William Henry Perkin

12 March 1838 – 14 July 1907

Sir William Henry Perkin was an English chemist who, at age 18, accidentally discovered mauveine, the first synthetic aniline dye, while attempting to synthesize quinine. His discovery launched the synthetic dye industry and helped transform chemistry into a commercially significant science.

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Life events

Born in London, England
12 March 1838

William Henry Perkin was born in the East End of London, the youngest son of a carpenter.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Entered the Royal College of Chemistry
1853

At age 15, Perkin enrolled at the Royal College of Chemistry in London, where he studied under August Wilhelm von Hofmann.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Discovered mauveine, the first synthetic aniline dye
April 1856

While attempting to synthesize quinine in his home laboratory during the Easter vacation, Perkin accidentally produced mauveine, the first commercially viable synthetic dye.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Patented the mauveine dye process
August 1856

Perkin filed a patent for his aniline purple dye in August 1856, when he was still only 18 years old.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Opened a dye factory at Greenford Green
1857

With his father and brother, Perkin established a factory near Harrow to manufacture mauveine on an industrial scale.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society
1866

Perkin was elected FRS in recognition of his contributions to chemistry.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Developed the Perkin reaction and synthesized coumarin
1868

Perkin achieved the first synthesis of coumarin, one of the first synthetic perfume ingredients, using what became known as the Perkin reaction.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Sold his dye works to focus on pure research
1874

Perkin sold his factory and retired from industry at age 36 to devote himself to chemical research.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Knighted and awarded the first Perkin Medal
1906

On the 50th anniversary of his mauveine discovery, Perkin was knighted and received the first Perkin Medal, established in his honor.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in Sudbury, England
14 July 1907

Perkin died of pneumonia and other complications following an appendectomy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓