On This Day
·

German chemist Friedrich Wöhler is the first to isolate pure aluminium

Friedrich Wöhler FRS (For) HonFRSE was a German chemist known for his work in both organic and inorganic chemistry, being the first to isolate the chemical elements beryllium and yttrium in pure...

Friedrich Wöhler FRS (For) HonFRSE was a German chemist known for his work in both organic and inorganic chemistry, being the first to isolate the chemical elements beryllium and yttrium in pure metallic form. He was the first to prepare several inorganic compounds, including silane and silicon nitride.

Wöhler is also known for seminal contributions in organic chemistry, in particular, the Wöhler synthesis of urea. His synthesis of the organic compound urea in the laboratory from inorganic substances contradicted the belief that organic compounds could only be produced by living organisms due to a "life force" known as Vitalism . However, the exact extent of Wöhler's role in diminishing the belief in vitalism is considered by some to be questionable.

Historical Significance

Friedrich Wöhler FRS (For) HonFRSE was a German chemist known for his work in both organic and inorganic chemistry, being the first to isolate the chemical elements beryllium and yttrium in pure metallic form.

Events Before

  1. Godert van der Capellen resigns as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

    Godert van der Capellen resigns as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

  2. Future US President Millard Fillmore (26) weds Abigail Powers (27)

    Millard Fillmore (January 7, 1800 – March 8, 1874) was the 13th president of the United States, serving from 1850 to 1853.

  3. The Menai Suspension Bridge connecting the Isle of Anglesey to the northwest coast of Wales opens, considered the world'

    The Menai Suspension Bridge connecting the Isle of Anglesey to the northwest coast of Wales opens, considered the world's first modern suspension bridge

  4. University College London founded; known until 1836 as London University

    University College London (UCL) was founded on 11 February 1826, under the name London University, as a secular alternative to the strictly religious universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

  5. American Temperance Society forms in Boston

    American Temperance Society forms in Boston

Events After

  1. 6th US President John Quincy Adam's son John marries in the White House

    John Quincy Adams (July 11, 1767 – February 23, 1848) was the sixth president of the United States, serving from 1825 to 1829.

  2. 1st edition of Amsterdam General Trade Journal (Algemeen Handelsblad)

    1st edition of Amsterdam General Trade Journal (Algemeen Handelsblad)

  3. More than 100 vessels destroyed in a storm, Gibraltar

    More than 100 vessels destroyed in a storm, Gibraltar

  4. 1st American Indian newspaper in US, "Cherokee Phoenix", published

    1st American Indian newspaper in US, "Cherokee Phoenix", published

  5. Russia and Persia sign the Peace of Turkmantsjai

    Russia and Persia sign the Peace of Turkmantsjai

More from the 1820s

Godert van der Capellen resigns as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

Godert van der Capellen resigns as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

The Dutch Trading Company (NHM) is granted a monopoly on the sale of opium in Java and Madura

The Dutch Trading Company (NHM) is granted a monopoly on the sale of opium in Java and Madura

Naturalist and entomologist Thomas Say (39) secretly weds natural science illustrator Lucy Way Sistare (26)

Naturalist and entomologist Thomas Say (39) secretly weds natural science illustrator Lucy Way Sistare (26)

American religious leader Joseph Smith Jr (21) weds future church group movement leader Emma Hale (22) in South Bainbrid

American religious leader Joseph Smith Jr (21) weds future church group movement leader Emma Hale (22) in South Bainbridge, New York, until his death in 1844

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on October 22, 1827?
Friedrich Wöhler FRS (For) HonFRSE was a German chemist known for his work in both organic and inorganic chemistry, being the first to isolate the chemical elements beryllium and yttrium in pure metallic form. He was the first to prepare several inorganic compounds, including silane and silicon nitride. Wöhler is also known for seminal contributions in organic chemistry, in particular, the Wöhler synthesis of urea.
Why is German chemist Friedrich Wöhler is the first to isolate pure aluminium significant?
Friedrich Wöhler FRS (For) HonFRSE was a German chemist known for his work in both organic and inorganic chemistry, being the first to isolate the chemical elements beryllium and yttrium in pure metallic form.

Explore More

October 22 in HistoryYear 1827