# Charles Friedel

> French chemist (1832–1899)

**Wikidata**: [Q366724](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q366724)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Friedel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-friedel

## Summary
Charles Friedel was a French chemist renowned for his pioneering work in organic chemistry, particularly the development of the Friedel-Crafts reactions. Born in 1832, he made significant contributions to the field of aromatic substitution, which remains fundamental to synthetic chemistry. His research and academic leadership at institutions like the University of Paris solidified his legacy in the scientific community.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 10, 1832 (or March 12, 1832)
- **Nationality**: French
- **Education**: Studied at the University of Strasbourg and the University of Paris
- **Known for**: Friedel-Crafts reactions, advancements in organic chemistry
- **Employer(s)**: University of Strasbourg, University of Paris
- **Field(s)**: Chemistry, organic chemistry

## Contributions
- **Friedel-Crafts Reactions**: Developed the Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions (1877), enabling the synthesis of aromatic compounds through electrophilic substitution. These reactions are cornerstone methods in organic synthesis.
- **Academic Leadership**: Served as a professor at the University of Paris, contributing to the education and training of future chemists.
- **Mineralogy**: Conducted studies on minerals, including the identification of friedelite, a phyllosilicate mineral.
- **Professional Affiliations**: Member of the French Academy of Sciences, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and other prestigious scientific organizations, fostering international collaboration in chemistry.

## FAQs
**Q: What are the Friedel-Crafts reactions, and why are they important?**  
A: The Friedel-Crafts reactions are a set of electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions developed by Charles Friedel and James Crafts. They are crucial for synthesizing aromatic compounds, forming the basis for producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, and polymers.

**Q: Where did Charles Friedel conduct his notable research?**  
A: Friedel worked at the University of Strasbourg and later at the University of Paris, where he held a professorship and led significant research in organic chemistry.

**Q: What other scientific contributions did Friedel make beyond the Friedel-Crafts reactions?**  
A: Friedel contributed to mineralogy through the discovery of friedelite and held memberships in multiple international science academies, reflecting his broad impact on chemistry and scientific collaboration.

**Q: How did Friedel’s work influence modern chemistry?**  
A: His development of the Friedel-Crafts reactions provided essential tools for organic synthesis, enabling advancements in materials science, pharmaceuticals, and chemical engineering that remain vital today.

## Why They Matter
Charles Friedel’s work revolutionized organic chemistry by introducing reliable methods for synthesizing complex aromatic compounds. The Friedel-Crafts reactions remain indispensable in industrial and academic settings, underpinning the production of countless materials and medicines. His academic roles and international scientific collaborations furthered the global development of chemistry, ensuring his legacy as a foundational figure in the field.

## Notable For
- **Friedel-Crafts Reactions**: Landmark discovery in organic chemistry (1877).
- **Academic Affiliations**: Professor at the University of Paris and member of the French Academy of Sciences.
- **International Recognition**: Elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Russian Academy of Sciences.
- **Mineral Discovery**: Identified friedelite, a mineral named in his honor.
- **Davy Medal Recipient**: Awarded for outstanding contributions to chemistry.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Charles Friedel was born on March 10 or 12, 1832, in France. He pursued his education at the University of Strasbourg and later at the University of Paris, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to chemistry.

### Career and Research
Friedel’s career was marked by his appointment as a professor at the University of Paris, where he conducted seminal research. In collaboration with James Crafts, he developed the Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions in 1877. These reactions enabled the attachment of alkyl and acyl groups to aromatic rings, expanding the scope of organic synthesis.

### Academic and Professional Roles
Beyond his research, Friedel was an influential educator and academic leader. He taught at the University of Strasbourg and the University of Paris, shaping the careers of numerous chemists. His membership in prestigious academies, including the French Academy of Sciences, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlighted his international stature and facilitated cross-border scientific exchange.

### Contributions to Science
Friedel’s work extended beyond organic chemistry into mineralogy. He discovered friedelite, a phyllosilicate mineral, demonstrating his diverse scientific interests. His receipt of the Davy Medal underscored the significance of his contributions to the chemical sciences.

### Legacy
The Friedel-Crafts reactions remain a fundamental tool in synthetic chemistry, indispensable to industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to materials science. Friedel’s legacy is also reflected in his academic leadership and international collaborations, which strengthened the global chemistry community. His discoveries and dedication to education continue to influence contemporary research and industrial applications, ensuring his enduring impact on the field.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. www.accademiadellescienze.it
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Award winners : Davy Medal](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1021770356&single=true)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Léonore database
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. La France savante
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Virtual International Authority File