Hans von Pechmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hans von Pechmann
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| Born | 1 April 1850 Nürnberg, Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire
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| Died | 19 April 1902 (aged 52) |
| Nationality | German |
| Alma mater | University of Greifswald |
| Known for | Pechmann condensation Diazomethane |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | organic chemistry |
| Institutions | University of Munich University of Tübingen |
| Doctoral advisor | Heinrich Limpricht |
| Doctoral students | William Hobson Mills Julius B. Cohen |
Hans von Pechmann (born April 1, 1850 – died April 19, 1902) was a German chemist. He is famous for discovering an important chemical called diazomethane in 1894. He also developed special ways to make other chemicals, like the Pechmann condensation and the Pechmann pyrazole synthesis.
He was also the first to create solid polyethylene by accident in 1898. This happened while he was working with diazomethane. Polyethylene is a type of plastic we use every day!
Contents
Life and Education
Hans von Pechmann was born in Nürnberg, Germany. He was the only son of a doctor, who was also named Hans. His family had a history of serving as soldiers. One of his ancestors, Martin Günther von Pechmann, was a general in the Bavarian army. He was even given the title of a baron in 1702.
Hans von Pechmann studied at the University of Greifswald. His teacher there was Heinrich Limpricht. After finishing his studies, he became a professor at the University of Munich. He taught there until 1895. Later, he moved to the University of Tübingen and worked as a professor there. He continued teaching at Tübingen until his death in 1902, when he was 52 years old.
Key Discoveries and Contributions
Hans von Pechmann made several important discoveries in the field of organic chemistry. This is the study of chemicals that contain carbon.
Diazomethane Discovery
One of his most well-known achievements was finding diazomethane. This chemical is very useful in making many other organic compounds. It helped chemists create new materials and medicines.
Pechmann Reactions
He also developed specific chemical reactions. These include the Pechmann condensation and the Pechmann pyrazole synthesis. These reactions are still used today to create complex molecules. They are important tools for chemists.
First Polyethylene
Perhaps one of his most surprising discoveries was the first example of solid polyethylene. He found this by chance in 1898. It happened when he was studying how diazomethane breaks down. This accidental discovery was a big step towards creating modern plastics.
Other Chemical Work
Von Pechmann also created other important chemicals for the first time. These include 1,2-diketones, like diacetyl. He also prepared acetonedicarboxylic acid and methylglyoxal. His work helped chemists understand how different molecules are built. He also figured out the structure of anthraquinone.
Images for kids
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Hans von Pechmann around 1899.
