Martin Gouterman: the gay man behind the four-orbital model
Abhik Ghosh tells the story of a porphyrin chemist who was a leading figure in Seattle’s gay rights movement of the 1960s
Martin Gouterman, who passed away earlier this year, was perhaps best known for his ‘four-orbital model’, although he contributed broadly to porphyrin science, from fundamental theory and spectroscopy to exciting technological applications. To those who knew him (including myself), he was an exceptional human being – a superb teacher, a gentle but highly effective mentor, and a funny and loyal friend. Gouterman was also openly gay in an era when few gay scientists were open about their sexuality.