William Henry Perkin studied and worked at the college under von Hofmann, but resigned his position after discovering the first synthetic dye, mauveine, in 1856. Perkin's discovery was prompted by his work with von Hofmann on the substance aniline, derived from coal tar, and it was this breakthrough which sparked the synthetic dye industry, a boom which some historians have labelled the second chemical revolution. His contribution led to the creation of the Perkin Medal, an award given annually by the Society of Chemical Industry to a scientist residing in the United States for an "innovation in applied chemistry resulting in outstanding commercial development". It is considered the highest honour given in the industrial chemical industry. COUNT 5
QSN1 Who discovered the first synthetic dye? ANS1 William Henry Perkin QSN2 What did the scientist who discovered the dye do after discovering it? ANS2 resigned his position QSN3 What is the name of the first synthetic dye discovered? ANS3 mauveine QSN4 The discovery of the synthetic dye is claimed by some histories to have sparked what event? ANS4 second chemical revolution QSN5 Which award is named after the discoverer of the dye? ANS5 Perkin Medal