Hassel, Odd

Hassel, Odd (1897-1981)

20th Century
Born: Oslo (Norway), 17 May 1897 
Died: Oslo (Norway), 11 May 1981 

After graduating in 1920 from the University of Oslo, Hassel studied in France, Italy and Germany and received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Berlin in 1924. Next year he returned to the University of Oslo where he became, in 1934, the first professor of physical chemistry in Norway. Hassel retired from this post after 30 years of service in 1964. Hassel was one of the early pioneers in the study of molecular structures and laid down the foundations for conformational analysis. Through measurements of electric dipole moments and gas phase electron diffraction he was able to establish the conformations of several alicyclic hydrocarbons, for instance, those of cyclohexane. Hassel received together with D.H.R. Barton the 1969 Nobel prize in chemistry for the development of the concept of conformation and its application in chemistry.

Related Links

Link icon  The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1969
"for their contributions to the development of the concept of conformation and its application in chemistry"