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Benjamin List

Benjamin List (born 11 January 1968) is a German chemist specializing in organic catalysis, best known for independently developing asymmetric organocatalysis in 2000, a breakthrough that utilizes small organic molecules to precisely construct complex molecules such as pharmaceuticals.^[1]^[2] For this innovation, which enables environmentally friendly and selective chemical synthesis, List shared the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with David W. C. MacMillan.^[3] He has served as director of the Homogeneous Catalysis Department at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, since 2005, where his research continues to advance sustainable catalysis methods.^[4]^[5] Born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, List grew up in a family with deep scientific roots, including his great-great-grandfather, the renowned chemist Jacob Volhard.^[4] He studied chemistry at the Freie Universität Berlin, earning his Diplom (equivalent to a master's degree) in 1993.^[6] List then pursued his PhD at the Goethe University Frankfurt under Johann Mulzer, completing it in 1997 with a thesis on the synthesis of vitamin B₁₂ derivatives.^[2]^[4] Following his doctorate, List moved to the United States as a postdoctoral researcher and later assistant professor at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, from 1997 to 2003, where he began exploring biocatalysts and enzyme mechanisms.^[2]^[4] In 2003, he returned to Germany to join the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung as a group leader, focusing on novel catalytic strategies.^[5] His seminal 2000 experiment using L-proline as an organocatalyst for an aldol reaction marked the birth of asymmetric organocatalysis, demonstrating that simple organic compounds could rival traditional metal-based and enzymatic catalysts in efficiency and selectivity.^[3] This work has profoundly impacted organic synthesis, facilitating the production of chiral molecules essential for drugs, materials, and fragrances while reducing reliance on rare metals and toxic reagents.^[1]^[2] List's contributions extend beyond this foundational discovery; his laboratory has developed numerous organocatalytic reactions, including activations of aldehydes, imines, and carbon dioxide, earning him recognition as a leader in green chemistry. In 2024, he received €10 million in funding from the Werner Siemens Foundation to pursue research on ideal chemical reactions that achieve high yields and selectivity with minimal waste.^[7]^[5] In addition to the Nobel Prize, he has received honors such as the Leibniz Prize in 2012 and membership in the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.^[8] His research emphasizes practical applications, bridging fundamental science with industrial needs for sustainable molecular assembly.^[3]

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Benjamin List was born on January 11, 1968, in Frankfurt am Main, West Germany, into a family with deep roots in science and the arts.^[9] His great-great-grandfather, Jacob Volhard, was a prominent chemist and student of Justus von Liebig, while his great-grandfather, Franz Volhard, was a renowned cardiologist known for advancements in nephrology.^[9]^[4] Additionally, List's aunt, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, is a developmental biologist who received the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her work on genetic control of embryonic development.^[9]^[5] List grew up in an upper-middle-class household in Frankfurt, where his parents divorced when he was three years old.^[5] He spent his childhood primarily with his mother, who worked full-time as an architect, and his two brothers.^[9]^[5] His family emphasized an anti-authoritarian parenting style, sending the brothers to the Kindeladen, an experimental nursery school promoting independence and self-expression.^[5] This environment in post-war West Germany, amid a period of social and economic reconstruction, fostered a nurturing yet unstructured upbringing that encouraged personal exploration.^[5] List's passion for chemistry emerged early, around the age of 11, when he developed a philosophical curiosity about the fundamental composition of the world and believed chemists held the key to improving it.^[9]^[10] Influenced by his family's scientific heritage, he was drawn to the subject's potential for discovery, setting the stage for his later academic pursuits.^[9]

Academic Education and Early Influences

Benjamin List developed an early passion for chemistry while growing up in Frankfurt, Germany, where he was born in 1968. By the age of eleven, he had decided to pursue a career in the field, captivated by the idea that chemists could explain the fundamental building blocks of the world. He attended high school in Frankfurt, excelling in the sciences and earning his Abitur, the German university entrance qualification, before embarking on a three-month trip to India that broadened his perspectives.^[9]^[5] List began his undergraduate studies in chemistry at the Freie Universität Berlin, obtaining his Diplom degree in 1993 with summa cum laude distinction. His Diplom thesis, supervised by Johann Mulzer, focused on the synthesis of substructures of vitamin B12, specifically targeting the "northern side" rings A and B of the molecule. This work introduced him to the challenges of complex natural product synthesis and laid the groundwork for his doctoral research.^[9]^[5] For his PhD, List moved to the Goethe University Frankfurt, where Mulzer had taken a position, and completed his degree in 1997 under the same supervisor. His dissertation centered on the stereocontrolled synthesis of a nonracemic vitamin B12 A-B-semicorrin, a key intermediate in the total synthesis of the vitamin, demonstrating advanced techniques in asymmetric organic synthesis. This project honed his expertise in constructing intricate molecular architectures and emphasized the importance of stereoselectivity in natural product chemistry.^[9] Key early influences shaping List's foundational knowledge included the mentorship of Johann Mulzer, who guided him through rigorous organic synthesis methodologies, as well as exposure to pioneering concepts in asymmetric synthesis from Siegfried Hünig's research. Additionally, List encountered the Hajos-Parrish-Eder-Sauer-Wiechert reaction during his studies—a proline-catalyzed asymmetric aldol addition that sparked his interest in enzyme-mimicking catalysis using simple organic molecules. These intellectual encounters, combined with familial encouragement from a scientific background, steered his focus toward innovative approaches in organic chemistry.^[5]

Professional Career

Postdoctoral Work and Early Positions

Following the completion of his PhD in 1997, Benjamin List began a postdoctoral fellowship at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, supported by a Feodor Lynen scholarship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.^[9] There, from April 1997 to December 1998, he worked under the supervision of Richard A. Lerner and Carlos F. Barbas III in the Department of Molecular Biology, initially focusing on the design of catalytic antibodies, known as abzymes, to mimic enzymatic reactions.^[9]^[11] During this period, List explored the potential of small organic molecules as catalysts, leading to foundational experiments in organocatalysis; he co-authored 17 papers in under two years, including early investigations into proline-mediated reactions that would later underpin his seminal contributions.^[5] In January 1999, List transitioned to his first independent academic role as an Assistant Professor at the Scripps Research Institute, where he established his own laboratory dedicated to advancing organocatalytic methods.^[12]^[9] As a young German researcher new to the United States, he faced initial hurdles in building his team and securing resources, starting with a small group of two staff members and navigating the uncertainties of non-tenured status amid family responsibilities.^[5] Despite these challenges, List successfully recruited his first graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative environment centered on innovative catalysis. He also obtained significant early funding, including a major grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which supported the lab's focus on asymmetric reactions using simple organic catalysts like proline.^[5] This period marked List's shift from mentored research to leadership, laying the groundwork for his independent career in the U.S. before his return to Germany in 2003.^[12]

Leadership at Max Planck Institute

In 2003, Benjamin List returned to Germany from his postdoctoral and early academic positions in the United States to take up the role of group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research (MPI KöFo) in Mülheim an der Ruhr.^[9] This move marked the establishment of what became known as the List Lab, a research group dedicated to advancing catalysis methodologies, which he grew into a team of approximately 50 members drawn from diverse international backgrounds to foster collaborative and innovative problem-solving.^[9]^[13] List's leadership trajectory advanced rapidly when he was promoted to director and head of the Department of Homogeneous Catalysis in 2005, a position that allowed him to oversee the strategic expansion of organic catalysis research within the institute.^[9]^[5] In this capacity, he integrated interdisciplinary teams comprising chemists, physicists, and engineers to tackle complex catalytic challenges, emphasizing sustainable approaches that aligned with broader environmental goals.^[5] By 2011, List had assumed the role of managing director, further solidifying his influence on the institute's administrative and scientific direction.^[14] Under List's guidance, the List Lab secured substantial funding for large-scale projects, including multiple European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grants totaling €4.5 million over a decade and participation in the Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, which provided millions in support for solvation science and catalysis initiatives.^[15]^[16] These resources enabled the scaling of experimental infrastructure and the recruitment of top talent, enhancing the lab's capacity for high-impact research.^[17] In November 2024, List's lab received 10 million euros from the Werner Siemens Foundation to support a new project on advanced chemical reactions.^[7] List played a pivotal role in modernizing MPI KöFo's research focus, transitioning from its historical emphasis on coal chemistry to contemporary priorities in sustainable catalysis, thereby positioning the institute as a global leader in environmentally benign synthetic methods.^[5]^[18] His efforts in team-building and resource acquisition not only amplified the institute's output in organocatalysis but also contributed to its evolution into a hub for green chemical innovations.^[13]

Academic Appointments and Collaborations

In addition to his directorial role at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research, Benjamin List holds the position of honorary professor of organic chemistry at the University of Cologne since 2004, where he teaches courses and supervises PhD students.^[9]^[19] This appointment allows him to maintain active involvement in university-level education and training in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis methodologies.^[9] List has also taken on visiting and adjunct roles to foster international academic exchange. He served as a visiting professor at Sungkyunkwan University in Korea in 2008 and has served as a specially appointed professor heading a research group at Hokkaido University in Japan since 2018.^[20]^[9] These positions have facilitated lectureships and short-term engagements, including connections through his postdoctoral alumni network at The Scripps Research Institute. Additionally, he maintains scientific collaborations with institutions such as the University of Campinas in Brazil via partnerships between his institute and their synthesis laboratory.^[21] List's collaborative efforts extend to joint projects with peers in the catalysis field, notably alongside David W. C. MacMillan, whose parallel advancements in organocatalysis have influenced extensions into combined approaches like photoredox systems, though their core developments were independent.^[3] He has also partnered with industry leaders, such as BASF, to explore scalable applications of organocatalysis in large-scale chemical production, with potential extensions to pharmaceutical synthesis.^[22] Through these roles, List has built a substantial mentorship legacy, supervising more than 30 PhD students and numerous postdocs at the Max Planck Institute and University of Cologne, many of whom have advanced to faculty positions in academia or research roles in the pharmaceutical sector.^[23]^[9]

Scientific Research

Pioneering Organocatalysis

Organocatalysis emerged as a groundbreaking approach in synthetic chemistry, utilizing small organic molecules to catalyze reactions with high efficiency and selectivity, without relying on metals or large biomolecules. This metal-free method contrasts sharply with traditional catalysis dominated by transition-metal complexes, which often require expensive ligands and can introduce toxicity concerns, and enzymatic catalysis, which, while highly selective, is limited by enzyme stability and substrate specificity. Inspired by biomimetic principles, organocatalysis leverages simple organic compounds—such as amino acids—to mimic the activation strategies of enzymes, enabling asymmetric synthesis under mild conditions and promoting environmental sustainability.^[24] The field traces its modern revival to the late 1990s, building on earlier but underexplored work like the Hajos-Parrish-Eder-Sauer-Wiechert reaction from the 1970s, an intramolecular proline-catalyzed aldol cyclization used in steroid synthesis that achieved asymmetry but lacked broader mechanistic understanding or intermolecular applications.^[25] During his postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute in the late 1990s, Benjamin List gained key insights into enzyme active sites, particularly how amino and carboxylic acid functionalities could activate carbonyl compounds for selective reactions. These observations, stemming from studies on catalytic antibodies, prompted List to explore small organic molecules for direct asymmetric catalysis, culminating in his seminal 2000 publication in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.^[26] This work independently paralleled David MacMillan's concurrent advancements in organocatalytic strategies, establishing proline as a versatile catalyst for enantioselective transformations and igniting widespread interest in the field.^[24] At the core of List's pioneering contribution is the proline-catalyzed direct asymmetric aldol reaction between unmodified ketones and aldehydes, which proceeds via enamine or iminium intermediates to achieve precise stereocontrol. In this mechanism, L-proline reacts with the ketone to form an enamine nucleophile, which then attacks the electrophilic aldehyde, followed by hydrolysis to regenerate the catalyst and yield the β-hydroxy carbonyl product with high enantiomeric excess. A representative example is the reaction of an aldehyde (RCHO) with acetone, catalyzed by L-proline, producing the aldol adduct with >90% ee:

\ce{RCHO + CH3COCH3 ->[L-proline] (R)-RCH(OH)CH2C(O)CH3}

This breakthrough enabled metal-free enantioselective C-C bond formation, with yields up to 76% and enantioselectivities as high as 99% for various substrates, fundamentally expanding the toolkit for organic synthesis.^[26]

Key Discoveries and Methodologies

In 2006, List introduced the concept of counterion-directed catalysis (ACDC), a strategy that leverages chiral counteranions to control selectivity in reactions involving cationic intermediates, particularly for conjugate additions. This methodology enhances enantioselectivity in conjugate transfer hydrogenations of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes using Hantzsch esters as hydrogen donors, achieving up to 99% ee through Brønsted acid co-catalysis that pairs achiral cationic activators with chiral phosphate counteranions. The approach has proven versatile for Michael-type additions, where the counteranion directs the facial selectivity of nucleophilic attack, marking a shift toward anion-binding organocatalysis. During the 2010s, List pioneered multifunctional catalysis with confined imidodiphosphoric acids (IDPs) and imidodiphosphorimidates (IDPis), which combine strong Brønsted acidity with steric confinement to enable asymmetric counteranion-directed processes. These catalysts feature a rigid scaffold that positions the acidic protons for precise substrate binding, facilitating reactions like the Povarov cycloaddition and hydroarylations with enantioselectivities often above 95% ee. For instance, nitrated IDPs catalyze intramolecular hydroarylations of olefins with indoles, yielding chiral tetrahydrocarbazoles in high yields and ee values. This innovation expanded ACDC to multifunctional systems, where the catalyst simultaneously activates both electrophile and nucleophile.^[27] List's group has also advanced the organocatalytic activation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) for sustainable synthesis, enabling the incorporation of CO₂ into organic molecules via asymmetric carboxylative cycloadditions and other transformations. For example, using chiral N-heterocyclic carbenes or Brønsted acids, they achieved enantioselective synthesis of lactones and cyclic carbonates from epoxides or propargylic alcohols with CO₂, promoting carbon utilization in green chemistry.^[28] List has authored over 300 publications in organocatalysis, including seminal reviews in Angewandte Chemie that outline methodological advancements. Key works include the 2000 Journal of the American Chemical Society paper on proline-catalyzed direct asymmetric aldol reactions, which laid foundational principles for carbonyl activation, and applications in total synthesis highlighted in a 2024 Nature Communications article on stereoselective silacycle formation using confined acids. These contributions underscore his focus on practical, high-impact methodologies.^[29]^[26]^[30]

Broader Impact and Ongoing Work

List's pioneering work in asymmetric organocatalysis has profoundly influenced industrial applications, particularly in pharmaceutical synthesis and the production of fine chemicals. By replacing metal-based catalysts with inexpensive, non-toxic organic alternatives, organocatalysis minimizes hazardous waste and enhances sustainability in large-scale manufacturing processes. Notable examples include its adoption in the synthesis of key pharmaceuticals, such as the antidepressant duloxetine and analogs related to the diabetes drug sitagliptin, where it enables efficient asymmetric transformations critical for drug efficacy.^[31]^[32] These advancements have reduced reliance on rare metals, lowering costs and environmental impact in sectors like agrochemicals and materials science.^[3] In education, List's contributions have shaped curricula and resources promoting green chemistry principles, integrating organocatalysis into university courses and textbooks as a model for sustainable synthetic methods. His research has inspired pedagogical materials that emphasize metal-free catalysis to teach atom economy and waste prevention. As of 2025, List's publications have accumulated over 49,000 citations, reflecting their widespread adoption in academic training and inspiring generations of chemists to prioritize eco-friendly approaches.^[29]^[32] List's ongoing research in the 2020s at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research centers on expanding organocatalysis through innovative hybrids and computational tools, including AI-optimized catalyst design for enhanced selectivity and efficiency. Recent 2024-2025 publications demonstrate progress in sustainable methodologies, such as organocatalytic enantioselective cyclopropanation of olefins and asymmetric fragmentation of cyclopropanes, which facilitate precise C-C bond manipulations under mild conditions. Post-2021 developments include EU-funded initiatives, notably the 2022 ERC Advanced Grant, which supports the creation of new organocatalysts for the sustainable synthesis of complex natural products and bioactive molecules.^[13]^[33]^[34]^[35]

Awards and Honors

Pre-Nobel Recognitions

Benjamin List's early career was marked by several prestigious awards recognizing his innovative contributions to organic chemistry and catalysis. In 2001, he received the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award, which honors young scientists for outstanding research in synthetic organic chemistry.^[36] This was followed in 2005 by the Novartis European Young Investigator Award in Chemistry, acknowledging his pioneering work on asymmetric organocatalysis.^[12] By 2007, List had garnered the AstraZeneca Award in Organic Chemistry and the Research Award from the Endowment of the German Chemical Industry, both highlighting his advancements in catalyst design and sustainable synthesis methods.^[12] These accolades underscored his growing influence in the field. In 2012, he was awarded the Otto Bayer Prize for his development of new organocatalytic reactions that enable efficient and environmentally friendly chemical transformations.^[12] The following year, 2013, brought the Mukaiyama Award from the Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan, for his exceptional contributions to organic synthesis.^[37] List's rising prominence continued with the 2014 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award from the American Chemical Society, recognizing mid-career achievements in organic chemistry, particularly his foundational role in organocatalysis.^[38] The pinnacle of his pre-Nobel honors came in 2016 with the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, Germany's most esteemed research award, which included €2.5 million in funding to support future work. This prize celebrated List's establishment of organocatalysis as a new paradigm in chemical synthesis, enabling metal-free, sustainable catalysis through discoveries like the proline-catalyzed aldol reaction.^[39] In 2018, List was elected to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, a distinction for exceptional scientific merit, further affirming his leadership in chemistry.^[40]

Nobel Prize and Subsequent Accolades

In 2021, Benjamin List was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with David W. C. MacMillan for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis, a methodology that has revolutionized the construction of molecules by enabling precise control over their three-dimensional structures using small organic catalysts.^[3] The Nobel Committee highlighted how this approach provides an efficient tool for building complex molecules, bridging the gap between enzymatic and traditional metal-based catalysis.^[3] The prize announcement was made on October 6, 2021, recognizing List's pioneering work at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research.^[41] The Nobel award ceremony occurred on December 10, 2021, at the Stockholm Concert Hall, though due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, List received his medal and diploma in Berlin from Swedish Ambassador Per Thöresson.^[42] Earlier during Nobel Week, on December 8, 2021, List presented his Nobel lecture titled "Asymmetric Organocatalysis," in which he elaborated on the discovery of small organic molecules as versatile catalysts and their transformative potential for sustainable chemical synthesis.^[43] Introduced by Professor Peter Somfai of KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the lecture underscored the shift from large biomolecules or metal complexes to simple, environmentally friendly alternatives, foreshadowing broader applications in small molecule catalysis.^[24] In November 2022, the University of Cologne awarded List an honorary doctorate in recognition of his achievements in chemistry.^[23] Following the Nobel Prize, List continued to receive prestigious honors affirming his contributions to chemistry. In October 2023, Freie Universität Berlin, where he earned his diploma in chemistry in 1993, conferred upon him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his groundbreaking advancements in organocatalysis and their global impact.^[44] This accolade was presented during a special ceremony, celebrating his return to his alma mater as a Nobel laureate.^[45] In 2025, List was named the recipient of the Research.com Chemistry Leader Award in Germany, an honor based on his exceptional h-index, publication record, and influence in organic chemistry and catalysis research.^[46] This award highlights his ongoing leadership, with over 500 publications and citations exceeding 100,000, positioning him among the top chemists globally.^[46] The Nobel recognition has amplified List's role in public outreach, leading to increased invitations for lectures and discussions on catalysis and scientific innovation. Notable examples include his 2023 public lecture at TU Dresden on "Catalysis for the World" and appearances at international events like the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, where he shared insights on pursuing curiosity-driven research.^[47]^[48] These engagements have further elevated the visibility of organocatalysis and inspired the next generation of scientists.

Personal Life

Family and Personal Interests

Benjamin List married Dr. Sabine List in La Jolla, California, in 1999, shortly after meeting her during his time at The Scripps Research Institute.^[9] The couple has two sons, Paul and Theo, born in the early 2000s.^[9] Their family life took a dramatic turn during a vacation in Thailand when they narrowly survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami; List has described grabbing his sons and running from the waves alongside his wife, an experience that deepened his appreciation for family and health.^[5] In his personal life, List is an avid practitioner of yoga, incorporating daily sessions—including headstands—into his routine to gain a fresh perspective and manage stress, a habit he sometimes shares with his research team to foster a relaxed lab environment.^[5] As a classical music enthusiast, List particularly favors works like Bach's Brandenburg Concertos and has expressed regret for not pursuing musical training in his youth.^[5] List maintains a lifestyle centered on family time in Mülheim, emphasizing the integration of professional and personal spheres without strict boundaries, as he views his work as an extension of his passions.^[22] Following his 2021 Nobel Prize, he has highlighted the importance of reflection and downtime, including vacations that allow for family bonding and personal recharge, though he admits that true work-life separation remains elusive for him.^[49]

Public Engagement and Legacy

Benjamin List has actively engaged in public outreach since receiving the Nobel Prize, delivering lectures that highlight the role of catalysis in sustainable chemistry. In May 2023, he gave a public lecture titled "Catalysis for the World" at TU Dresden, where he discussed how chemical production processes can become more environmentally friendly and sustainable.^[50] Similarly, in June 2023, he presented a seminar at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) on advancements in asymmetric organocatalysis.^[51] In interviews, List emphasizes an enthusiasm-driven approach to science, stating that passion is essential for effective leadership and innovation in research groups.^[22] He advises young scientists to "follow your enthusiasm," underscoring how personal drive fuels discoveries that benefit society.^[49] As director of the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research (MPI Kofo), List supports mentorship initiatives aimed at promoting diversity in STEM. The Max Planck Society, of which MPI Kofo is part, runs a dedicated mentoring program for female scientists from diploma students to senior researchers, providing career support and networking opportunities.^[52] List has personally supervised over 30 PhD students, including many women, fostering an inclusive environment in his laboratory.^[23] He advocates for greater representation of diverse backgrounds in science, arguing that "we need to represent the whole diversity of all humans in science" to drive progress.^[53] List's legacy lies in establishing organocatalysis as the third pillar of asymmetric catalysis, alongside enzymatic and metal-based methods, revolutionizing synthetic chemistry with efficient, metal-free alternatives.^[54] This innovation enables greener production of pharmaceuticals and materials, reducing environmental impact through fewer steps and abundant elements.^[11] His work positions organocatalysis as a key tool for climate solutions, such as capturing and converting carbon dioxide into useful compounds, aligning with global efforts to mitigate emissions.^[55] In November 2024, List secured 10 million euros from the Werner Siemens Foundation to pursue research on direct photocatalytic CO2 reduction, advancing sustainable synthesis initiatives.^[7]

References

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Benjamin List – Facts – 2021 - NobelPrize.org
Benjamin List and David MacMillan, independent of each other, developed a new type of catalysis that builds upon small organic molecules.
[2]
Digital Story – Benjamin List | MAX PLANCK GESELLSCHAFT
After studying chemistry at Freie Universität Berlin, he obtains his doctorate in 1997 at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main on the ...
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Oct 6, 2021 · Benjamin List and David MacMillan are awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 for their development of a precise new tool for molecular construction: ...
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CV - Benjamin List | Lindau Mediatheque
### Summary of Benjamin List's Biographical Information
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Oct 6, 2021 · Ben List, Director at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, one of the pioneers of a new research field in chemistry.
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Benjamin List — Curious2027 - Curious - Future Insight Conference
Benjamin List was born in 1968 in Frankfurt, Germany. He graduated from Freie University Berlin (1993) and received his Ph.D. (1997) from the University of…Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
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Academy member Benjamin List receives the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Oct 6, 2021 · Benjamin List (born 1968) has been Director at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung (MPI) in Mülheim an der Ruhr/Germany since 2005.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
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Benjamin List – Biographical - NobelPrize.org
I was born January 11th 1968 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. I am a chemist and currently one of the directors at the Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung in ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
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Benjamin List: “Follow your enthusiasm” - NLS - Nordic Life Science
List was born in 1968 in Frankfurt, Germany, and his chemistry interest led him to study at the Free University of Berlin. He finished his doctorate studies ...Missing: family background
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In 2009, we demonstrated that our chiral disulfonimides (DSI) are not only ... Max-Planck-Gesellschaft · Imprint · Privacy Policy · Accessibility. ©. 2025, Max ...
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ERC grantee Benjamin List wins 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Oct 6, 2021 · Benjamin List, two-fold grantee of the European Research Council (ERC), has been awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of asymmetric ...
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Apr 21, 2016 · RESOLV PI Prof. Benjamin List receives ERC Advanced Grant from European Research Council for his catalysis research.Missing: funding | Show results with:funding
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2016: A golden year for RESOLV scientists seeking ERC funding
Dec 31, 2016 · Prof Dr Benjamin List has won an ERC Advanced Grant – 2 million Euro for five years. The director at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung ...
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Pivotal Catalysis Institute Milestone - C&EN
Mar 3, 2014 · ' ” says Benjamin List, one of five current directors at KOFO, a common moniker for the institute and a short form for the German word for coal ...Plastics Pioneer · Fuel Pioneer · Updated
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... Professor Univ. of Cologne (since 2004). Selected Awards. Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2021. Nobel Prize 2021. Catalysis researcher Benjamin List is Director at ...Missing: appointments | Show results with:appointments
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[20]
Winner of Nobel Prize in Chemistry has long collaborated with a ...
Oct 27, 2021 · Benjamin List, who worked with a Brazilian researcher supported by FAPESP, won the prize for developing a cheap and eco-friendly class of ...
[21]
Interview with Prof. Dr. Benjamin List: Nobel Laureate in Chemistry ...
Jul 12, 2022 · In an interview with Benjamin List, winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, members of the Young Chemists' Network (JCF) of the German ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
[22]
Honorary Doctorate for Ben List - MPI für Kohlenforschung
Nov 25, 2022 · Benjamin List with some of his PhD students: more than 30 young women and men have been accompanied to their doctorates by List.Missing: supervised | Show results with:supervised
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The Hajos-Parrish-Eder-Sauer-Wiechert Reaction. Page 6. 74. THE NOBEL PRIZES though somewhat underappreciated discovery. Also, researchers were at that time ...Missing: PhD thesis
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Proline-Catalyzed Direct Asymmetric Aldol Reactions
Here we report our finding that the amino acid proline is an effective asymmetric catalyst for the direct aldol reaction between unmodified acetone and a ...
[26]
Strong and Confined Acids Catalyze Asymmetric Intramolecular ...
Jan 5, 2021 · Here we report the design and synthesis of confined Bronsted acids based on a C2-sym. imidodiphosphoric acid motif, enabling a catalytic ...Supporting Information · Author Information · Acknowledgments · ReferencesMissing: multifunctional | Show results with:multifunctional
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‪Benjamin List‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬
Benjamin List. Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kohlenforschung. Verified email at mpi-muelheim.mpg.de - Homepage · chemistry. ArticlesCited byPublic ...
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Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of Si-stereogenic silacycles
Jul 11, 2024 · A strong and confined Brønsted acid catalyzed enantioselective cyclization of bis(methallyl)silanes provides enantioenriched Si-stereogenic silacycles.
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Nobel Chemistry Laureates Developed a Revolutionary Tool That ...
Benjamin List ... drug 'sitagliptin.' The technology is also used ... organocatalysis is crucial for drug synthesis and has had a huge industrial impact.
[31]
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 - Popular information
Benjamin List had a postdoctoral position in Barbas' research group when the brilliant idea that led to one of the discoveries behind this year's Nobel Prize in ...
[32]
Early Stage Organocatalysis - MPI für Kohlenforschung
The European Research Council has announced that it will fund Benjamin List's research with another ERC Advanced Grant.Missing: collaborations | Show results with:collaborations
[33]
Organocatalytic regio- and stereoselective cyclopropanation of olefins
May 16, 2025 · The synthesis of cyclopropanes via metal-catalysed carbene transfer from diazo compounds to olefins is among the best developed and most general ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[34]
Catalytic asymmetric fragmentation of cyclopropanes - Science
Oct 10, 2024 · ... Benjamin List https://orcid.org ... Competing interests: B.L. is listed as inventor on patent WO 2017/037141 (A1) filed by the Max-Planck ...
[35]
Previous Winners - Thieme Chemistry - Georg Thieme Verlag
The Thieme Chemistry Journals Award is presented every year to up ... Benjamin List (Germany). Takashi Matsumoto (Japan) Adam J. Matzger (USA)
[36]
Mukaiyama Award | SSOCJ | The Society of Synthetic Organic ...
Professor Benjamin List. Managing Director of the Max-Planck-Institut fur Kohlenforschung and Honorary Professor at the University of Cologne, Germany. 2013.
[37]
Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award Recipients
Learn more about the past recipients of the Arthur Cope Scholar Award ... Keck, Benjamin List, Hung-wen 'Ben' Liu, and Tomislav Rovis; 2013 - William R ...
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Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2016
### Summary of Benjamin List's Leibniz Prize
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Benjamin List - List of Members
Benjamin List is a chemist. He co-founded the field of asymmetrical organocatalysis – a process with which molecules can be constructed.Missing: life family background<|control11|><|separator|>
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Chemistry Nobel Prize for Benjamin List - Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Oct 6, 2021 · "Benjamin List has opened a new chapter in catalysis research with great application potential. He has succeeded for the first time in ...
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Benjamin List – Prize presentation - NobelPrize.org
Watch a video clip of the 2021 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry, Benjamin List, receiving his Nobel Prize medal and diploma from Ambassador Per Thöresson.
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Benjamin List – Nobel Prize lecture - NobelPrize.org
Benjamin List delivered his Nobel Prize lecture Asymmetric organocatalysis on Wednesday 8 December 2021. He was introduced by Professor Peter Somfai.
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Honorary Doctorate - MPI für Kohlenforschung
Oct 26, 2023 · Benjamin List, director at the Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung and winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, earned his chemistry degree at Freie ...Missing: PhD Goethe<|control11|><|separator|>
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Nobel Prize Winner Benjamin List Receives Honorary Doctorate ...
Benjamin List and David MacMillan were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2021 for “the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.” List was ...Missing: father cardiologist
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Benjamin List: Chemistry H-index & Awards - Academic Profile
Proline-catalyzed asymmetric reactions (885 citations). What are the main themes of his work throughout his whole career to date? His main research concerns ...Missing: total | Show results with:total
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Public lecture by Chemistry Nobel Laureate Benjamin List at TU ...
Apr 26, 2023 · He studied chemistry at the Freie Universität Berlin and did his doctorate at the Goethe Universität Frankfurt (1997, Prof. G. Mulzer). At ...
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With Passion and Dedication – Benjamin List's Personal Lindau ...
Jan 19, 2023 · Benjamin List received the Nobel Prize 2021 in Chemistry. Together with David W.C. MacMillan he was awarded "for the development of asymmetric ...Missing: Wolf | Show results with:Wolf<|separator|>
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Benjamin List – Interview - NobelPrize.org
Oct 6, 2021 · Professor List gave his best advice for maintaining a science career, spoke about green chemistry and shared his definition of happiness.Missing: balance sabbatical
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Catalysis for the world: Public lecture by Chemistry Nobel Laureate ...
Apr 25, 2023 · Catalysis for the world: Public lecture by Chemistry Nobel Laureate Benjamin List at TU Dresden ... Goethe Universität Frankfurt (1997, Prof. G.Missing: lectureship | Show results with:lectureship
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ICIQ hosts a lecture by Nobel laureate Benjamin List, director of the ...
Jun 28, 2023 · His research focuses on the development of new catalytic methodologies to obtain chiral compounds, essential in the synthesis of pharmaceutical ...
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Mentoring - MPI CBS - Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
The Max Planck Society has established a mentoring programme for its young female scientists—from the diploma student to the scientist—which offers support for ...
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“We need to represent the whole diversity of all humans in science ...
On 8 February 2022, nobelprize.org spoke to chemistry laureate Benjamin List on the meaning of life and how important diversity is in science.Missing: thesis topic
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why has asymmetric organocatalysis won the chemistry Nobel prize?
Oct 6, 2021 · While there were some early examples of asymmetric organocatalysis, notably the Hajos–Parrish–Eder–Sauer–Wiechert reaction discovered in the ...
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The perfect chemical reaction - Werner Siemens-Stiftung
At the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Nobel laureate Benjamin List wants to enable the photocatalytic splitting of CO2. “The people who are crazy ...
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Looking for the “perfect chemical reaction” - MPI für Kohlenforschung
Nov 6, 2024 · Prof. Benjamin List receives 10 million euros in funding from the Werner Siemens Foundation for a new research project. November 06, 2024.Missing: EU Horizon