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Ejlhard MitcherlihGerman chemist
Date of Birth: 07.01.1794
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Birth and Education
- Academic Career
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Isomorphism and Mitscherlich's Law
- Organic Chemistry
- Other Notable Discoveries
- Recognition and Legacy
Birth and Education
Eilhard Mitscherlich was born in Neuende, near Oldenburg, Germany. From 1811-1817, he pursued higher education at the universities of Heidelberg, Paris, and Göttingen.
Academic Career
In 1822, Mitscherlich joined the faculty of the University of Berlin, where he later became a professor in 1825. His research spanned both inorganic and organic chemistry.
Inorganic Chemistry
Mitscherlich's groundbreaking work in inorganic chemistry included the discovery and investigation of selenic acid (1827) and the study of salts of phosphoric and arsenic acids.
Isomorphism and Mitscherlich's Law
In 1819, Mitscherlich's pivotal discovery of the phenomenon of isomorphism led to the formulation of Mitscherlich's Law. This principle established that the crystalline form of substances depends on the number and arrangement of their atoms, regardless of chemical nature.
Organic Chemistry
Mitscherlich's contributions to organic chemistry were equally noteworthy. He conducted groundbreaking research on the composition of lactic acid (1832), revealing its individuality. Moreover, he isolated pure benzene from benzoic acid (1833), initiating a series of syntheses that included nitrobenzene, benzenesulfonic acid, and azobenzene.
Other Notable Discoveries
Mitscherlich's discoveries also extended to benzophenone (1834), and he determined the empirical formula of uric acid with Justus von Liebig in the same year. Furthermore, he devised an apparatus to study the optical activity of organic compounds in the 1840s.
Recognition and Legacy
Eilhard Mitscherlich's profound influence on chemistry was recognized internationally. He was elected a foreign member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences in 1829. His legacy continues to inspire and guide modern chemical research.
