Chinese Journal of Applied Chemistry ›› 2023, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 610-614.DOI: 10.19894/j.issn.1000-0518.220355

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R. B. Woodward: Changing Chemistry from Empirical to Rationally Planned Endeavor with Instruments

Jing ZHU1, Xue-Feng JIANG2()   

  1. 1.Department of Philosophy,East China Normal University,Shanghai 200241,China
    2.School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering,East China Normal University,Shanghai 200062,China
  • Received:2022-11-01 Accepted:2023-02-14 Published:2023-04-01 Online:2023-04-17
  • Contact: Xue-Feng JIANG
  • About author:xfjiang@chem.ecnu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22125103);the Science Technology Commission Shanghai Municipality(22JC1401000);the National Social Science Fund of China(19BZX041);the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2022QKT003)

Abstract:

This paper illustrates how R. B. Woodward introduces physical instruments to organic chemistry, and alteres the way of chemical thinking and organic synthesis. This paper proposes that Woodward changes chemistry from empirical research to rationally planned endeavor, in which chemists begin to investigate the chemical structures and reactivity of molecules with scientific instruments.

Key words: R. B. Woodward, Instruments, Chemical structure, Organic chemistry

CLC Number: