Kenichi Fukui, Frontier Molecular Orbital Theory, and the Woodward-Hoffmann Rules. Part I. The Person†**

Abstract

Kenichi Fukui shared the 1981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Roald Hoffmann for “their theories, developed independently, concerning the course of chemical reactions.” This is Paper 4 – Part I, of a three-part trilogy within a 27-paper series on the history of the development of the Woodward-Hoffmann rules. The personality and professional style of Fukui is discussed as well as his style of teaching and his mottos and sayings. A brief chronological history of his academic and professional life is presented along with a listing of Fukui's great flexibility in behaviors and in science. Lastly, a short list of Fukui's key awards is provided.