William Henry Perkin
British chemist known for his accidental discovery of the first synthetic dye (1838–1907)
Person · Open Library
- Born
- 1860
- Died
- 1929
- Works
- 3
Top works
- Ueber die Condensationsproducte des Oenanthols
- Organic chemistry
- On magnetic rotatory power, especially of aromatic compounds
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Article
Sir William Henry Perkin (12 March 1838 – 14 July 1907) was an English chemist and entrepreneur best known for his serendipitous discovery of the first commercial synthetic organic dye, mauveine, made from aniline. Though he failed in trying to synthesise quinine for the treatment of malaria, he became successful in the field of dyes after his first discovery at the age of 18.
Perkin set up a factory to produce the dye industrially. Regina Lee Blaszczyk, professor of business history at the University of Leeds, states, "By laying the foundation for the synthetic organic chemicals industry, Perkin helped to revolutionize the world of fashion."
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1838 births1907 deaths19th-century British chemists19th-century British inventorsAcademics of Imperial College LondonAlumni of Imperial College LondonBritish fellows of the Royal SocietyChemical industry in LondonDeaths from pneumonia in EnglandEnglish people of Scottish descentKnights BachelorPeople from Wapping