I. M. Kolthoff
| Izaak Maurits Kolthoff | |
|---|---|
| Born |
11 February 1894 Almelo, Netherlands |
| Died | 4 March 1993 (aged 99) St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Residence | St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Nationality | Dutch-born American |
| Other names | Piet Kolthoff |
| Alma mater | University of Utrecht |
| Known for |
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| Awards |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Analytical Chemistry |
| Institutions | |
| Doctoral advisor | Nicholas Schoorl |
Izaak Maurits (Piet) Kolthoff (February 11, 1894 – March 4, 1993) was a highly influential analytical chemist and chemical educator. He is widely considered the father of analytical chemistry for his large volume of published research in diverse fields of analysis, his work to modernize and promote the field, and for advising a large number of students who went on to influential careers of their own.
Kolthoff's best-known research contribution was the development of the "cold process" for producing synthetic rubber, which he undertook under the U.S. synthetic rubber program during World War II. He was also active in social causes, including promoting world peace and opposing nuclear weapons testing.
Kolthoff received a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Utrecht in his native Netherlands. In 1927, he emigrated to the United States, joining the faculty at the University of Minnesota, where he worked for more than 60 years.
Kolthoff was born in Almelo, Netherlands, on February 11, 1894, the son of Moses and Rosetta (Wysenbeek) Kolthoff. He was the youngest of three children. At an early age, Kolthoff received the nickname "Piet" for unknown reasons; he continued to be called by this nickname throughout his life.
Kolthoff's introduction to chemistry in high school inspired a keen interest in the subject. He graduated from high school in 1911 and enrolled at the University of Utrecht in Utrecht, Netherlands. Kolthoff wanted to study chemistry, but at that time students in the physical sciences were required to have studied either Latin or Greek languages; Kolthoff, who was already fluent in Dutch, German French, and English, choose to study pharmacy in order to avoid this requirement.
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