III International Conference

The 20th of April, 2007 is the centenary of birth of academician Georgii K. Boreskov, an eminent Russianscientist in physical chemistry, catalysis and chemical engineering, teacher and science manager.In his scientific activity, Georgii Boreskov preserved the best traditions of classicists of the Russianchemistry – D.I. Mendeleev, A.E. Favorsky, N.D. Zelinsky – who combined the profound basic researchand solution of important practical problems.The contribution of Georgii Boreskov to catalytic science can hardly be overestimated.His formulation of the concept of catalysis as an exceptionally chemical phenomenon mediated by theinteraction between reactants and the catalyst was of particular importance to establishing the modernphysicochemical basis of catalysis science.The generalized comparative analysis of energetic profiles of catalytic and non-catalytic reactions ledhim to demonstrate for any type of catalytic reactions – homogeneous, heterogeneous, enzymatic – thatthe reaction acceleration upon addition of a catalyst is caused by compensation of the bond cleavageenergy in the reactants with the energy of formation of new bonds in the reaction products owing to theintermediate chemical interaction between the reactants and catalyst.Of principal importance for the theory and technology of catalytic processes appeared the Boreskov’sidea on the mutual influence of the reaction medium and the catalyst in the course of the catalyticreaction. In practice, that led to the formulation of the Boreskov rule: specific catalytic activities ofsubstances of identical chemical compositions are approximately equal irrespectively of their preparationprocedures.The Boreskov’s works in the field of kinetics of reversible reactions were fundamental for the theory ofthe complex reaction kinetics and disclosed a general relationship between activation energies of thedirect and reverse reactions, the concept of apparent molecularity of a complex chemical reaction andthe methods for their finding.Of extreme importance to Georgii Boreskov was his education activity. He created an actively functioningscientific school with numerous disciples who are now professors and PhD graduated people. For manyyears he gave courses catalysis and chemical engineering in leading Russian universities andestablished the Chair of Catalysis and Adsorption in the Novosibirsk State University.Georgii Boreskov was the main founder of the Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of the USSRAcademy of Sciences in 1958. The principles of the creation of the Institute were comprehensivecoverage of all catalytic problems – from scientific basis of prediction of catalytic action and catalystpreparation to calculations on contact apparatuses and industrial implementation of catalytic processes.The activities of Georgii Boreskov were exceptionally fruitful. He was a man of huge positive andattractive magnetism who could share his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to young scientistsand make the creative medium around him. His fidelity to principles, self-exactingness, working capacityand self-discipline in combination with goodwill and tolerance allowed him to earn prestige and respect ofall people around him and also in the world.