The bleach commercially known as Eau de Javel was first produced by Claude Louis Berthollet in 1789, when he passed chlorine gas through a sodium carbonate solution. Born in Talloires in 1748, the Savoyard-French chemist utilized his medical training from the University of Turin to influence the trajectory of modern chemical theory and industrial practice during a period of intense scientific formalization.
Contributions to Chemical Theory
Berthollet played a critical role in standardizing chemistry, collaborating with Antoine Lavoisier and others on the 1788 Méthode de Nomenclature Chimique to create a systematic naming convention for compounds. He challenged existing paradigms by arguing that chemical proportions could vary based on initial reactant ratios, entering into a significant debate with Joseph Proust. While Proust initially held the definitive position on constant proportions, the later discovery of non-stoichiometric compounds—named berthollides in his honor—validated Berthollet’s insights. He also pioneered the understanding of reverse chemical reactions and chemical equilibrium.
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Beyond theoretical work, he provided practical applications for chlorine gas, introducing it as a commercial bleaching agent in 1785. His laboratory on the quay Javel in Paris yielded sodium hypochlorite, and he was the first to synthesize potassium chlorate, known as Berthollet's Salt. Additionally, he determined the elemental composition of ammonia in 1785, further solidifying his status as a central figure in the chemistry of the era.
Political and Academic Career
Berthollet held numerous prestigious positions, serving as president of the French Academy of Sciences from 1800 to 1801. His political career included membership in the Sénat conservateur in 1799 and later serving as vice president of the French Senate. He was also a member of the Institut d'Égypte, joining Napoleon on the expedition to Egypt. His academic influence spanned borders, including fellowships with the Royal Society, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Honours and Later Life
The French state recognized his service with the Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1803 and the Grand Officer title in 1804. He served as a Pair of France from 1814 until his death in 1822 in Arcueil. His personal life was marked by the 1788 marriage to Marie Marguerite Baur and the loss of their son, Amédée-Barthélémy, who died by suicide in 1811.
Fast facts
- Born: 1748, Talloires
- Died: 1822, Arcueil
- Education: University of Turin
- Key Discovery: Eau de Javel (1789)
- Political Office: Member of the Sénat conservateur (1799)
- Royal Society Fellow: 1789
- Legion of Honour: Grand Officer (1804)
- Non-stoichiometric compounds: Berthollides
Questions readers ask
Did Berthollet discover the law of definite proportions?
No, he debated it. He opposed Joseph Proust, who argued for fixed ratios; while Proust was largely correct, Berthollet's work on variable ratios led to the identification of berthollides.
What was the significance of Javel water?
It was the first modern bleaching liquid, created by Berthollet in 1789 by dissolving chlorine gas in sodium carbonate.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1803
- Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour — 1804
- Fellow of the Royal Society
- Educated at University of Turin
- Fields of research: chemistry, medicine and politics
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