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Examples from different research areas of Siegfried Hünig are displayed to remind us that organic chemistry owes much more than Hünig's base to this exceptionally versatile and creative chemist. The main research lines dealing with the synthesis and physical characterization of new dyes, multistage redox systems, and organic metals will be presented as well as his contributions to enamine chemistry, the discovery of diimine as a hydrogenation agent, and nucleophilic acylation with trimethylsilyl cyanide, which are less well‐known nowadays. In addition, exotic compounds with parallel C=C and N=N bonds were systematically studied in Hünig's group. Reflecting on the development of his research demonstrates both the importance of a systematic approach and how fruitful entirely unexpected results are if they meet a "well‐prepared mind". During Hünig's academic career, teaching played an indisputable role. His efforts in modernizing the chemistry institute at Würzburg and his support of young researchers in the academic system in Germany are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-hundred fifty years ago, on the eve of German unification, about one-hundred people gathered in Berlin to found the German Chemical Society (DChG) under the charismatic leadership of August Wilhelm von Hofmann, who attracted a large international membership by promoting modern organic chemistry. By 1892, when Emil Fischer succeeded Hofmann, the DChG was the world's largest chemical society. Under Fischer the Society promoted international collaboration with foreign societies, and in 1900 it opened an impressive headquarters, the Hofmann House, where it centralized its greatly expanded literary activity including abstracts and reference publications. Yet a half-century later, after war and racial-national extremism, the house lay in ruins and the Society had ceased to exist. In remembering the Society, one may well ask why its auspicious beginning should have led to this ignominious end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“…︁ Scientists need to be able to trust and rely on each other as a matter of care and responsibility towards our society.My further personal plea is that we have to give our students an awareness of good scientific practice and help them to find self‐confidence …︁” Read more in the Editorial by Katharina Al‐Shamery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essay talks about the constant change in energy regimes and the development in the technology and raw materials for the use of energy. Topics discussed are use of renewable energy (RE), reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and conversion of biomass for sustainable energy regime. A pie-chart on electricity market and graphs on Schematic load profile in Germany are presented.

This Essay is an account of the institutional and scientific development of the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr (Germany), which is the successor to the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institut für Kohlenforschung founded in 1914. The Essay is divided into four main parts, corresponding to the four major periods which are closely associated with the respective Directors of the Institute from 1914 to 2014: 1) Franz Fischer; 2) Karl Ziegler; 3) Günther Wilke; and 4) the period beginning with Manfred T. Reetz, who established a directorate comprising five Directors of equal status, each heading a different research department under the banner of catalysis. Along with key historical events associated with the Institute, research highlights of the four periods are featured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article profiles Ralf Ludwig, professor of physics and theoretical chemistry of the University of Rostock in Germany. It provides brief overview of Ludwig's educational background, current research, and hobbies. It also shares Ludwig's insight on the future of interdisciplinary research and its contribution to structure, dynamics, and interactions of molecular level.

The author reflects on the importance of sustainable chemistry in the energy policies that may be formulated by several countries. The author mentions the condition of energy production in several countries including the reliance of Germany on fossil fuels and the exploitation of the U.S. of shale gas. The author discusses the challenges in achieving sustainable energy production through the utilization chemicals.