Donald James Cram

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Donald James Cram

1919-

American chemist whose work on molecular recognition in organic chemistry was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1987. Cram's father died during his youth, leaving him to be raised by his mother and sisters. At first encouraged to seek a career in industrial chemistry, Cram was determined to become an academic. He eventually became an outstanding researcher, entering chemistry at a time when new tools were revolutionizing the field.