Professor Jan-Erling Bäckvall is a world-renowned organic chemist whose pioneering work in catalytic oxidation reactions has established him as a leading authority in synthetic methodology development. Born in Malung, Sweden in 1947, he earned his PhD from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in 1975 under Professor B. Åkermark. Following postdoctoral research with Nobel laureate Professor K. B. Sharpless at MIT from 1975 to 1976, he joined the faculty at the Royal Institute of Technology in 1976. He was appointed Professor of Organic Chemistry at Uppsala University in 1986 before moving to Stockholm University in 1997 where he continues his research at the Arrhenius Laboratory as Professor of Organic Chemistry.
Professor Bäckvall's most significant contributions center on the development of efficient catalytic systems for aerobic oxidation of organic molecules, fundamentally transforming methodologies in synthetic chemistry. His groundbreaking work on chloride-free Wacker oxidation using palladium catalysts with hydroquinone and metal macrocycles as electron transfer mediators eliminated longstanding problems with chloride-induced side reactions and chlorinated byproducts. The Bäckvall group pioneered innovative hybrid catalysts that integrate metal macrocycles and quinones into single molecules, significantly enhancing reaction efficiency and selectivity for diacetoxylation processes. His development of ruthenium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation systems through biomimetic approaches has provided sustainable alternatives to traditional oxidation methods that previously relied on stoichiometric oxidants, enabling more environmentally friendly synthetic pathways in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Bäckvall has made substantial contributions to the scientific community through his editorial leadership and mentorship of the next generation of chemists. He has served as Chairman of the Editorial Board of Chemistry—A European Journal since 2003, shaping the direction of chemical publishing and maintaining high standards in the field. His laboratory at Stockholm University has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have established distinguished careers across academia and industry. His receipt of prestigious awards including the Celsius Medal in Gold, Arrhenius medal, and an ERC Advanced Grant reflects the international recognition of his scientific contributions, while his ongoing research continues to push the boundaries of sustainable catalytic chemistry with current work focusing on developing increasingly efficient and selective oxidation systems that minimize environmental impact.
