Alan R. Battersby

Sir Alan Battersby
Battersby in his office
Born
Alan Rushton Battersby

(1925-03-04)4 March 1925
Died10 February 2018(2018-02-10) (aged 92)
Alma materUniversity of Manchester
University of St Andrews
SpouseMargaret Ruth née Hart
Parents
  • William Battersby (father)
  • Hilda Rushton (mother)
AwardsDavy Medal (1977)
Paul Karrer Gold Medal (1977)
Royal Medal (1984)
Tetrahedron Prize (1995)
Copley Medal (2000)
Scientific career
FieldsOrganic Chemistry
Natural Products
InstitutionsUniversity of St Andrews
Rockefeller University
University of Illinois
University of Bristol
University of Liverpool
Cambridge University
ThesisResearches into the structure of Emetine (1949)
Doctoral advisorDr Hal T Openshaw
Doctoral studentsAndrew D. Hamilton
Craig Hawker

Sir Alan Rushton Battersby (4 March 1925 – 10 February 2018) was an English organic chemist best known for his work to define the chemical intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway to vitamin B12 and the reaction mechanisms of the enzymes involved. His research group was also notable for its synthesis of radiolabelled precursors to study alkaloid biosynthesis and the stereochemistry of enzymic reactions. He won numerous awards including the Royal Medal in 1984 and the Copley Medal in 2000. He was knighted in the 1992 New Year Honours. Battersby died in February 2018 at the age of 92.[1]

  1. ^ "Professor Sir Alan Battersby (1925-2018)". St Catharine's College, Cambridge. Retrieved 1 May 2018.