Richard Heck

Richard Heck was an American chemist known for his groundbreaking work in organic chemistry, particularly for developing the Heck Reaction in the 1960s. This reaction allows chemists to create complex organic molecules by connecting alkenes (a type of hydrocarbon) to aryl halides (compounds containing aromatic rings and halogens). The Heck Reaction has become a vital tool in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials, significantly advancing fields such as drug development and organic materials. His contributions were recognized with the 2010 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, highlighting the importance of his work in modern chemistry.