Carl D. Keith | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 29, 1920 |
| Died | November 9, 2008 |
| Alma mater | Salem College, Depaul University, Indiana University |
| Known for | invention of the 3 way catalytic converter |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
Carl Donald Keith (May 29, 1920 – November 9, 2008) was a chemist who was inventor of the three-way catalytic converter, which has played a dramatic role in reducing pollution from motor vehicles since their introduction in the mid-1970s.
Keith was born on May 29, 1920, in Stewart Creek, West Virginia, to Howard, a steelworker, and Mary Rawson Keith, who worked in a bakery. He received a bachelor's degree from Salem College in North Carolina in 1943, earned a master's degree in chemistry from Indiana University in 1945 and was awarded a doctorate from DePaul University in 1947.[1]
From 1943 to 1957, Keith was a chemist at Sinclair Oil. He later was hired by Engelhard Industries.[1]
From 1976 until his retirement from Engelhard in 1985, Keith was an executive vice president, president and finally chairman of the company.[1]