Der Januskopf der Chemie: Eine Herausforderung für den Chemiker

Abstract

Chemistry has made many essential contributions to human society, for instance in the fields of health, nutrition, cosmetics, dyes, energy, safety and the protection of the environment. However, this progress has also had negative consequences. Examples of this include side effects of drugs, drug abuse and addiction, toxic residues in food, environmental pollution and occupational toxins. The profession of chemistry, due to its spectacular progress, has reached a crisis of identity. Fundamental and practical breakthroughs are now less frequent and other disciplines have taken over the traditional functions of chemistry. The status of chemists in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry has undergone a change. However, the knowledge of the structure of a molecule and its transformations, specific attributes of chemistry, cannot be dispensed with. Further creative achievements of a fundamental and practical nature are to be expected. There is a shift towards the interdisciplinary level where the chemist has a responsibility for promoting «molecular thinking». The ambivalence of chemistry is a challenge to the chemist. However, conditions are favourable for him to cope successfully with the problems of his discipline with regard to society and professional identity.