Rolf Huisgen (1920–2020)

A Homage to Siegfried Hünig and His Research

Examples from different research areas of Siegfried Hünig are displayed to remind us that organic chemistry owes much more than Hünig's base to this exceptionally versatile and creative chemist. The main research lines dealing with the synthesis and physical characterization of new dyes, multistage redox systems, and organic metals will be presented as well as his contributions to enamine chemistry, the discovery of diimine as a hydrogenation agent, and nucleophilic acylation with trimethylsilyl cyanide, which are less well-known nowadays. In addition, exotic compounds with parallel C=C and N=N bonds were systematically studied in Hünig's group. Reflecting on the development of his research demonstrates both the importance of a systematic approach and how fruitful entirely unexpected results are if they meet a "well-prepared mind". During Hünig's academic career, teaching played an indisputable role. His efforts in modernizing the chemistry institute at Würzburg and his support of young researchers in the academic system in Germany are also highlighted.