John H. Sinfelt

John Henry Sinfelt ( born February 18, 1931 in Munson, Pennsylvania, † 28 May 2011 in Morristown, New Jersey) was an American chemical engineer.

He studied at the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in 1951 and at the University of Illinois, where he received his master's degree in 1953 and in 1954 received his doctorate in chemical engineering. In 1954 he went to Standard Oil Development Company (now Exxon Research and Engineering ). In 1957 he became group leader, 1962 Research Associate, Senior Research Associate in 1968, 1972 and 1979 Scientific Advisor Senior Scientific Advisor. In 1996 he went into retirement.

He improved in the Standard Oil Catalytic reforming of petroleum by the catalytic method of Vladimir Haensel ( also Standard Oil ) based on platinum catalysts, improved with the assistance of another metal catalyst. His platinum -iridium catalyst enabled the cost-effective production of high-octane gasoline, which made the addition of lead superfluous. Particular urgency was the de after a decree environmental authorities of the United States in 1973 to reduce the lead content. He received a patent on the process. Similar methods developed then the other major oil companies.

In 1979 he received the National Medal of Science, 1984, the Perkin Medal, the 1988 Chemical Pioneer Award and the 1977 Dickson Prize in Science. In 1976 he was awarded the Petroleum Chemistry Award from the American Chemical Society and the 1986 EV Murphree Award in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

In 1981, he received a D. Sc. of the University of Illinois. In 1969 he was a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota.

Writings

• Catalysis: An Old but Continuing Theme in Chemistry, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 143, 1999, pp. 388-399