Günther Wilke

Wilke's own area of interest focused on homogeneous catalysis by nickel complexes. His group discovered or developed several compounds including Ni(1,5-cyclooctadiene)2, Ni(allyl)2, Ni(C2H4)3. Some of these complexes are useful catalysts for the oligomerization of dienes. He died in 2016 at the age of 91.

Wilke is credited with the discovery of bis(cyclooctadiene)nickel(0), a useful homogeneous catalyst.

Honours and awards Seven honorary doctorates corresponding member of the math and science class abroad Wilhelm Exner Medal in 1980. Member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Halle Member of the Academia Europaea Foreign member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (1977) Austrian Decoration for Science and Art President of the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker) Chairman of the Society of German Scientists and Physicians Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1987)