Nicholas J. Turro

Nicholas J. Turro was a prominent American chemist who significantly advanced the field of organic photochemistry during his long tenure at Columbia University. He pioneered research on the physical and chemical behaviors of molecules in excited states. He is also the author of the highly influential textbook 'Modern Molecular Photochemistry.'

Turro spent his entire academic career at Columbia University. He joined the faculty there and maintained a highly productive laboratory focused on molecular photochemistry and spin chemistry. His work at Columbia helped establish the university as a leader in physical organic chemistry.

Turro's research focused heavily on understanding how light interacts with molecules to create excited states, particularly examining how these states undergo chemical reactions. He applied this knowledge to fields like material science, exploring the use of light to assemble molecules. His work also delved deeply into the principles of spin chemistry.

Yes, Turro was widely recognized and received numerous prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Science. He was also elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His accolades reflect his massive influence on modern physical organic chemistry.