2020 Sir Derek Barton Gold Medal Winner
Professor Barry Trost, Stanford University
Awarded for continued wide ranging contributions to the development of new synthetic methods employing transition metal catalysts, and the application of these methods to the efficient (atom economic), asymmetric synthesis of complex targets of biological interest.
At the heart of chemistry is the design of structure for function. Chemistry solves the problems of society, ranging from basic human needs like food, clothing, and healthcare to high tech electronic materials by making the designed structure available regardless of the structural complexity through chemical synthesis. Thus, a critical challenge requires an enhancement in the efficiency (step economy) and selectivity (atom economy) of the available synthetic methodology or toolbox.
The long-term goal and defining mission of Professor Trost’s career has been toward enhancing synthetic effectiveness. He has virtually created whole new methodologies and strategies in organic synthesis. Among the areas which he has pioneered are the use of sulphur-based reagents and transition metal, most notably palladium, and more recently ruthenium, catalysts in complex settings.
| Year | Name | Institution | Citation |
| 2018 | Professor Samuel Danishefsky | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University | Awarded for wide ranging contributions to the art of complex natural product synthesis, the development of new synthetic methods, the elaboration of synthetic vaccines for cancer treatment, and the expansion of the concept of natural ligation of proteins. |
| 2016 | Professor Keith U. Ingold | National Research Council of Canada | Awarded for his fundamental contributions to the understanding of free radical chemistry |
| 2014 | Professor E.J. Corey | Harvard University | Awarded for his highly creative research over the last 25 years on catalytic enantioselective reactions including the use of oxazaborolidines, his work on cascade cationic polyene cyclisation reactions and his inspirational total syntheses of bioactive natural products. |
| 2012 | Professor Jean-Marie Lehn | ISIS, Universite de Strasbourg | For outstanding research in the field of organic chemistry and supramolecular chemistry performed after the age of 60. |
| 2010 | Ryoji Noyori | Nagoya University | For his visionary research in the design and use of chiral ligands in many transition metal catalysed reactions of fundamental significance. |
| 2008 | Sir Jack Baldwin | University of Oxford | |
| 2006 | Professor Teruaki Mukaiyama | Kitasato Institute | |
| 2004 | A Eschenmoser | ||
| 2002 | G Stork |
Re-thinking recognition: Science prizes for the modern world
This report is the result of an independent review of our recognition programmes. Our aim in commissioning this review was to ensure that our recognition portfolio continues to deliver the maximum impact for chemical scientists, chemistry and society.