Donald J. Cram
Early Life and Education
Donald James Cram was born on April 22, 1919, in Chester, Vermont, United States. He was the son of a Scottish immigrant father and a Swedish immigrant mother. Cram's early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse, and he later attended the Winthrop High School in Massachusetts. His interest in chemistry was sparked during his high school years, leading him to pursue higher education in the field.
Cram attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1941. He then went on to obtain his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Harvard University in 1947 under the supervision of Louis Fieser. His doctoral research focused on the chemistry of quinones, which laid the groundwork for his future contributions to the field of organic chemistry.
Academic Career
After completing his Ph.D., Cram joined the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1947. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a full professor in 1956. During his tenure at UCLA, Cram made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the area of stereochemistry and the development of host-guest chemistry.
Cram's early research at UCLA focused on the mechanisms of organic reactions and the synthesis of complex organic molecules. He was particularly interested in understanding how the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule (stereochemistry) influenced its chemical reactivity and properties. This work led to the development of new synthetic methods and the discovery of novel chemical reactions.
Host-Guest Chemistry
One of Cram's most notable contributions to chemistry was his pioneering work in the field of host-guest chemistry. Host-guest chemistry involves the study of the interactions between a host molecule and a guest molecule, where the host molecule forms a cavity or binding site that can selectively accommodate the guest molecule. This area of research has important implications for the design of new materials, catalysts, and drug delivery systems.
Cram's work in host-guest chemistry began in the 1960s and was inspired by the earlier work of Charles J. Pedersen, who had discovered the crown ethers. Cram expanded on Pedersen's work by developing a variety of new host molecules, including cryptands and spherands, which were capable of selectively binding to specific guest molecules. These host molecules were designed to mimic the behavior of natural enzymes, which are highly selective in their interactions with substrates.
Cram's research in this area led to the development of the concept of "molecular recognition," which refers to the ability of a host molecule to selectively bind to a specific guest molecule based on complementary shapes and chemical properties. This concept has since become a fundamental principle in the design of new materials and drugs.
Nobel Prize and Later Work
In 1987, Donald J. Cram was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Jean-Marie Lehn and Charles J. Pedersen, for their work in the development of host-guest chemistry. The Nobel Committee recognized their contributions to the understanding of molecular recognition and the design of new host molecules.
Following his receipt of the Nobel Prize, Cram continued to be active in research and teaching at UCLA. He published numerous papers and mentored many graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who went on to make significant contributions to the field of chemistry. Cram's later work focused on the development of new synthetic methods and the study of complex molecular systems.
Legacy and Impact
Donald J. Cram's contributions to the field of organic chemistry have had a lasting impact on the scientific community. His work in host-guest chemistry and molecular recognition has paved the way for the development of new materials, catalysts, and drug delivery systems. Cram's research has also inspired a generation of chemists to explore the interactions between molecules and to develop new methods for controlling chemical reactivity.
Cram's legacy is also evident in the numerous awards and honors he received throughout his career, including membership in the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was also a recipient of the National Medal of Science and the Priestley Medal, the highest honor awarded by the American Chemical Society.
Personal Life and Death
Donald J. Cram was known for his dedication to his work and his passion for teaching. He was married to Jane Maxwell, and the couple had no children. Cram was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking and camping in his spare time.
Cram passed away on June 17, 2001, in Palm Desert, California, at the age of 82. His contributions to the field of chemistry continue to be celebrated and his work remains influential in the scientific community.