On the nonexistent Nobel Prizes for two pioneers of modern physical organic chemistry: Sir Christopher K. Ingold and Saul Winstein†

Abstract

The careers of two pioneers of modern physical organic chemistry, Sir Christopher K. Ingold and Saul Winstein, are discussed and compared. Despite the fact that Ingold received 112 nominations from 77 nominees for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (NPch), he never received that award. Winstein, also a non-recipient of the NPch, died prematurely at the age of 57. In his last 3 years, Winstein received 22 nominations from 18 nominators, seven of whom received or would receive the NPch themselves. Analyses of the Nobel Nomination Archive along with other evidence are used to explain Ingold's experience. A detailed examination of Winstein's career along with relevant historical data suggests that Winstein was a highly probable Nobelist had he lived just a few years longer. The relationship of Ingold's and Winstein's careers and the politics of the Nobel Prize selection process including the possibility that they would have shared a Nobel Prize are presented.