For over a century, presentation of the William H. Nichol’s Medal has been a major event for the New York Section. This year the Section presented the 100th Nichols Medal to Professor K. Barry Sharpless of The Scripps Research Institute for developing Click Chemistry, a new strategy for chemical discovery. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains, New York on March 10, 2006 and was attended by over 250 scientists, including students from local colleges and universities. An inspiring afternoon Symposium entitled: Keeping it Simple: Click Chemistry in Action highlighted Dr. Sharpless’ scientific contributions, and featured presentations by Dr. Valery V. Folkin of the Scripps Research Institute, Dr. Jan H. van Maarseveen of the University of Amsterdam and Dr. Craig J. Hawker of the University of California, Santa Barbara and well as a keynote address by Dr. Sharpless entitled “How Much Reactivity Does a Chemist Need?” The presentations described the basic chemistry involved in Click reactions and applications of Click Chemistry in Biochemistry Materials science.

The Medal Award Banquet Dinner was attended by 2006 ACS President E. Ann Nalley, who offered congratulations to this winner of America’s oldest award for chemistry. The New York Section was honored that Mr. C. Walter Nichols III, President of the Nichols Foundation and great grandson of William H. Nichols, and his wife Helga Nichols were guests at the banquet. Dr. Sharpless received personal introductions by Drs. Folkin and Hawker, followed by presentation of the Medal by Jill Rehmann, Chair of the Section. In his acceptance address Dr. Sharpless shared his personal reflections on chemistry and his career in science. The event concluded with an impromptu magic trick performed by 1992 Nichols Medallist Dr. Koji Nakanishi. The Nichols banquet provides an opportunity for chemistry students to interact with industrial chemists, learn about cutting-edge research and participate in recognizing achievements in original research. This year, all attendees received a gold foil covered chocolate replica of the Nichols Medal, and Dr.Sharpless graciously signed programs and posed for pictures with attending undergraduate students. Donations from local industry were used to supplement the generous support provided for this event by the Nichols Foundation. The Nichols Medal awardee is selected from many excellent nominations at an annual June meeting by the Nichols Medal Jury.

(Nichols Medal Jury Chair for the 2006 Nichols Medal: Dr. Lesley Davenport)

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HISTORY OF THE MEDAL