Nazario Martín's article celebrates 200 years of the molecule that changed the world: the bencene

24.06.2025

Molécula de benceno. Imagen: Denevedr (CC-BY-SA).

Madrid, 24 de junio 2025. In a recent Chemistry World article, Prof. Nazario Martín, vicedirector at IMDEA Nanociencia institute and chair of the Department of Organic Chemistry at Complutense University of Madrid, celebrates the 200th anniversary of one of chemistry’s most transformative discoveries: benzene. In 1825, Michael Faraday, while isolating components of oily residues from illuminating gas, identified a mysterious liquid with a distinct aromatic smell—later named benzene. Published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, his description of this seemingly simple yet profoundly unique molecule marked the beginning of a revolution in organic chemistry.

Today, benzene is everywhere, interwoven into the structures of more complex molecules that enhance our daily lives in fields as diverse as health, energy, advanced materials, electronics, food, dyes, and biotechnology. This humble molecule opened the doors to a vast universe of aromatic compounds and an endless array of applications that have redefined our world.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of benzene’s discovery and its extraordinary legacy, the Royal Society of Chemistry will release a thematic special issue edited by Ben Feringa and Nazario Martín, uniting several RSC journals in a collaborative tribute to benzene’s unparalleled influence. Martín’s article reflects on how this iconic molecule not only shaped modern science but also continues to fuel innovation, making it a symbol of chemistry’s power to change the world.

Read the full article (Chemistry World):

https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/benzene-at-200/4021504.article

Contact:

Prof. Nazario Martín
Nanocarbons and Organic Photovoltaics Group

IMDEA Nanociencia Dissemination and Communication Office
divulgacion.nanociencia [at]imdea.org

Source: IMDEA Nanociencia.

IMDEA Nanociencia Institute is a young interdisciplinary research Centre in Madrid (Spain) dedicated to the exploration of nanoscience and the development of applications of nanotechnology in connection with innovative industries.