# Derek Barton

> English organic chemist (1918–1998)

**Wikidata**: [Q102419](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102419)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Barton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/derek-barton

## Summary
Derek Barton was an English organic chemist (1918–1998) who made groundbreaking contributions to stereochemistry and organic reaction mechanisms. He is best known for developing the Barton reaction, a photochemical process that revolutionized synthetic chemistry, and for his work on the Barton–McCombie deoxygenation reaction. His research laid the foundation for modern stereochemical understanding and earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969.

## Biography
- Born: September 8, 1918, in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa
- Nationality: British
- Education:
  - B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town (1939)
  - Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town (1942)
  - Postdoctoral research at the University of London (1942–1943)
  - Further studies at the University of Glasgow (1943–1945)
- Known for: Pioneering contributions to stereochemistry and organic reaction mechanisms
- Employer(s):
  - Imperial College London (1945–1957)
  - University of London (1957–1983)
- Field(s): Organic chemistry, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms

## Contributions
- **Barton Reaction (1960s)**: Developed a photochemical reaction that enabled the synthesis of complex organic molecules, significantly advancing synthetic chemistry.
- **Barton–McCombie Deoxygenation (1959)**: Co-discovered a reaction that simplified the synthesis of organic compounds by removing oxygen atoms, improving efficiency in chemical synthesis.
- **Stereochemistry Research**: Contributed to the understanding of molecular spatial arrangements, particularly in organic compounds, through his work on stereoisomers.
- **Organic Reaction Mechanisms**: Advanced the field by elucidating the mechanisms of organic reactions, providing foundational knowledge for synthetic chemists.
- **Teaching and Mentorship**: Taught at Imperial College London and the University of London, shaping the careers of numerous chemists and contributing to the development of organic chemistry education.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Derek Barton’s most significant contribution to chemistry?
A: Derek Barton’s most significant contribution was the development of the Barton reaction, a photochemical process that enabled the synthesis of complex organic molecules, revolutionizing synthetic chemistry.

### Q: Where did Derek Barton study and work?
A: Derek Barton studied at the University of Cape Town, where he earned his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemistry. He later worked at Imperial College London and the University of London, where he made groundbreaking contributions to organic chemistry.

### Q: What awards did Derek Barton receive?
A: Derek Barton received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969, the Davy Medal, the Royal Medal, and the Copley Medal, among others, recognizing his outstanding contributions to chemistry.

### Q: What is the Barton–McCombie deoxygenation reaction?
A: The Barton–McCombie deoxygenation reaction, co-discovered by Derek Barton and George McCombie, is a chemical reaction that simplifies the synthesis of organic compounds by removing oxygen atoms, improving efficiency in chemical synthesis.

### Q: How did Derek Barton influence stereochemistry?
A: Derek Barton’s work on stereochemistry, particularly his research on stereoisomers and molecular spatial arrangements, advanced the understanding of organic compounds and their reactivity, providing foundational knowledge for synthetic chemists.

## Why They Matter
Derek Barton’s work fundamentally changed the field of organic chemistry by introducing innovative reaction mechanisms and stereochemical principles. His discoveries, such as the Barton reaction and the Barton–McCombie deoxygenation, simplified chemical synthesis and enabled the creation of complex molecules. Barton’s research laid the groundwork for modern stereochemistry, influencing generations of chemists and advancing synthetic methodologies. His Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 recognized his pioneering contributions, solidifying his legacy as a visionary in organic chemistry. Without his work, many modern pharmaceuticals, materials, and technologies would not have been possible.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1969)**: Awarded for his contributions to stereochemistry and organic reaction mechanisms.
- **Barton Reaction**: Pioneered a photochemical process that revolutionized synthetic chemistry.
- **Barton–McCombie Deoxygenation**: Co-discovered a reaction that simplified organic synthesis by removing oxygen atoms.
- **Davy Medal (1964)**: Awarded by the Royal Society for his outstanding contributions to chemistry.
- **Royal Medal (1968)**: Recognized for his work in organic chemistry and stereochemistry.
- **Copley Medal (1974)**: The highest honor from the Royal Society, awarded for his lifetime achievements in science.
- **Fellow of the Royal Society**: Elected for his significant contributions to chemistry and scientific leadership.
- **Teaching and Mentorship**: Shaped the careers of numerous chemists through his work at Imperial College London and the University of London.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- **Birth**: September 8, 1918, in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa.
- **Education**:
  - Studied at the University of Cape Town, earning his B.Sc. in Chemistry in 1939.
  - Completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Cape Town in 1942.
  - Conducted postdoctoral research at the University of London from 1942 to 1943.
  - Further studies at the University of Glasgow from 1943 to 1945.

### Career and Research
- **Imperial College London (1945–1957)**: Joined as a lecturer and later became a professor, where he conducted groundbreaking research in organic chemistry.
- **University of London (1957–1983)**: Appointed as a professor and continued his research, focusing on stereochemistry and organic reaction mechanisms.
- **Barton Reaction (1960s)**: Developed a photochemical reaction that enabled the synthesis of complex organic molecules, significantly advancing synthetic chemistry.
- **Barton–McCombie Deoxygenation (1959)**: Co-discovered a reaction with George McCombie that simplified the synthesis of organic compounds by removing oxygen atoms, improving efficiency in chemical synthesis.
- **Stereochemistry Research**: Contributed to the understanding of molecular spatial arrangements, particularly in organic compounds, through his work on stereoisomers.
- **Organic Reaction Mechanisms**: Advanced the field by elucidating the mechanisms of organic reactions, providing foundational knowledge for synthetic chemists.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1969)**: Awarded for his contributions to stereochemistry and organic reaction mechanisms.
- **Davy Medal (1964)**: Awarded by the Royal Society for his outstanding contributions to chemistry.
- **Royal Medal (1968)**: Recognized for his work in organic chemistry and stereochemistry.
- **Copley Medal (1974)**: The highest honor from the Royal Society, awarded for his lifetime achievements in science.
- **Fellow of the Royal Society**: Elected for his significant contributions to chemistry and scientific leadership.
- **Knight Bachelor (1970)**: Appointed by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to chemistry.

### Teaching and Mentorship
- **Imperial College London**: Taught and mentored numerous chemists, shaping the careers of future researchers.
- **University of London**: Continued his teaching and mentorship, contributing to the development of organic chemistry education.

### Legacy
- **Influence on Organic Chemistry**: Barton’s work laid the foundation for modern stereochemistry and synthetic methodologies, influencing generations of chemists.
- **Advancements in Synthetic Chemistry**: His discoveries, such as the Barton reaction and the Barton–McCombie deoxygenation, simplified chemical synthesis and enabled the creation of complex molecules.
- **Global Recognition**: His contributions earned him international acclaim and numerous prestigious awards, solidifying his legacy as a visionary in organic chemistry.

## References

1. [Sir Derek Harold Richard Barton. 8 September 1918 - 16 March 1998](http://rsbm.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/48/1.full.pdf)
2. [Derek H. R. Barton (1918-98)](http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v393/n6685/full/393526a0.html)
3. [Source](http://historique.icsn.cnrs-gif.fr/spip.php?article6)
4. [Source](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/54435/Sir-Derek-HR-Barton)
5. [Source](http://www.londonremembers.com/subjects/sir-derek-barton)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. BnF authorities
8. [Organic Reactions](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/0471264180.or077.02/full)
9. [Barton, Derek Harold Richard. Complete Dictionary of Scientific Biography](http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2830905471.html)
10. [Barton, Derek Harold Richard, Sir. S9](http://www.s9.com/Biography/Barton-Derek-Harold-Richard-Sir)
11. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/company/038/000127654/)
12. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/honors/139/000048992/)
13. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/honors/853/000052697/)
14. [Source](https://www.rsc.org/prizes-funding/prizes/archives/harrison-memorial-prize/)
15. [Source](https://www.rsc.org/prizes-funding/prizes/find-a-prize/corday-morgan-prizes/previous-winners/)
16. [Source](https://www.rsc.org/prizes-funding/prizes/find-a-prize/tilden-prizes/previous-winners/)
17. [Source](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/ernest-guenther-award-in-the-chemistry-of-natural-products/past-recipients.html)
18. [Source](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/roger-adams-award-in-organic-chemistry/past-recipients.html)
19. [Award winners : Davy Medal](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1021770356&single=true)
20. [Source](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/jo/id/JORFCONT000000017848)
21. [The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1969. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1969/summary/)
22. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
23. [Source](https://www.rsc.org/prizes-funding/prizes/archives/robert-robinson-award/)
24. [Source](https://www.rsc.org/prizes-funding/prizes/find-a-prize/longstaff-prize/previous-winners/)
25. [Source](https://www.uv.es/uvweb/rectorado/es/premios-distinciones/doctores-honoris-causa/doctores-honoris-causa-siglo-xx/fecha-investidura/acto-investidura-doctor-honoris-causa-del-excm-sr-dr-sir-derek-barton-1285872205498/Honoris.html?id=1285878582569)
26. Journal officiel de la République française. 1979
27. [Award winners : Copley Medal. Royal Society](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1336391689&single=true)
28. [Source](https://www.artsci.uc.edu/departments/chemistry/alumni-and-community/the-oesper-award-program-and-symposium/previous-recipients-of-the-oesper-award.html)
29. [Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China](http://www.moe.gov.cn/s78/A22/xwb_left/moe_829/tnull_44386.html)
30. [Journal officiel de la République française](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000344260)
31. [Source](https://www.theaic.org/award_winners/chem_pioneer.html#cpa90s)
32. [Priestley Medal](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/awards/national/bytopic/priestley-medal.html)
33. [Source](https://www.theses.fr/1985PA112276)
34. [Source](https://rx.uga.edu/faculty-member/david-crich-dessc/)
35. International Standard Name Identifier
36. CiNii Research
37. OPAC SBN
38. [Source](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/154323085/derek-harold_richard-barton)
39. Find a Grave
40. SNAC
41. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
42. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
43. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
44. Derek, Harold, Richard Barton. La France savante
45. Munzinger Personen
46. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
47. nobelprize.org
48. CONOR.SI
49. La France savante
50. LIBRIS. 2011