# Thomas Midgley

> American chemist and engineer (1889–1944)

**Wikidata**: [Q324992](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q324992)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Midgley_Jr.)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thomas-midgley

## Summary
Thomas Midgley was an American chemist and engineer (1889–1944) known for his work in chemical engineering and industrial research. He is best recognized for his contributions to the development of tetraethyllead (TEL) as an anti-knock agent in gasoline and the invention of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were widely used as refrigerants. His work had significant impacts on the automotive and refrigeration industries, though his inventions later raised environmental concerns.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 18, 1889
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: Cornell University
- **Known for**: Development of tetraethyllead (TEL) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- **Employer(s)**: General Motors, Ethyl Corporation, Delco Electronics
- **Field(s)**: Chemical engineering, mechanical engineering

## Contributions
Thomas Midgley made several significant contributions to the fields of chemical engineering and industrial research:
- **Tetraethyllead (TEL)**: Midgley developed TEL as an anti-knock agent for gasoline, which significantly improved engine performance and efficiency. This innovation was widely adopted in the automotive industry.
- **Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)**: Midgley invented CFCs, which were used as refrigerants and propellants. These compounds were crucial in the development of modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
- **Industrial Research**: Midgley's work at General Motors and Ethyl Corporation involved extensive research and development in chemical engineering, leading to advancements in automotive and industrial technologies.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Thomas Midgley known for?
A: Thomas Midgley is known for his development of tetraethyllead (TEL) as an anti-knock agent in gasoline and the invention of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were used as refrigerants.

### Q: Where did Thomas Midgley work?
A: Midgley worked at General Motors, Ethyl Corporation, and Delco Electronics, contributing to various research and development projects in chemical engineering.

### Q: What are the significant inventions of Thomas Midgley?
A: Midgley's significant inventions include tetraethyllead (TEL) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), both of which had major impacts on the automotive and refrigeration industries.

### Q: What awards did Thomas Midgley receive?
A: Midgley received several awards, including the Willard Gibbs Award, Perkin Medal, and the Priestley Medal, recognizing his contributions to chemistry and engineering.

### Q: What is the legacy of Thomas Midgley?
A: Midgley's legacy includes his pioneering work in chemical engineering, which advanced automotive and refrigeration technologies. However, his inventions also raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding the use of CFCs and their impact on the ozone layer.

## Why They Matter
Thomas Midgley's work had a profound impact on the automotive and refrigeration industries. His development of tetraethyllead (TEL) revolutionized engine performance, making gasoline more efficient and reducing engine knock. The invention of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) enabled the widespread use of refrigeration and air conditioning, significantly improving quality of life. However, his inventions also highlighted the environmental challenges associated with chemical engineering, leading to increased awareness and regulation of harmful substances.

## Notable For
- Developing tetraethyllead (TEL) as an anti-knock agent in gasoline.
- Inventing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were used as refrigerants.
- Receiving prestigious awards such as the Willard Gibbs Award, Perkin Medal, and Priestley Medal.
- Contributing to the advancement of chemical engineering and industrial research.
- Working at major corporations like General Motors, Ethyl Corporation, and Delco Electronics.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Thomas Midgley was born on May 18, 1889, in the United States. He pursued his education at Cornell University, where he studied chemical engineering. His academic background laid the foundation for his future contributions to the field.

### Career and Employers
Midgley's career spanned several prominent organizations:
- **General Motors**: Midgley worked at General Motors, where he conducted research on automotive technologies, including the development of tetraethyllead (TEL).
- **Ethyl Corporation**: At Ethyl Corporation, Midgley continued his work on chemical engineering, focusing on the production and application of TEL.
- **Delco Electronics**: Midgley also contributed to Delco Electronics, a supplier of automotive parts, where he worked on various engineering projects.

### Major Contributions
Midgley's most notable contributions include:
- **Tetraethyllead (TEL)**: Developed as an anti-knock agent for gasoline, TEL significantly improved engine performance and efficiency. This innovation was widely adopted in the automotive industry, leading to better fuel efficiency and reduced engine wear.
- **Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)**: Midgley invented CFCs, which were used as refrigerants and propellants. These compounds were crucial in the development of modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems, making them more efficient and reliable.

### Awards and Recognition
Midgley received several prestigious awards for his contributions to chemistry and engineering:
- **Willard Gibbs Award**: Recognizing his achievements in chemical engineering.
- **Perkin Medal**: Awarded for his industrial chemical research.
- **Priestley Medal**: Honoring his significant contributions to the field of chemistry.

### Legacy and Impact
Midgley's work had a lasting impact on the automotive and refrigeration industries. His development of TEL revolutionized engine performance, while his invention of CFCs enabled the widespread use of refrigeration and air conditioning. However, his inventions also raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding the use of CFCs and their impact on the ozone layer. This dual legacy highlights the complex interplay between technological advancement and environmental responsibility.

### Affiliations and Memberships
Midgley was affiliated with several professional organizations, including:
- **National Academy of Sciences**: Recognizing his contributions to scientific research.
- **American Association for the Advancement of Science**: Acknowledging his work in advancing scientific knowledge.
- **American Chemical Society**: Honoring his achievements in chemistry.
- **American Institute of Chemical Engineers**: Recognizing his contributions to chemical engineering.

### Personal Life and Death
Thomas Midgley passed away on November 2, 1944. His work continues to be remembered for its significant impact on the fields of chemical engineering and industrial research.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/about/president/acspresidents.html)
2. [Source](https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/24/world/thomas-midgley-jr-leaded-gas-freon-scn/index.html)
3. FamilySearch Historical Records
4. [Source](https://chicagoacs.org/Willard_Gibbs_Award)
5. [Source](https://sci-america.org/awards/)
6. [Priestley Medal](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/awards/national/bytopic/priestley-medal.html)
7. [Source](https://www.newyorkacs.org/nicholsmedalists.html)
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
10. NNDB
11. SNAC
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Ethyl-leaded gasoline: how a classic occupational disease became an international public health disaster
15. BBC Things