Friedrich Wöhler

Friedrich Wöhler

Friedrich Wöhler

Friedrich Wöhler (31 July 1800 – 23 September 1882) was a German chemist, best known for his synthesis of urea, a landmark in the history of organic chemistry. Wöhler's work laid the foundation for the development of modern chemistry and demonstrated the possibility of synthesizing organic compounds from inorganic materials.

Early Life and Education

Friedrich Wöhler was born in Eschersheim, which is now part of Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He studied medicine at the University of Marburg and later at the University of Heidelberg, where he was influenced by the chemist Leopold Gmelin.

Career and Discoveries

Urea Synthesis

Wöhler's synthesis of urea

In 1828, Wöhler achieved the first synthesis of an organic compound from inorganic materials by converting ammonium cyanate into urea. This experiment is often cited as the beginning of modern organic chemistry, as it challenged the prevailing belief in "vitalism"—the idea that organic compounds could only be produced by living organisms.

Work with Elements

Wöhler made significant contributions to the study of several elements. He was the first to isolate aluminium in 1827, using a method involving the reduction of aluminium chloride with potassium.

Aluminium

He also worked on the isolation of beryllium and yttrium.

Beryllium

Yttrium

Collaboration with Justus von Liebig

Wöhler collaborated extensively with Justus von Liebig, another prominent chemist of the time. Together, they conducted pioneering research on the chemistry of benzoyl compounds and laid the groundwork for the development of structural chemistry.

Personal Life

Friedrich Wöhler was married to Auguste Wöhler, and they had several children. His son, August Anton Wöhler, became a notable engineer.

August Anton Wöhler

Death and Legacy

Wöhler passed away on 23 September 1882 in Göttingen, Germany. He is buried at the Göttingen Stadtfriedhof.

Wöhler's grave in Göttingen

Wöhler's contributions to chemistry are commemorated in various ways, including a German postage stamp issued in 1982.

File:DBP 1982 1148 Friedrich Wöhler.jpg

German postage stamp honoring Wöhler

Related Pages

• Organic chemistry
• Justus von Liebig
• Vitalism
• University of Göttingen