William T. Miller
| William T. Miller | |
|---|---|
| Born |
August 24, 1911 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States |
| Died | November 15, 1998 (aged 87) Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, New York |
| Nationality | United States |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma mater |
Duke University (bachelor's degree in 1932, doctoral degree in 1935) Stanford University (Lilly Fellowship) |
| Known for | developed the polymer used in the first gaseous diffusion plant, making possible the separation of uranium-235 (235U) from uranium-238 (238U) |
| Awards | American Chemical Society award for Creative Work in Fluorine Chemistry (1974) Moissan Centenary Medal (1986) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
| Institutions | Cornell University |
| Doctoral advisor | Lucius A. Bigelow (1892-1973) |
| Doctoral students | Fred Warren McLafferty (1923-) |
William T. Miller (August 24, 1911 – November 15, 1998) was a professor of organic chemistry at Cornell University. His experimental research included investigations into the mechanism of addition of halogens, especially fluorine, to hydrocarbons. His work focused primarily on the physical and chemical properties of fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, and the synthesis of novel electrophilic reagents.
Miller carried out research into chemically resistant materials from which he developed the chlorofluorocarbon polymer used in K-25, the first gaseous diffusion plant constructed for the separation of uranium isotopes. The K-25 plant was a crucial factor in the development of "Little Boy" and other early nuclear weapons. Miller was also the first to synthesize methoxyflurane, a volatile inhalational anesthetic.
Miller was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1911. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1932 and a doctoral degree in 1935, both from Duke University. He was a Lilly Fellow at Stanford University from 1935 until 1936.
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