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Karl ZieglerNobel Prize in Chemistry 1963 (together with D. Natta).
Date of Birth: 26.11.1898
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Biography of Karl Ziegler
Early Life and EducationKarl Ziegler, a German chemist and Nobel laureate, was born in Helsa, near Kassel, Germany. He was the second son of Karl Ziegler, a clergyman, and his wife Luise. Ziegler developed an interest in science at an early age, inspired by a physics textbook that sparked his curiosity and led him to conduct various experiments. His father also played a crucial role in developing his son's abilities by introducing him to renowned scientists like Emil Adolf von Behring, the inventor of diphtheria vaccine.
After completing school, Ziegler enrolled at the University of Marburg, where his extensive knowledge allowed him to skip the first two semesters. However, his studies were temporarily interrupted by World War I. In 1920, Ziegler obtained his doctorate degree in science. He then taught at the University of Marburg and the University of Frankfurt before becoming a professor at the University of Heidelberg in 1926. During his tenure in Heidelberg, which lasted for 10 years, Ziegler actively researched new branches and approaches to organic chemistry.
Professional Career
In 1936, Ziegler became a professor and dean of the Chemical Institute at the University of Halle/Saale. He also served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Chicago. In October 1940, Ziegler received the War Merit Cross 2nd Class for his contributions during World War II.
From 1943 to 1969, Ziegler held the position of director at the Max-Planck-Institut fur Kohlenforschung (Max Planck Institute for Coal Research). He played a vital role in the post-war reconstruction of German science, particularly in the field of chemistry. Ziegler founded the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker) and served as its president for five years. Additionally, from 1954 to 1957, he served as the president of the German Society for Mineral Oil Science and Coal Chemistry (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mineralölwissenschaft und Kohlechemie).
In 1952, Ziegler collaborated with the Italian company Montecatini to develop a catalyst. This achievement, along with his consultant Giulio Natta, earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963 for their contributions to the study of controlled polymerization of hydrocarbons.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1922, Ziegler married Maria Kurtz, and they had two children, Erhart and Marianna. Marianna Ziegler Witte became a medical doctor, while Erhart Ziegler pursued a career in medicine and patent law. Ziegler had five grandchildren from his daughter and another five from his son. One of his granddaughters even accompanied him to the ceremony of the Nobel Prize presentation.
During his free time, Ziegler enjoyed traveling around the world with his family. He had a particular interest in observing eclipses and would even arrange special cruises and flights to witness them. Sadly, Ziegler fell ill during one of these trips in 1972. He passed away a year later at the age of 74 on August 12, 1973.
