Perkin Medal

Perkin Medal

The Perkin Medal.

2010 Medalist: Ronald Breslow

The SCI Perkin Medal is recognised as one of the highest honors given for outstanding work in applied chemistry in the United States. It commemorates the discovery of the first synthetic dye (the so-called Perkin mauve) by Sir William Henry Perkin in 1856. This discovery was a significant step forward in organic chemistry that led to the birth of a major segment of the chemical industry. The Perkin Medal was first awarded to Sir William at a banquet held by the SCI in New York in 1906. Since then, more than 90 such awards have been given to notable scientists.

To learn more about Ronald Breslow, the 2010 winner of the Perkin Medal, visit SCI’s website

About SCI

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The Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) fosters an understanding of chemistry’s impact on society. An independent nonprofit organization, we strive to

  • Inspire a passion for chemistry;
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  • Preserve the story of chemistry across centuries.

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