| John Ulric Nef | |
| Birth Date: | 14 June 1862 |
| Birth Place: | Herisau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland |
| Death Place: | Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States |
| Work Institution: | Purdue University (1887–89) Clark University (1889–92) University of Chicago (1892–1915) |
| Alma Mater: | Harvard University, University of Munich |
| Doctoral Advisor: | Adolf von Baeyer |
| Known For: | Nef reaction Nef synthesis Nef isocyanide reaction |
John Ulric Nef (Johann Ulrich Nef; June 14, 1862 - August 13, 1915) was a Swiss-born American chemist and the discoverer of the Nef reaction and Nef synthesis.[1] He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences.
His parents emigrated from Switzerland to the United States, where Nef studied chemistry at Harvard University until 1884. Upon graduation, he joined Adolf von Baeyer at the University of Munich, where he received his Ph.D. in 1887.[2]
He was a professor at Purdue University from 1887 till 1889 and at Clark University from 1889 till 1892. In 1892 Nef joined the newly formed University of Chicago as professor of chemistry, where he spent the rest of his academic career.[2] [1]
His son John Ulric Nef (1899–1988) became a professor of economic history and published several books.[2] [1]
The discovery of the Nef reaction and the papers about divalent carbon (carbenes) were his major achievements.[2] [1]