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Carl Jacob Löwig
Carl Jacob Loewig (1803-1890).jpg
Born (1803-03-17)17 March 1803
Died 27 March 1890(1890-03-27) (aged 87)
Nationality German
Alma mater University of Heidelberg
Known for Discovery of bromine
Scientific career
Institutions University of Heidelberg,
University of Zurich,
University of Breslau
Doctoral advisor Leopold Gmelin

Carl Jacob Löwig (born March 17, 1803 – died March 27, 1890) was an important German chemist. He is famous for discovering the chemical element bromine. He found it on his own, at the same time as another scientist, Antoine Jérôme Balard.

Carl Jacob Löwig: A Chemist's Life

Carl Jacob Löwig was born in a town called Bad Kreuznach, which is now in Germany. From a young age, he was interested in science. He grew up to become a respected chemist.

Early Life and Education

Carl Löwig went to the University of Heidelberg. This is a very old and famous university in Germany. He studied chemistry there. He earned his PhD degree for his work with his teacher, Leopold Gmelin. A PhD is a very high academic degree. It shows that someone is an expert in their field.

The Discovery of Bromine

One of Carl Löwig's biggest achievements was discovering bromine. This happened in 1825. He was studying different mineral salts. While doing his research, he noticed something new. When he treated a salt with chlorine, a brown gas appeared. This gas was bromine. Bromine is a reddish-brown liquid at room temperature. It turns into a gas easily. It is one of the few elements that are liquid at normal temperatures.

Löwig's Career and Legacy

After his discovery, Carl Löwig continued his work. He taught at the University of Heidelberg. Later, he moved to Switzerland to teach at the University of Zurich. He then returned to Germany. He became a professor at the University of Breslau. He took over the position from another famous chemist, Robert Bunsen. Carl Löwig lived and worked in Breslau for the rest of his life. He passed away there in 1890. His discovery of bromine was a big step forward in chemistry.

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