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Article ID: CBB907629635

Introduction to an English Translation, "On the Different Explanations of Certain Cases of Isomerism" by Aleksandr Butlerov (2015)

Bulletin for the History of Chemistry
Volume: 40
Issue: 1
Pages: 9-12

URI: http://acshist.scs.illinois.edu/bulletin_open_access/v40-1/v40-1%20p9-12.pdf

Publication Date: 2015
Edition Details: First of a Series: "On the Different Explanations of Certain Cases of Isomerism" by Aleksandr Butlerov
Language: English

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Primary literature (historical sources) Structural chemistry Organic chemistry 19th century Kolbe, Hermann Kekulé von Stradonitz, Friedrich August Butlerov, Aleksandr Mikhailovich

This rather lengthy paper by Butlerov sought to bolster the case for the structural theory of organic chemistry by reconciling the apparently diametrically opposed views of Friedrich August Kekulé (1) and Hermann Kolbe (2). In retrospect, despite not being called a classic by the Alembic Club or Ostwald’s Klassiker, this paper really does represent a watershed in the development of organic chemistry because a neutral third party with credibility in both camps served as the referee for the argument. Part of why it did not achieve “forgotten classic” status at the turn of the twentieth century is almost certainly the fact while that papers by the originators of structural theory, Kekulé and Couper, were recognized as classic contributions, Butlerov’s enhancements of the theory, which were critical to its further development and acceptance, were viewed as being a lesser contribution. Butlerov’s claims in this arena were also not helped by the blatant politicization of the history of science in the Soviet Union during the heyday of the cold war (3). However, today, as Butlerov’s contributions are undergoing an impartial re-appraisal (4), it appears to me that this paper actually does deserve the title of “forgotten classic.”

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Associated with

Article A. Boutlerow (2015) Primary Documents: "On the Different Explanations of Certain Cases of Isomerism". Bulletin for the History of Chemistry (pp. 13-28). unapi

Article N. Kizhner; Vladislav Sunstsov; David E. Lewis (2015) Primary Documents 27. on the Catalytic Decomposition of Alkylidenehydrazines. (second Part) (abridged). Bulletin for the History of Chemistry (pp. 69-73). unapi

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