University of Delaware Professor Emeritus Richard F. Heck, 2010 recipient of the a 2010 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, died on Oct. 9 in Manila, where he lived. He was 84.
His research changed the world in many fields, including pharmaceutical manufacturing and discovery, DNA sequencing and electronics, a UD release noted.
Heck and fellow researchers Akira Suzuki of Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan, and Ei-Ichi Negishi of Purdue University received the Nobel Prize “for palladium-catalyzed cross couplings in organic synthesis.” The discovery is used in research worldwide, as well as in the commercial production of pharmaceuticals and molecules used in the electronics industry.
“On behalf of the entire University of Delaware community, I extend deepest condolences to Dr. Heck’s family and friends and to his University colleagues and former students,” UD Acting President Nancy M. Targett said. “His groundbreaking work that was saluted by the Nobel Prize Committee demonstrates how scientific inquiry can have a profound effect on the everyday lives of us all. We are honored that Dr. Heck spent 18 years of his distinguished career on our chemistry faculty.”
John Burmeister, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and associate chairperson of the department, noted that his discovery of what became known as the Heck Reaction is “now generally regarded as one of the most useful organic reactions ever discovered. In testimony thereof, about 120,000 references to the Heck Reaction have appeared in the scientific literature since 1980.”
Gov. Jack Markell issued the following statement:
“Dick Heck was a great American chemist whose intellect and curiosity contributed to significant breakthroughs in his field. After beginning his career at Hercules Corporation in Wilmington, he spent nearly two decades as a professor of chemistry at the University of Delaware. His research led to the development of the Heck reaction, for which he received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2010. I had the opportunity to speak to Professor Heck after he received the Nobel Prize and he spoke of how much he enjoyed his time in Delaware. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but feel fortunate for his time in our state and the impact he had in both the realm of science and in the personal connections he made with those fortunate enough to have known him. His family and friends can find comfort in knowing future generations will continue to benefit from the findings of his research and his memory will live on in the work of those he inspired during his tenure at UD.”
Heck was rushed to a private hospital due to severe vomiting, but was refused admission due to unpaid bills. The man was fighting for his life but he was left to die, because he did not have money. He could have been revived……
The hospital incident was reported by a website, but was not included in the Reuters dispatch, which did quote family members who reported that he died virtually penniless.