Donald J. Cram
1919–2001 · United States · Born 1900–1939
Nobel Chemistry 1987
UCLA organic chemist who designed 'host' molecules that mimic enzyme recognition of guests; a founder of supramolecular chemistry and co-winner of the 1987 Nobel Prize.
Nobel-winning work
Shared with Charles Pedersen and Jean-Marie Lehn for molecules with structure-specific, highly selective interactions: Cram extended Pedersen's crown ethers into designed 'host' molecules that bind 'guest' ions and molecules with chosen geometry, creating host–guest chemistry — the chemistry of molecular recognition.
Fields
Related topics
Structural and stereoisomerism (cis–trans, enantiomers)
Distinguish constitutional isomers from stereoisomers, then analyze geometric and optical stereochemistry using molecular connectivity and three-dimensional arrangement.
Self-assembly, host–guest chemistry
Understand how noncovalent recognition organizes molecular components into assemblies, and how host cavities bind guests selectively through complementary shape, interactions, and solvent effects.