William T. Miller

William T. Miller
Born
William Taylor Miller

(1911-08-24)August 24, 1911
DiedNovember 15, 1998(1998-11-15) (aged 87)
Alma materDuke University, Stanford University (Lilly Fellowship)
Known forDeveloped the polymer used in the first gaseous diffusion plant, making possible the separation of uranium-235 (235U) from uranium-238 (238U)
Awards
Scientific career
FieldsChemistry
InstitutionsCornell University
Doctoral advisorLucius A. Bigelow (1892–1973)[1]
Doctoral studentsFred Warren McLafferty (b. 1923)[1]

William Taylor Miller (August 24, 1911 – November 15, 1998) was an American professor of organic chemistry at Cornell University.[2] 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.

  1. ^ a b Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (1998). "William T. Miller (1911-1998)". Ithaca, New York: Cornell University. Retrieved 2010-11-20.
  2. ^ "William Taylor Miller, 87, Organic Chemist". The New York Times. 1998-11-27. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-01-31.