Adams, Roger (1889-1971), was an American chemist who became known for his work in the field of organic chemistry. His research on the molecular structure of organic compounds and on the laboratory preparation of such compounds contributed to both industry and medicine.
Adams developed a special platinum oxide for catalytic hydrogenation, an important process in petroleum refining. He also analyzed the structures of such substances as gossypol, a toxic compound in cottonseed oil; cannabinol, a compound in marijuana; and chaulmoogric acid, a drug formerly used in treating leprosy. His studies on the formation of biphenyl and deuterium compounds led to a better understanding of the complex arrangement of their atoms.
Adams was born on Jan. 2, 1889, in Boston, and received a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University in 1912. Adams served as the head of the department of chemistry and chemical engineering at the University of Illinois from 1926 to 1954. He died on July 6, 1971.
