| Daniel Vorländer | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 11, 1867 Eupen, Rhine Province |
| Died | June 8, 1941 (aged 73) Halle, Province of Saxony |
| Residence | Prussia, then Germany |
| Nationality | Prussian, then German |
| Fields | Chemist |
| Institutions | University of Halle |
| Alma mater | University of Halle |
| Doctoral advisor | Jacob Volhard |
| Doctoral students | Hermann Staudinger |
| Known for | Liquid Crystals |
Daniel Vorländer (June 11, 1867 – June 8, 1941) was a German chemist who synthesized most of the liquid crystals known until his retirement in 1935.
Vorländer was born in Eupen in Rhenish Prussia. He studied chemistry at Kiel, Munich, and Berlin, after which he became a professor at University of Halle-Wittenberg.
Vorländer applied his knowledge of molecular structure to select those exhibiting the crystaline liquid state. In particular a linear molecular geometry was conducive. "Over the years Vorländer and his students synthesized hundreds of liquid crystaline compounds. An interesting discovery was that amongst the slimy liquid crystals were many soap and soap-like compounds." (Dunmur & Sluckin p 48)
Vorländer served as a volunteer during World War I, during which he received the Iron Cross. He died in Halle.