Olefin metathesis is one of the most important and useful chemical transformations. The earliest versions of this reaction involved using not well defined catalysts and the reaction mechanism was not understood. In 1971, Chauvin proposed a mechanism that is accepted as the actual mechanism of the reaction today.
Chauvin died on January 27. I have read about him before. But, I think this is
the best article.
Here are a few quotes from him proving how good a scientist he was:
“If you want to find something new, look for something new!”
“Some people say that there is too much chemistry in our society. It is
in fact the opposite: there is not enough chemistry, not enough
understanding, not enough control of chemical reactions. Catalysis is
the key for a better chemistry.”
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