Jerome Karle

Definition

Jerome Karle was an American chemist who significantly advanced the field of crystallography through his pioneering work on direct methods for solving crystal structures. His research laid the groundwork for modern techniques in x-ray crystallography, allowing scientists to determine the atomic structure of complex molecules. Karle's contributions were pivotal in the historical development of crystallography, particularly during the mid-20th century when advancements in technology enabled more detailed analysis of crystalline substances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jerome Karle was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1985 along with his wife, Isabella Karle, for their development of direct methods in x-ray crystallography.
2. His work made it possible to solve complex crystal structures more efficiently, greatly enhancing the ability to analyze organic and inorganic compounds.
3. Karle's contributions were not only crucial for crystallography but also had wide implications in fields such as drug design and materials science.
4. He spent a significant portion of his career at the Naval Research Laboratory, where he conducted much of his groundbreaking research.
5. Jerome Karle's methods have continued to influence modern crystallographic techniques, leading to advancements in understanding molecular biology and chemistry.

Review Questions

• How did Jerome Karle's work on direct methods revolutionize x-ray crystallography?
  • Jerome Karle's development of direct methods revolutionized x-ray crystallography by providing a systematic approach to solving phase problems that were traditionally difficult to overcome. This allowed researchers to derive structural information directly from diffraction patterns without needing additional phase information. His techniques enabled scientists to analyze complex structures more efficiently and accurately, which was a significant advancement over previous methodologies.
• In what ways did Karle's contributions impact fields beyond crystallography?
  • Karle's contributions significantly impacted various fields such as medicinal chemistry and materials science. By enabling better determination of molecular structures, his work facilitated the design of new drugs and materials with specific properties. The ability to visualize and understand complex molecules opened new avenues for research and development, leading to innovations in pharmaceuticals and material applications.
• Evaluate the legacy of Jerome Karle within the scientific community and how his work continues to influence modern research.
  • The legacy of Jerome Karle within the scientific community is profound, as his innovations in direct methods for x-ray crystallography have shaped modern practices in structural biology and chemistry. His techniques remain foundational for researchers studying molecular structures today, influencing the development of high-throughput screening methods and computational modeling. Furthermore, Karle’s commitment to scientific advancement has inspired generations of chemists, ensuring that his impact on both crystallography and broader scientific inquiry will endure.

Related terms

X-ray Crystallography: A technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal by scattering x-rays off the crystal and analyzing the resulting diffraction pattern.

Direct Methods: Statistical techniques used in x-ray crystallography to derive phase information directly from diffraction data, which is essential for determining crystal structures.

Nobel Prize: An international set of annual awards bestowed in several categories, including Chemistry, to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to humanity, which Karle received in 1985 for his work in crystallography.