Organic Chemistry, the study of compounds containing carbon, was, in its infancy, limited to those compounds produced by living organisms. As such, it is a discipline of chemistry that is, literally, “of the people.” However, its reach has expanded far beyond that of compounds produced by living organisms to include aspects of petrochemicals, cosmetics, consumer products and pharmaceuticals, among others. Breakthroughs in organic chemistry have contributed to treating, diagnosing and curing diseases; developing novel materials with unprecedented properties; researching renewable energy sources; and increasing crop production. This talk will present examples of the how the field of Organic Chemistry, a discipline of the people, has been taken up by the people, and provides benefits for all people.

Organic chemistry: Of the people, by the people and for the people

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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