Established in 1955, Mobil’s Central Research Laboratory (CRL) produced a remarkable number of scientific breakthroughs throughout its 45-year history. Its major contributions were in the areas of catalysis, lubrication science, and resource sciences. Critical to its success was a close and symbiotic relationship with its partner process and product technology laboratory in Paulsboro, NJ. This presentation is a personal perspective of the history and culture of Mobil’s Central Research Laboratory. The presentation attempts to highlight the laboratory’s major scientific accomplishments including shape-selective catalysis, ZSM-5 development, the discovery of methanol-to-gasoline, and advances in synthetic lubricants. Mobil’s CRL was joined with Exxon’s Corporate Research Laboratory in 1999, coincident with the Exxon – Mobil merger. Today, the laboratory is known as ExxonMobil's Corporate Strategic Laboratory.

Reflections on Mobil's Central Research Laboratory's culture and remarkable history of innovation

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.