Adams, Roger

Name:
Adams, Roger
Detailed information:
(1889–1971). An American chemist, born in Boston; graduated from Harvard, where he taught chemistry for some years. After studying in Germany, he moved to the University of Illinois in 1916, where he later became chairman of the department of chemistry (1926–1954). During his prolific career, he made this department one of the best in the country, and strongly influenced the development of industrial chemical research in the U.S. His executive and creative ability made him an outstanding figure as a teacher, innovator, and administrator. Among his research contributions were development of platinum-hydrogenation catalysts, and structural determinations of chaulmoogric acid, gossypol, alkaloids, and marijuana. He held many important offices, including president of the ACS and AAAS, and was a recipient of the Priestley medal.