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Canadian Chemistry and IUPAC

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, or IUPAC, is known to all chemists, and indeed to many others, as its activities in the naming of new elements and in nomenclature of chemical compounds often appear in the popular press and are noticed by the general public, as well as appearing in the curriculum in many school and higher education science courses.

Canada’s participation in IUPAC has been coordinated since 1993 by the Canadian National Committee for IUPAC (CNC/IUPAC), with a membership of 9, appointed by the Canadian Society for Chemistry (6) and the Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences within the NRC (3). This body advises the NRC, which is the Canadian National Adhering Organization, on Canadian participation in and activities of IUPAC and to promote IUPAC activities within Canada.

IUPAC is open to all, and anyone can submit a proposal to IUPAC for support of a project. These are not to promote one’s individual research, but are intended for promotion of chemistry worldwide, and funds can be given for necessary expenses for such projects. These can be very ambitious efforts or on a smaller scale. Details for applying are available at the IUPAC web site:( http://iupac.org ) which also lists all current IUPAC projects.

Canada is known for its participation and service in international activities, and its activity in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry is no exception. Canada was a member from the beginning of IUPAC, being accepted into membership at the First International Conference of Chemistry in Rome in June of 1920, joining the five founder nations (France, UK, USA, Belgium, and Italy), along with Greece, Poland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Spain, and Czechoslovakia.

Canada began taking a leadership role in IUPAC after World War II, with E. W. R. Steacie serving as a President of the Physical Chemistry Section from 1951-1955. Others who have served as Presidents of this Division are Norman Jones (1973-1977), and Ron D. Weir (Royal Miltary College, Kingston) for 2004-2005

Presidents of the Organic Division have been Léo Marion (1961-1963), who was also an elected member of the IUPAC Bureau 1965-1969, Peter Yates (1977-1979), and Tom Tidwell, (2001-2003).

Others with leadership position have been W. G. Schneider, President of IUPAC in 1983-1985; Bryan Henry (University of Guelph): Vice-President 2004-2005, to become President 2006-2007; and Wilfrid Gallay, Secretary General (1971-1975).

In addition Peter Mahaffy is Chair of the Subcommittee on the Public Understanding of Chemistry. Erwin Buncel was co-Chair of Chemrawn XIII in 1998.

Major IUPAC events in Canada have included the 21st International Chemical Conference in Montreal 1961, and the 39th Congress together with the 42nd General Assembly in Ottawa in August 2003. Chemrawn I was held in Toronto, July 1978, with W. G. Schneider as organizer.

The Bureau is the Executive body of IUPAC, and Canadian elected members have been
Léo Marion (1965-1969), Pierre Grendon, (1969-1971); David Tonks (1979-1987), and John Lorimer, (1994-1999). Nelson Wright was a non-voting member of the Bureau as Chair of Committee on Chemistry and Industry (1998-2001). Division Presidents also serve as ex officio members of the Bureau.

Many others have served as members and leaders on IUPAC Commissions, Working Parties, Task Groups, and Division Committees over the years.

IUPAC also sponsors prizes for the best Ph.D. theses: two young Canadians, Gonzalo Cosa (U. Ottawa) and Martin Trent Lemaire (U. Victoria), were recipients in the 2003 round.

Professor Tom Tidwell
University of Toronto