This simple idea served to provide information on the geometrical shape of reacting molecules, and I was able to make the role of the frontier orbitals in chemical reactions more distinct through visualization, by drawing their diagrams.

About Kenichi Fukui

Kenichi Fukuiwas a Japanese chemist. He became the first person of East Asian ancestry to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry when he won the 1981 prize with Roald Hoffmann, for their independent investigations into the mechanisms of chemical reactions.

More about the author

More quotes from Kenichi Fukui

But the nature of my main work in chemistry can be better represented by more than 280 English publications, of which roughly 200 concern the theory of chemical reactions and related subjects.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)

We think that it is the best scientists working in the frontier fields of science who are best able to judge what is good and what is bad – if any – in the application of their scientific research.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)

In particular, for younger researchers on whom the future of mankind may depend. We believe that they are working with all the scientific wisdom at their disposal for the preservation of the inheritance of the earth and for the lasting survival of mankind.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)

We pray that every field of science may contribute in bringing happiness – not disaster – to human beings.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)

This success led my theoretical group to the chemical reactivity theory, extending more and more widely the range of compound and reactions that were discussed.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)

The frontier orbital approach was further developed in various directions by my own group and many other scientists, both theoretical and experimental.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)

I was also interested in formulating the path of chemical reactions.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)

This simple idea served to provide information on the geometrical shape of reacting molecules, and I was able to make the role of the frontier orbitals in chemical reactions more distinct through visualization, by drawing their diagrams.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)

Chemistry itself knows altogether too well that – given the real fear that the scarcity of global resources and energy might threaten the unity of mankind – chemistry is in a position to make a contribution towards securing a true peace on earth.

Kenichi Fukui

Japanese chemist (1918-1998)