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Join us for this special Discourse as we Discover200, celebrating 200 years of Ri Discourses and the discovery of benzene.
Benzene has played a significant role in modern science and industry since it was first isolated by Michael Faraday in 1825 - originally from whale oil as a by-product of gas production - here at the Royal Institution.
In this Discourse, 
Judy Wu
 will explore the discoveries, challenges, and unexpected revelations encountered by chemists who devoted their work to unravelling the mysteries of benzene and its significance.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various chemists presented different models to account for the structure and the extraordinary chemical stability of benzene.
The first part of this talk will cover a brief history of benzene, including key discoveries made at the Royal Institution, and tell how chemists came to understand the structure and reactivity of benzene. The second part will address the evolution of the definition of aromaticity.
The term aromaticity, originally linked to the distinctive smell and chemical structure of benzene, has evolved significantly to include many molecules that are not “benzene-like” at all. We will talk about discoveries that reshaped chemists' understanding of the concept of aromaticity and how this concept is now applied in practical fields of chemistry and technology.
By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Ri's 
event terms and conditions.
Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.
Steeped in nearly two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.
Discourses are free for Ri Members and Patrons - 
consider joining today.
Find out more about the history of 
Discourses on our blog
.
The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, and all ticket holders must take their seats by 7.20pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.
Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.
Event image by Paul Wilkinson
Information Source: The Royal Institution | eventbrite

London

United Kingdom

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