Otto Wallach, Chemistry (1847 to 1931)

In 1910 Otto Wallach (1847 to 1931) was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his achievements in the fields of organic chemistry and the chemical industry for his pioneering work in the area of alicyclic compounds. Following studies in chemistry and natural sciences at the University of Göttingen he completed his Doctorate in 1869. After many years at the University of Bonn he was appointed professor of chemistry at the University of Göttingen in 1889, a post he held until his retirement in 1915. Wallach remained an active researcher until 1927. With his research on the composition of essential oils, in particular the substance group of terpenes and camphor, he provided the impetus for the development of the industrial branch of synthetically produced aromatic substances.