exploring the human side of scientists and the personal conflicts faced in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Related Terms

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