Jonathan Williams
Scientist who inspired students to pursue careers in chemistry
PROFESSOR JONATHAN WILLIAMS, who has died suddenly aged 55, was appointed Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Bath in 1996 at the age of 31, remaining there until his death.
His research focused on the use of transition metals for the synthesis of useful organic molecules. He was head of department from 2000 to 2003 and deputy head from 2015 to 2018. Enthusiastic, supportive, and unfailingly kind and modest, Williams inspired his students, many of whom went on to successful chemistry careers, in both academia and industry.
He was recognised for the originality and importance of his research both as a prolific author of learned papers, and as a visiting professor. He frequently lectured in China, Japan and Europe.
Jonathan Michael Jeremy Williams was born on May 23 1964 at Stourbridge in Worcestershire and attended King’s School, Worcester. His father, Mike, worked in industry and later became an organisational psychologist; his mother Brenda (née Smith) was a teacher and later became known as a children’s poet.
It was at King’s that the foundations of his future career were laid, when he and a friend added potassium permanganate to the swimming pool, turning it a garish shade of purple.
He gained a place to read Chemistry at Imperial College, London; though a natural scientist, he also took a great interest in the humanities. Finding the scientific atmosphere of Imperial restricting, he moved to the University of York, where he won the University Chemistry Prize and took a First in Chemistry.
Following York, he went to Keble College, Oxford, where he gained a D Phil in Organic Chemistry, working with Professor Steve Davies. From Oxford he went to Harvard for two years’ postdoctoral research with Professor David Evans’s group. He then moved back to Britain so that his children would have an English upbringing.
His academic career began as a lecturer in organic chemistry at Loughborough University. Promoted to senior lecturer, he specialised in research into alkenes and asymmetric synthesis.
In an early contribution, he demonstrated that man-made transition metal catalysts and nature’s enzymes could work together to make complex organic molecules with exquisite selectivity.
Appointed Professor in Organic Chemistry at the University of Bath in 1996, he quickly discovered fulfilling research, talented professional colleagues and a congenial working environment.
At Bath he carried out world-leading research in sustainable chemistry, introduced the concept of “Borrowing Hydrogen” to perform what most chemistry academics would call impossible reactions.
He published two books, Catalysis in Asymmetric Synthesis (1999) and Preparation of Alkenes: A Practical Approach (ed. 1996); and from 2012 to 2017 he gained additional funding through a Royal Society’s Wolfson Merit Award.
His principal hobbies were cycling, canoeing, rock-climbing, marathons and triathlons. Williams was also an accomplished classical guitarist, and while using this talent, busking with friends in London in the early 1980s, he met Cathy Kaye, who was to become his wife.
In November 2013 his world all but collapsed when Cathy died from an undiagnosed heart infection. In spite of his own grief, and with remarkable courage and determination, he devoted himself to supporting his children, Charlotte, Sam and twins Alice and Harry, who survive him.
However, delayed distress led to nervous exhaustion during more recent years, though at the time of his death Williams appeared to be overcoming his loss, immersing himself in his work, enjoying the company of his supportive family, including three adoring granddaughters – and finding fulfilment in life.
Professor Jonathan Williams, born May 23 1964, died August 3 2019