Chemistry: 1913

Werner, Alfred pronounced VEHR nuhr, (1866-1919), a French-born Swiss chemist, was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1913. He received the prize for his work on the structure of coordination compounds (chemicals composed of molecules in which a metallic atom is joined by chemical bonds to surrounding nonmetallic atoms).

Werner demonstrated that isomerism (the phenomenon in which different compounds have the same chemical formulas) applies to inorganic chemistry as well as to organic chemistry. According to Werner's coordination model, one atom in each compound acts as a central nucleus, and other atoms, radicals (atoms or groups of atoms with at least one unpaired electron), or other molecules are arranged around this nucleus in a simple geometric pattern. The number of atoms surrounding the central nucleus Werner called the coordination number. The center of each molecule has a primary valence (number of electrons it gains or loses to become an ion), surrounded by secondary valences to bind neutral molecules. As a result, different secondary bonds can form different geometric shapes, resulting in a form of isomerism.

Werner finally managed to prove the different spatial structures of cobalt salts in 1914. Scientists later confirmed his theories by observing how the atomic structures deflected X rays in a technique called X-ray diffraction.

Werner was born in Mulhouse, France. He studied at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, where he became a professor in 1895. He adopted Swiss nationality in 1894 and remained in Zurich until his death.