Daniel Vorländer (11 June 1867 – 8 June 1941) was a German
chemist who synthesized most of the
liquid crystals known until his retirement in 1935.
Vorländer was born in
Eupen in
Rhenish Prussia. He studied chemistry at
Kiel,
Munich, and
Berlin, after which he became a professor at
University of Halle-Wittenberg.
Vorländer applied his knowledge of
molecular structure
Molecular geometry is the three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms that constitute a molecule. It includes the general shape of the molecule as well as bond lengths, bond angles, torsional angles and any other geometrical parameters that determ ...
to select those exhibiting the ''crystalline liquid'' state. In particular a
linear molecular geometry
In chemistry, the linear molecular geometry describes the geometry around a central atom bonded to two other atoms (or ''ligands'') placed at a bond angle of 180°. Linear organic molecules, such as acetylene (), are often described by invoking ...
was conductive. "Over the years Vorländer and his students synthesized hundreds of liquid crystalline compounds. An interesting discovery was that amongst the slimy liquid crystals were many
soap and soap-like compounds." (Dunmur & Sluckin p 48)
Vorländer served as a volunteer during
World War I, during which he received the
Iron Cross. He died in Halle.
References
* David Dunmur & Tim Sluckin (2011) ''Soap, Science, and Flat-screen TVs: a history of liquid crystals'', pp 43–9,
Oxford University Press .
External links
catalogus-professorum-halensis*
1867 births
1941 deaths
People from Eupen
20th-century German chemists
People from the Rhine Province
Recipients of the Iron Cross (1914), 2nd class
University of Kiel alumni
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich alumni
Humboldt University of Berlin alumni
Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg faculty
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