# John Cornforth

> Australian-British chemist

**Wikidata**: [Q135154](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135154)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cornforth)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-cornforth

## Summary
John Cornforth was an Australian-British chemist renowned for his groundbreaking work in organic chemistry, particularly in the study of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1975 for his research on the stereochemistry of these reactions, which significantly advanced the understanding of biochemical processes.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 7, 1917
- **Nationality**: Australian-British
- **Education**: University of Sydney, University of Oxford (St Catherine's College)
- **Known for**: Pioneering research in the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions
- **Employer(s)**: University of Warwick, University of Sussex, University of Oxford
- **Field(s)**: Organic chemistry, biochemistry

## Contributions
John Cornforth made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the study of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. His work on the stereochemistry of these reactions, which he conducted in the 1960s and 1970s, led to a deeper understanding of how enzymes function at the molecular level. This research was pivotal in advancing the field of biochemistry and had far-reaching implications for the development of new drugs and therapies. Cornforth's discoveries were recognized with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1975. Additionally, he is known for the Cornforth rearrangement, a reaction in organic chemistry that bears his name.

## FAQs
### What is John Cornforth best known for?
John Cornforth is best known for his pioneering research on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1975. His work provided fundamental insights into how enzymes function at the molecular level.

### Where did John Cornforth receive his education?
John Cornforth received his education at the University of Sydney and later at the University of Oxford, where he was affiliated with St Catherine's College.

### What awards did John Cornforth receive?
John Cornforth received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1975), the Copley Medal, the Royal Medal, the Davy Medal, and the Corday-Morgan Prize. He was also knighted as a Knight Bachelor and received the Centenary Medal and the Australian of the Year award.

### What is the Cornforth rearrangement?
The Cornforth rearrangement is a reaction in organic chemistry named after John Cornforth. It involves the rearrangement of certain organic compounds and is significant in the synthesis of complex molecules.

### Which institutions was John Cornforth affiliated with?
John Cornforth was affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including the University of Warwick, the University of Sussex, and the University of Oxford. He was also a member of the Royal Society and other notable scientific academies.

## Why They Matter
John Cornforth's work on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions revolutionized the field of biochemistry. His research provided a deeper understanding of how enzymes function, which has had a profound impact on the development of new drugs and therapies. Cornforth's contributions have influenced countless scientists and have been instrumental in advancing the field of organic chemistry. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of chemists and biochemists.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1975)**: Awarded for his research on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
- **Cornforth Rearrangement**: A reaction in organic chemistry named after him.
- **Fellow of the Royal Society**: Elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the most prestigious scientific academies in the world.
- **Knight Bachelor**: Knighted for his contributions to science.
- **Copley Medal**: Received the Copley Medal, one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific awards.
- **Royal Medal**: Awarded the Royal Medal by the Royal Society.
- **Davy Medal**: Received the Davy Medal for his contributions to chemistry.
- **Corday-Morgan Prize**: Awarded the Corday-Morgan Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
- **Centenary Medal**: Received the Centenary Medal, an Australian commemorative medal.
- **Australian of the Year**: Named Australian of the Year for his outstanding contributions to science.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
John Cornforth was born on September 7, 1917. He received his early education at the University of Sydney, where he developed a strong foundation in chemistry. He later pursued advanced studies at the University of Oxford, specifically at St Catherine's College, where he further honed his skills and knowledge in organic chemistry.

### Career and Research
Cornforth's career was marked by his pioneering research in the field of organic chemistry. He made significant contributions to the understanding of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, particularly focusing on their stereochemistry. His work in this area was groundbreaking and earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1975. This research provided fundamental insights into how enzymes function at the molecular level, which has had a profound impact on the development of new drugs and therapies.

### Affiliations and Employers
Throughout his career, Cornforth was affiliated with several prestigious institutions. He worked at the University of Warwick, the University of Sussex, and the University of Oxford. These affiliations allowed him to collaborate with other leading scientists and to conduct his research in well-equipped and supportive environments.

### Awards and Recognition
John Cornforth received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, he was awarded the Copley Medal, the Royal Medal, the Davy Medal, and the Corday-Morgan Prize. He was also knighted as a Knight Bachelor and received the Centenary Medal and the Australian of the Year award. These accolades reflect the high regard in which his contributions to science were held.

### Legacy and Influence
Cornforth's work has had a lasting impact on the field of organic chemistry and biochemistry. His research on enzyme-catalyzed reactions has influenced countless scientists and has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of biochemical processes. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of chemists and biochemists, and his contributions remain a cornerstone of modern chemical research.

### Personal Life and Later Years
John Cornforth passed away on December 8, 2013. His life and work continue to be celebrated for their significant contributions to science. His dedication to research and his groundbreaking discoveries have left an indelible mark on the field of chemistry, ensuring that his legacy will endure for many years to come.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. [Source](http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/news-events/articles/2017/sir-john-cornforth-100-years.shtml)
3. Catalog of the German National Library
4. [Source](http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/about-us/nobel-laureate-sir-john-cornforth.shtml)
5. Find a Grave
6. Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation
7. [Award winners : Copley Medal. Royal Society](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1336391689&single=true)
8. [Source](http://www.rsc.org/ScienceAndTechnology/Awards/CordayMorganPrizes/PreviousWinners.asp)
9. [The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1975. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1975/summary/)
10. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
11. Australian Honours Search Facility
12. [Source](http://www.rsc.org/ScienceAndTechnology/Awards/Archive/FlintoffMedal/Index.asp)
13. [Source](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/ernest-guenther-award-in-the-chemistry-of-natural-products/past-recipients.html)
14. [Award winners : Davy Medal](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1021770356&single=true)
15. [Sir John Warcup Cornforth. University of Sydney](http://sydney.edu.au/science/about_us/fame_cornforth.shtml)
16. International Standard Name Identifier
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. [John Cornforth – NAS](https://www.nasonline.org/directory-entry/john-cornforth-oqkjbt/)
19. [John Warcup Cornforth | American Academy of Arts and Sciences](https://www.amacad.org/person/john-warcup-cornforth)
20. [Academy of Europe: Cornforth John](https://www.ae-info.org/ae/Member/Cornforth_John)
21. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
22. SNAC
23. KNAW Past Members
24. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
25. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
26. Croatian Encyclopedia
27. Proleksis Encyclopedia
28. Munzinger Personen
29. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
30. Czech National Authority Database
31. [Source](https://royalsociety.org/about-us/who-we-are/diversity-inclusion/case-studies/scientists-with-disabilities/john-cornforth/)
32. National and University Library in Zagreb
33. nobelprize.org
34. Olympedia – Roger Cornforth. Olympedia