Kenichi Fukui, Frontier Molecular Orbital Theory, and the Woodward-Hoffmann Rules. Part I. The Person†

Kenichi Fukui shared the 1981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Roald Hoffmann for their theories, developed independently, concerning the course of chemical reactions. This is Paper 4 - Part I, of a three-part trilogy within a 27-paper series on the history of the development of the Woodward-Hoffmann rules. The personality and professional style of Fukui is discussed as well as his style of teaching and his mottos and sayings. A brief chronological history of his academic and professional life is presented along with a listing of Fukui's great flexibility in behaviors and in science. Lastly, a short list of Fukui's key awards is provided.

Automated summary

This article introduces the sharing of the 1981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry by Kenichi Fukui and Roald Hoffmann for their contributions to the theories of chemical reactions. It also discusses Fukui's personality, professional style, teaching methods, and flexibility in both behavior and scientific research. Finally, it lists Fukui's key awards.