Chemistry professor given award for work with carbenes

Anthony Arduengo, a UA chemistry professor, was recently recognized as a 2007 fellow by the world's largest general scientific society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Each year the AAAS selects members from across the nation who have accomplished milestones in science. The 2007 list of fellows includes 471 inductees, 51 of whom are chemists.

Arduengo's selection for the award was based on his work with the organic molecules called carbenes. Arduengo said he stumbled across the idea that he could isolate a stabilized carbene while working with automobile paint at Dupont.

Arduengo said the history behind carbenes has shown that the bonding nature in carbenes makes them difficult to isolate. The search for the oxidation state of methane has been around since 1835.

After thinking he would be able to take on the task of stabilizing carbenes, Arduengo said he made a proposal to Dupont stating that he hoped to isolate the first stable carbenes.

Dupont told Arduengo his proposal was a bad idea and went against basic principles of science. Arduengo said he was stubborn, and continued because he was confident that he could do it.

After successfully isolating a stabilized carbene, Arduengo went back to Dupont with proof.

"I received very positive reactions from Dupont," Arduengo said. "Corporate research asked to present my findings to the Executive Committee."

Arduengo said the isolated stabilized carbenes were important because they were used in synthesis of certain kinds of polymers and pharmaceutical drugs that can treat Hepatitis C.

"I am very pleased with the recognition," Arduengo said.

Arduengo began studying chemistry in the late 1960s and has been a member of AAAS since the late 1970s.

Arduengo said he decided to learn German in 1996, because of the German influences in science. By learning the language, he said, he hoped to better learn and understand the culture of Germany, where his work has also been recognized.

He was recipient of the Senior Alexander von Humboldt Prize, which is a high-level prize in chemistry.

As a UA professor today, Arduengo also works on collaborations with teaching and research institutions in Germany, doing guest lectures.

"I teach and lecture in German. Sometimes I feel more comfortable speaking in German," Arduengo said.