The iconic curly arrow
Robert Robinson pioneered the use of curly arrows to show electron movement. David O'Hagan and Douglas Lloyd report on this eminent historical figure
Sir Robert Robinson (1886-1975) was one of the giants of early 20th century organic chemistry. He played a seminal role in our understanding of chemical reactivity and made outstanding and extensive contributions to the synthesis and structure determination of natural products, particularly the alkaloids. In his later career he held the most senior positions in UK science as president in turn of the Chemical Society, the Society of Chemical Industry and of the Royal Society. His eminent work also earned him international recognition in the form of the 1947 Nobel prize in chemistry.