Jean-Marie Lehn

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Lore & Background

His father was a baker who later became the city organist; Lehn also studied music and has continued to play the organ throughout his scientific career. He earned his Ph.D. In 1966, Lehn was appointed maître de conférences at the University of Strasbourg. This work led him to define supramolecular chemistry, focusing on intermolecular attractions and fragile objects such as micelles, polymers, or clays. He was elected to teach at the Collège de France in 1980 and received the Nobel Prize in 1987.

Reader's Guide

Jean-Marie Lehn's significance lies in his foundational contributions to supramolecular chemistry, a field that extends beyond traditional molecular bonds to study how molecules interact and assemble through non-covalent forces. By describing molecular recognition, Lehn provided a framework for understanding how drugs 'know' which cells to target. The Nobel Prize in 1987 recognized his pioneering role alongside Cram and Pedersen. His influence continues through his ongoing research and membership on industrial innovation councils.

Did You Know?

• Lehn's father was a baker who later became the city organist; Lehn also studied music and has continued to play the organ throughout his scientific career.
• He worked for a year at Robert Burns Woodward's laboratory at Harvard University on the synthesis of vitamin B12.
• He is a member of the Reliance Innovation Council formed by Reliance Industries Limited, India.