H.S. Gutowsky and the use of nuclear magnetic resonance in chemistry

Authors: Cheng, Huai; GIROLAMI, GREGORY - University Of Illinois

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Symposium Series
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/21/2020
Publication Date: 4/10/2020
Citation: Cheng, H.N., Girolami, G.S. 2020. H.S. Gutowsky and the use of nuclear magnetic resonance in chemistry. In: Strom, E.T., Mainz, V.V., editors. Pioneers of Magnetic Resonance. American Chemical Society Symposium Series Volume 1349. Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Society. p. 21-31.

Interpretive Summary: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a well-known and much used technique to study chemical structures and interactions. It was discovered in 1946 by physicists at Harvard and Stanford, which brought the Nobel Prizes to the leading scientists in both institutions. Its application to chemistry was started a few years after its discovery, and a key contributor in this effort was Herbert S. Gutowsky, a professor of chemistry at the University of Illinois. This chapter was written as part of an American Chemical Society (ACS) book on "Pioneers in Magnetic Resonance", and it aimed to summarize Gutowsky's career and accomplishments. A particular emphasis was placed on his scientific prowess, his administrative abilities, and his success as a mentor to his students and younger colleagues. Included in this article are synopses of his major publications and their relevance to the NMR field. This paper provides not only the information on an exemplary scientist but also points out the critical factors that contribute to his success, which may be instructive to young and upcoming scientists in the future.

Technical Abstract: Herbert Sander Gutowsky (1919–2000) was an eminent scientist, a pioneer in NMR, and a professor (and head) of the chemistry department at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In 1948, he and George Pake were the first to use NMR spectroscopy to study chemistry problems. He continued his NMR work for the next 30 years, blazing many trails and making significant discoveries. His pioneering work helped make NMR spectroscopy one of the most useful techniques for the analysis of molecular structure and dynamics in liquids, solids, and gases. This article aims to provide a brief summary of Gutowsky’s illustrious career and accomplishments. The authors (a former student and a former University of Illinois colleague) have added a few personal recollections along with a summary of some of the exciting research conducted at the chemistry department in Illinois during Gutowsky’s tenure.