Research chemist proved it is never too late to qualify for Nobel prize

WILLIAM STANDISH KNOWLES NOBEL LAUREATE 1-6-1917 - 13-6-2012

By InvestSMART · 21 Jun 2012

By InvestSMART ·
21 Jun 2012

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WILLIAM STANDISH KNOWLES

NOBEL LAUREATE

1-6-1917 13-6-2012

WILLIAM Knowles, who was 84 and in retirement when he shared the Nobel prize in chemistry in 2001 for improving ways to manufacture drugs, including L-dopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, has died of complications from motor neuron disease at his home in St Louis. He was 95.

Knowles, who worked for Monsanto from 1942 to 1986, had been in retirement for 15 years when he was informed in October 2001 that he had won the Nobel.

The prize, for work in a field known as chiral chemistry, was also awarded to Ryoji Noyori of Nagoya University in Japan and Barry Sharpless of the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego.

Many molecules come in two forms, identical in chemical composition but mirror images of each other. The two forms can have very different properties and sharply different effects on the body. For example, one form of the drug L-dopa, called L, reduces Parkinson's symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. But it also comes in another form, D-dopa, which is toxic.

Knowles figured out a way to tweak the manufacturing process to produce more of the most desirable form of certain molecules, including L-dopa. His tool was a catalyst, a substance often used to speed up a chemical reaction. He developed a process called asymmetric hydrogenation, which uses a catalyst not just to speed the reaction but also to skew it to produce 97.5 per cent L-dopa and only 2.5 per cent of the unwanted D form.

Monsanto then began large-scale production of the drug, which is still a mainstay in treating Parkinson's, especially in the disease's early stages.

Knowles was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, and started work for Monsanto after completing a doctorate at Columbia University in 1942. In 2004, he was admitted to the National Academy of Sciences.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy, a son, three daughters and four grandchildren.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

Who was William Standish Knowles and why did he make headlines?

William Standish Knowles was a chemist and Nobel laureate who shared the 2001 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for advances in chiral chemistry. The article reports his death at age 95 from complications of motor neuron disease and highlights his role in improving drug manufacturing.

What is chiral chemistry and why did Knowles win a Nobel Prize for it?

Chiral chemistry studies molecules that are mirror images of each other but can have very different effects in the body. Knowles won the Nobel Prize for developing methods—most notably asymmetric hydrogenation—that use catalysts to preferentially make the desirable molecular form, improving drug safety and effectiveness.

What is asymmetric hydrogenation and how did Knowles use it to improve drug manufacturing?

Asymmetric hydrogenation is a catalytic process that not only speeds a chemical reaction but biases it to produce one molecular 'handedness' over the other. Knowles applied this to produce about 97.5% of the useful L form of L-dopa and just 2.5% of the unwanted D form, reducing toxicity and improving manufacturing efficiency.

How did Knowles' discovery affect the production of the Parkinson's drug L-dopa?

Knowles' catalyst-driven asymmetric hydrogenation made large-scale production of the preferred L form of L-dopa feasible. The article notes Monsanto began large-scale production using the process, and L-dopa remains a mainstay treatment for early-stage Parkinson's disease.

Which companies and institutions are mentioned in the article in connection with Knowles' work?

The article specifically mentions Monsanto as Knowles' long-time employer and the company that began large-scale production of L-dopa using his process. It also names co-recipients Ryoji Noyori of Nagoya University and Barry Sharpless of the Scripps Research Institute.

When did Knowles work for Monsanto and when did he receive the Nobel Prize?

Knowles worked for Monsanto from 1942 to 1986. He had been retired for about 15 years when he was informed in October 2001 that he would share the 2001 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Who shared the 2001 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with William Knowles?

The 2001 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was shared by William Knowles, Ryoji Noyori of Nagoya University, and Barry Sharpless of the Scripps Research Institute for their contributions to chiral chemistry.

What personal and career milestones about Knowles does the article report?

The article reports Knowles was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, completed a doctorate at Columbia University, worked at Monsanto, was admitted to the National Academy of Sciences in 2004, and died at age 95 at his home in St. Louis. He is survived by his wife Nancy, a son, three daughters and four grandchildren.