Felix Hoffmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Felix Hoffmann
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| Born | 21 January 1868 |
| Died | 8 February 1946 (aged 78) |
Felix Hoffmann (born 21 January 1868 – died 8 February 1946) was a German chemist. He is famous for creating aspirin. There is some debate about whether he discovered aspirin on his own or if he was told to do it by another scientist, Arthur Eichengrün.
Early Life and Education
Felix Hoffmann was born on 21 January 1868. His hometown was Ludwigsburg, which is in Germany. His father was a factory owner.
In 1889, Felix started studying chemistry. He went to the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He wanted to become a pharmacist. He finished his pharmacy studies in 1890. In 1891, he graduated from the University of Munich with high honors. Two years later, he earned his doctorate degree. This was also with high honors. His special research project was about certain types of chemical compounds.
Working at Bayer
In 1894, Felix Hoffmann started working at a big company called Bayer. He joined them as a research chemist.
On 10 August 1897, Hoffmann made a very important discovery. He created acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). This is the main ingredient in aspirin. He did this while working at Bayer. He combined two chemicals: salicylic acid and acetic acid. This allowed him to make ASA in a very pure and stable form.
At first, the scientists who tested new medicines were unsure. But after many large studies, they saw how well it worked. ASA was found to help with pain. It also lowered fever and reduced swelling.
Bayer then worked to find a way to make ASA cheaply. This would allow it to be sold as a medicine. In 1899, it was sold for the first time. It was given the trade name "Aspirin". It was first sold as a powder in glass bottles.
Felix Hoffmann never got married. He passed away on 8 February 1946 in Switzerland. He did not have any known children.
Legacy
Felix Hoffmann's work had a lasting impact. In 2002, he was honored for his inventions. He was added to the National Inventors Hall of Fame in the United States. This special place recognizes great inventors.
See also
In Spanish: Felix Hoffmann para niños
