Friedrich Wöhler: Father of modern organic chemistry

Friedrich Wöhler is a key figure in the history of chemistry. His work laid the groundwork for the development of modern organic chemistry and forever changed the way we understand the nature of chemical compounds. Although his name is not always as widely recognized as that of other scientists of his time, his discoveries had a profound impact on the advancement of science.

Early years and academic training

Friedrich Wöhler was born on 31 July 1800 in Eschersheim, a small town near Frankfurt am Main in what is now Germany. From a young age, Wöhler showed a keen interest in natural sciences. Although he initially studied medicine at the University of Marburg and then at the University of Heidelberg, his real interest lay in chemistry. In Heidelberg, he was a student of the famous chemist Leopold Gmelin, which marked the beginning of his immersion in experimental chemistry.

After completing his studies, Wöhler moved to Stockholm in 1823 to work under the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius, one of the greatest chemists of the 19th century. Berzelius had a great influence on Wöhler’s career and together they made important contributions to inorganic chemistry.

The synthesis of urea: a milestone in organic chemistry

Friedrich Wöhler’s best-known discovery is his urea synthesis In 1828, Wöhler discovered an experiment that changed the course of chemistry. Before this discovery, scientists believed in the theory of vitalism, which held that organic substances could only be produced by living organisms through a unique “life force.” However, Wöhler proved otherwise by synthesizing urea, an organic compound, from an inorganic compound, ammonium cyanate.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

This simple experiment showed for the first time that organic substances could be created from inorganic compounds in the laboratory. Although Wöhler was not aware of the magnitude of his discovery at the time, his synthesis of urea marked the beginning of modern organic chemistry and refuted the vitalist theory.

Contributions to inorganic chemistry

In addition to his groundbreaking work in organic chemistry, Wöhler also made important contributions to inorganic chemistry. Together with his mentor Berzelius, Wöhler investigated a wide variety of compounds and elements. In 1828, he succeeded insulate aluminum in its purest form, a major achievement in metallurgy. Although Wöhler was not the first to produce aluminium, his isolation methods were significant in understanding the behaviour of the metal.

Wöhler also worked on the production of various boron compounds and discovered the calcium carbideHis work spanned many areas of chemistry, and his research on silicon and titanium helped open up new fields of study.

Friendship and collaboration with Justus von Liebig

One of the most important aspects of Wöhler’s career was his collaboration with Justus von Liebig, another of the great chemists of the 19th century. Although they began as competitors, the two developed a close friendship and a fruitful collaboration. Together, they investigated the organic substances and made important advances in the understanding of organic radicals.

Their joint work on the uric acid and the cyanogen was also fundamental to the development of organic chemistry. In addition, the collaboration between Wöhler and Liebig laid the foundation for many of the principles of agricultural chemistryan area that Liebig would develop further in the future.

Contributions to scientific education

Throughout his career, Wöhler was an advocate of scientific educationHe taught chemistry at several German universities, including Göttingen and Berlin, where he trained several generations of chemists. His laboratories became cutting-edge research centers, and his influence on chemistry teaching endures to this day.

Wöhler also wrote numerous scientific articles and co-authored several influential textbooks in chemistry. His publications not only helped to spread his discoveries, but also laid a solid foundation for the teaching of chemistry at universities.

Recognitions and legacy

Although Wöhler never received the massive recognition he deserved during his lifetime, he was widely respected by his contemporaries. Throughout his career, he received several awards and honors, including the Copley Medal of the Royal Society in 1862, one of the most prestigious awards in the scientific field.

Today, Friedrich Wöhler’s name is primarily associated with the synthesis of urea, but his influence spans a much broader range of achievements. His rigorous, experimental approach to inorganic and organic chemistry laid the groundwork for generations of scientists and changed the way we understand chemical compounds.