Maximilian Nierenstein (also known as Moses Max Nierenstein or Max Nierenstein; 1877–1946) was a professor of biochemistry at the University of Bristol.
Maximilian Nierenstein | |
---|---|
Born | 1877 |
Died | 1946 |
Alma mater | University of Bristol |
Known for | Nierenstein reaction |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Biochemistry |
He is known for the Nierenstein reaction, an organic reaction describing the conversion of an acid chloride into an haloketone with diazomethane.
In 1912, Polish biochemist Casimir Funk isolated a complex of micronutrients and proposed the complex be named "vitamine" (a portmanteau of "vital amine"), a name reportedly suggested by friend Max Nierenstein.[1][2]
He also studied natural phenols and tannins[3] found in different plant species. He showed in 1945 that luteic acid, a molecule present in the myrobalanitannin, a tannin found in the fruit of Terminalia chebula, is an intermediary compound in the synthesis of ellagic acid.[4] Working with Arthur George Perkin, he prepared ellagic acid from algarobilla and certain other fruits in 1905.[5] He suggested its formation from galloyl-glycine by Penicillium in 1915.[6] Tannase is an enzyme that Niederstein used to produce m-digallic acid from gallotannins.[7] He proved the presence of catechin in cocoa beans in 1931.[8]
He also worked on milk and caseinogen.[9] He reviewed the discovery of lactose in 1936.[10]
The Vitamines.