Wilhelm ostwald, the father of physical chemistry

Abstract

Wilhelm Ostwald was among the pioneers of chemistry in the early 20th century who was largely responsible for establishing physical chemistry as an acknowledged branch of chemistry. In the early part of his research career, he investigated the chemical affinities of various acids and bases. Subsequently, he broadened his horizons and performed path-breaking work in the field of chemical catalysis. An outcome of this work was the famous Ostwald process which continues to be a mainstay of the modern chemical industry. For his work on catalysis, chemical equilibrium relationships and rates of reactions, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in the year 1909. In addition to these colossal pieces of work, he performed very interesting research on the sidelines in various fields. This includes identifying the growth phenomenon of sol particles which is popularly called Ostwald ripening, development of a viscometer, a theory of colours and even philosophy. Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, the first ever physical chemistry journal was founded by Ostwald in 1887. Also, he wrote several textbooks of chemistry which mirrored his extraordinary teaching capabilities. Quite aptly, for his immense contributions, he is called the Father of Physical Chemistry. This article will discuss the work of this great scientist.