For many decades, the Office of Science and predecessor agencies have supported studies of the scientific principles underlying chemical separations and analysis. The most notable achievement was the development of the host-guest complexation concept by Donald J. Cram of the University of California, Los Angeles. This concept, which explains how molecules recognize and react with each other, changed how scientists think about separation and sequestration of elements. Cram also synthesized organic molecules that imitated the primary functions of enzymes, helping to fulfill a long-standing dream of chemists. For his pioneering work, Cram shared the 1987 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with two other scientists. Other researchers with Office of Science support developed inductively coupled plasma to produce sample materials for chemical analysis; wrote a powerful software program, SIMION, to help design particle beams and traps for fundamental studies; performed important basic research on supercritical fluids (liquefied gases used in solvent extraction); and developed laser-based detection schemes that enhanced the sensitivity of important analytical methods.

Scientific Impact: Cram helped to lay the foundation for one of the most active fields of chemical research, known as host-guest or supramolecular chemistry, which is directly applicable to separations. The work on inductively coupled plasma ushered in the era of ultra-trace multi-element analysis, enabling the rapid and accurate determination of up to 70 elements in metals, alloys, and organic compounds (such as oil, serum, blood, and soils). SIMION is used at every national laboratory.

Social Impact: Inductively coupled plasma is used in environmental testing and the production of ultrapure materials for the semiconductor and nuclear industries. The research on supercritical fluids contributed to the recent introduction of "green chemistry" for commercial dry cleaning and polymer manufacturing. SIMION is used by instrument suppliers that design mass spectrometers.

Reference: DOE-BES Chemical Sciences, Highlights of Progress in Separations Sciences, 1980-1999, Edited by Charles H. Byers, IsoPro International Inc., 2140 Santa Cruz Ave, #C304, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/chm/S&Ahistory/sephist.html)

URL: http://www.nobel.se/chemistry/laureates/1987/press.html
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/chm/Programs/programs.html

Technical Contact: Don Freeburn, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, 301-903-3156

Press Contact: Jeff Sherwood, DOE Office of Public Affairs, 202-586-5806

SC-Funding Office: Office of Basic Energy Sciences