Profile
Professor Freiser graduated in 1941 from the City College of New York (BS) and followed this in 1942 with an MS in organic chemistry and a PhD in Physical Chemistry (1944) both from Duke University. After graduation he taught at North Dakota State College for one year (1944-1945) followed by a year as a Research Fellow at the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research in Pittsburgh before accepting a position on the Chemistry Faculty of the University of Pittsburgh. It was here in one of the great analytical centre that Freiser found his interest in analytical chemistry particularly focused on the analysis of metals. This early interest in analytical chemistry led to a study of new reagents for the extraction and analysis of metals and a study of the physical chemistry of the formation of metal complexes with organic extractants. This followed naturally to an interest in solvent extraction where his extensive fundamental studies of the thermodynamics and kinetics led to an understanding of the mass transfer process and the development of new and effective extraction systems.
In addition to his solvent extraction research Professor Freiser maintained an interest in analytical chemistry developing new applications in chromatography, ion exchange and the use of coated-wire electrodes in potentiometric analysis.
His research has led to over 400 publications and a number of books on various aspects of analytical chemistry. This work has also been recognised by several awards including the ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry, ACS Award in Separation Science, Anachem Award in Fields of Analytical Chemistry, honorary membership of the Japanese Analytical Chemistry Society, and the Kurnakov Medal. Professor Freiser has always been interested in sharing his interest in chemistry with others as shown by the authorship of books and the number of overseas scientists who have been welcomed in his laboratory. As a tribute to his success as an educator he was awarded a Catalyst National Award in Excellence of Teaching.
Professor Freiser has also been an active member of the analytical chemistry divisions of the American Chemical Society and IUPAC, and was one of the founders of the very successful Pittsburgh Conference on analytical chemistry.
He is probably the only Hanson medallist to have completed a marathon (albeit at a leisurely pace).