De reactie van Buys Ballot op Van 't Hoffs «Voorstel tot uitbreiding der tegenwoordig in de scheikunde gebruikte structuur-formules in de ruimte»

Abstract

SUMMARY: The reaction of Buys Ballot on van ‘t Hoff’s «Proposal for the extension of the formulas now in use in chemistry into space». In September 1874, Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff published in his «Proposal for the Extension of the Formulas now in use in chemistry into space, together with a related remark on the relation between the optical rotating power and the chemical constitution of organic compounds-, the theory of the asymmetric carbon atom. The Dutch pamphlet — which consisted of only twelve pages in print — was soon translated into French. However, van 't Hoff’s ideas drew but few interest. He got warm acknowledgments of the chemists Spring, Wurtz and Henry, but they made no attempt to discuss or to criticize his ideas. Wislicenus and von Baeyer were very enthusiastic about the theory and Landolt wrote that he couldn't gave any case which was contrary against it. The most sharp and destructive criticism came from Kolbe, who castigated van ‘t Hoff as an example of the «Naturphilosophen». Also in the Netherlands the ideas of van 't Hoff were received with skepticism and indifference. Bremer used it in his dissertation (1875), Gunning was enthusiastic about it, but the first who gave serious attention to the theory of the asymmetric carbon atom was Buys Ballot (1875), who sill defended his dynamical atomism (published In 1849) and believed that on theoretical grounds the hydrogen atoms in the methane molecule are to be placed on the planes of the regular tetraeder and not at the corners. Van 't Hoff rightly answered Buys Ballot that in fact this is the same view. Both Buys Ballot and van 't Hoff were disappointed on the reception of their ideas, but, contrary to Buys Ballot, van 't Hoff soon got all honours which he deserved and his ideas were elucidated and extended within a few years.