Date of Birth: July 23, 1906
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: January 7, 1998
Biography
Vladimir Prelog was a distinguished chemist, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry. Born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, then part of Austria-Hungary, Prelog’s early life was marked by his family’s relocation to Zagreb, Croatia. He pursued his education in chemical engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague, where he earned his degree in 1928. Prelog’s scientific career began at the University of Zagreb, where he initially worked on the synthesis of rare organic compounds. His exceptional work led him to Switzerland, where he joined the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) in 1941. At ETH Zurich, Prelog’s research flourished; he became known for his work on stereochemistry, a branch of chemistry focused on the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules. In 1975, Vladimir Prelog was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research into the stereochemistry of organic molecules and reactions. His work has had a profound impact on the development of modern organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Prelog continued to contribute to his field until his retirement, leaving a legacy of scientific excellence and discovery.
5 Interesting Facts about Vladimir Prelog
1. Vladimir Prelog was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1975, sharing it with John Warcup Cornforth.
2. He authored over 400 scientific papers throughout his career.
3. Prelog was known for his work on the stereochemistry of natural products, including antibiotics and alkaloids.
4. He was a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the Royal Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
5. Prelog’s contributions significantly advanced the understanding of chiral molecules, which are crucial in pharmaceuticals.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Vladimir Prelog
1. “Science is a wonderful tool to understand nature, but it’s not the only tool.”
2. “The joy of discovery is certainly the liveliest that the mind of man can ever feel.”
3. “Chemistry is not just about putting chemicals together; it’s about understanding the principles that govern their behavior.”
4. “Every discovery in science is the result of hard work, curiosity, and a bit of luck.”
5. “The beauty of chemistry lies in its ability to create new substances that can improve our lives.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Vladimir Prelog’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his legacy in the field of chemistry is invaluable.
Children
Vladimir Prelog had one son, Jan Prelog.
Relevant Links
1. [Nobel Prize Biography](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1975/prelog/biographical/
2. [ETH Zurich Profile](https://chab.ethz.ch/en/research/institutes/laboratories/prelog.html
3. [Royal Society Biography](https://royalsociety.org/people/vladimir-prelog-12075/
4. [American Academy of Arts and Sciences](https://www.amacad.org/person/vladimir-prelog
5. [Chemical & Engineering News Article](https://cen.acs.org/articles/84/i33/Vladimir-Prelog.html
