|
|
For many decades, the Office of Science
and predecessor agencies have supported
studies of the scientific principles
underlying chemical separations and
analysis. The most notable achievement
was the development of the host-guest
complexation concept by Donald J.
Cram of the University of California,
Los Angeles. This concept, which explains
how molecules recognize and react
with each other, changed how scientists
think about separation and sequestration
of elements. Cram also synthesized
organic molecules that imitated the
primary functions of enzymes, helping
to fulfill a long-standing dream of
chemists. For his pioneering work,
Cram shared the 1987 Nobel Prize in
Chemistry with two other scientists.
Other researchers with Office of Science
support developed inductively coupled
plasma to produce sample materials
for chemical analysis; wrote a powerful
software program, SIMION, to help
design particle beams and traps for
fundamental studies; performed important
basic research on supercritical fluids
(liquefied gases used in solvent extraction);
and developed laser-based detection
schemes that enhanced the sensitivity
of important analytical methods.
Scientific Impact:
Cram helped to lay the foundation
for one of the most active fields
of chemical research, known as host-guest
or supramolecular chemistry, which
is directly applicable to separations.
The work on inductively coupled plasma
ushered in the era of ultra-trace
multi-element analysis, enabling the
rapid and accurate determination of
up to 70 elements in metals, alloys,
and organic compounds (such as oil,
serum, blood, and soils). SIMION is
used at every national laboratory.
Social Impact: Inductively
coupled plasma is used in environmental
testing and the production of ultrapure
materials for the semiconductor and
nuclear industries. The research on
supercritical fluids contributed to
the recent introduction of "green
chemistry" for commercial dry cleaning
and polymer manufacturing. SIMION
is used by instrument suppliers that
design mass spectrometers.
Reference: DOE-BES
Chemical Sciences, Highlights of Progress
in Separations Sciences, 1980-1999,
Edited by Charles H. Byers, IsoPro
International Inc., 2140 Santa Cruz
Ave, #C304, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/chm/S&Ahistory/sephist.html)
URL: http://www.nobel.se/chemistry/laureates/1987/press.html
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/chm/Programs/programs.html
Technical Contact:
Don Freeburn, Office of Basic Energy
Sciences, 301-903-3156
Press Contact: Jeff
Sherwood, DOE Office of Public Affairs,
202-586-5806
SC-Funding Office:
Office of Basic Energy Sciences |