Dr. Ronald Breslow was a distinguished University Professor at Columbia University, holding the institution's highest academic honor and serving as the Samuel Latham Mitchill Professor of Chemistry. Born on March 14, 1931, in Rahway, New Jersey, he earned his B.A. in chemistry, M.A. in biochemistry, and Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Harvard University, completing his doctoral research under the renowned R. B. Woodward. After a postdoctoral year at Cambridge University with Nobel laureate Lord Todd, he joined Columbia University's chemistry faculty in 1956 at the age of 25, where he remained for the entirety of his illustrious career, rising to become department chair and ultimately University Professor in 1992. Beyond his scientific contributions, Breslow played a pivotal role in Columbia College's transition to coeducation, chairing the committee and authoring the influential "Breslow Report" that paved the way for the change.
Dr. Breslow's groundbreaking research fundamentally transformed organic chemistry through his innovative approach to molecular design and synthesis. He pioneered the field of biomimetic chemistry, developing artificial enzymes that mimicked natural biological processes, and synthesized the cyclopropenyl cation, the simplest possible aromatic system, which provided critical insights into aromaticity. His conceptualization of antiaromaticity established foundational principles for understanding electronic structures in molecular systems, while his elucidation of thiamine's mechanism in biochemical reactions revealed the function of this essential vitamin coenzyme. Among his most impactful contributions was the development of the anti-cancer compound Zolinza, which demonstrated the profound translational potential of his chemical research for human health.
Throughout his remarkable six-decade career at Columbia, Dr. Breslow maintained an extraordinary commitment to teaching, continuing to instruct freshman chemistry classes even after being relieved of formal teaching obligations as a University Professor. His laboratory produced numerous distinguished chemists, including Nobel laureate Robert H. Grubbs and many other leaders in the field, testament to his exceptional mentorship and scientific vision. The recipient of more than 75 national and international awards, including the U.S. National Medal of Science and the Priestley Medal, Breslow's legacy extends beyond his scientific discoveries to his profound influence on chemistry education and institutional leadership. His passing on October 25, 2017, at age 86 marked the end of an era in organic chemistry, but his pioneering work continues to inspire new generations of scientists worldwide.
