DuPont Central Research

DuPont Central Research Department

Company type	Division of DuPont
Industry	Chemical research and development
Founded	1957
Defunct	January 2016
Headquarters	Wilmington , United States
Area served	Worldwide (United States, Switzerland, South Korea, China, India)
Key people	Paul L. Salzberg, David M. McQueen, Theodore L. Cairns, Howard Ensign Simmons Jr., C. Edward Lorenz, Robert Naylor, Charles Bottomley, Richard Quisenberry, Joseph Miller, James M. Meyer, Thomas M. Connelly, Uma Chowdhry, Douglas W. Muzyka
Parent	DuPont

In 1957, DuPont rebranded its Chemicals Department research team as the Central Research Department (CRD), creating a leading industrial laboratory dedicated to fundamental scientific inquiry. Headquartered mainly at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware, CRD later extended its presence internationally with facilities in Geneva, Switzerland, Seoul, South Korea, Shanghai, China, and Hyderabad, India. The department ceased to function as a primary research division following a significant layoff in January 2016.

History

CRD Research Directors and Vice Presidents

Name	Years
Paul L.Salzberg	1957–1967
David M. McQueen	1968–1971
Theodore L. Cairns	1972–1975
Howard Ensign Simmons, Jr.	1975–1979
C. Edward Lorenz	1980
Robert Naylor	1981
Charles Bottomley	1982–1983
Richard Quisenberry	1984–1992
Joseph Miller	1993–1995
James M. Meyer	1997–2000
Thomas M. Connelly	2001–2005
Uma Chowdhry	2006–2010
Douglas W. Muzyka	2010–2016

DuPont’s dedication to foundational scientific research originated with founder Wallace Carothers in 1928, whose breakthroughs in polymers such as nylon-6,6 and neoprene generated substantial profits through the mid-1900s. Established formally in 1957, CRD’s mission was to identify "the next nylon" and broaden DuPont’s product range by fostering innovation across various sectors.

Bridging fundamental science with applied industrial research, CRD’s leadership roles evolved from Director of Research to Chief Technology Officer, mirroring changes in corporate strategy and technology governance. The department’s designation shifted accordingly from Central Research Department to Central Research and Development (CR&D).

Investigations targeted multidisciplinary fields with commercial relevance: supercritical water chemistry contributed to magnetic tape manufacturing; ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene advanced implantable medical devices; unique urea and uracil derivatives propelled DuPont into agrochemical markets via sulfonylurea herbicides; and potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) facilitated advancements in medical laser applications.

During the 1950s, CRD emphasized synthesizing a wide variety of organic and inorganic molecules, submitting an extensive array for pharmaceutical evaluation beyond typical industry practices. The group also pushed forward physical and analytical methodologies, studies of chemical reaction mechanisms, solid-state physics, polymer science innovations, and biological research efforts.

Maintaining strong collaborations with academic institutions enabled CRD to attract premier talent, including postdoctoral programs that supported transitions into academia. Distinguished alumni include Nobel Prize winners like Richard Schrock and advisors such as Robert Grubbs, who enriched DuPont’s innovation pipeline. Numerous CRD leaders earned election to the National Academy of Sciences for their scientific contributions.

The department fostered a culture encouraging cooperation between management and laboratory scientists through overlapping salary structures and transparent communication channels. Over time, technician roles progressed from mainly high school-educated assistants to positions demanding advanced degrees due to growth in pharmaceutical and life science activities.

Between the 1980s and early 1990s, DuPont promoted PhD holders moving into business units within five years to better integrate scientific expertise with commercial functions. Many either returned to CRD or departed altogether, enabling continuous talent renewal. Recent managerial appointments often bring business unit experience but may lack deep technical expertise, increasing dependence on senior scientists for leading research programs.

By late 2015, the unit was renamed DuPont Science and Innovation before a major staff reduction in January 2016 decreased personnel from 330 to only 34 employees within Molecular Sciences and Engineering and Materials Science divisions—effectively concluding CRD’s role as a central element of DuPont’s research strategy.

Organofluorine chemistry

On April 6, 1938, Roy Plunkett at DuPont's Jackson Laboratory made a landmark discovery when gaseous tetrafluoroethylene unexpectedly polymerized into a white solid. This material was later commercialized as Teflon (PTFE) in 1945, establishing DuPont as a pioneer in organofluorine chemistry and broadening its range of fluorinated products. The capacity of tetrafluoroethylene to undergo cyclization with various substances paved the way for the creation of a wide array of organofluorine compounds.

DuPont’s expertise in safely managing reactive fluorinating agents was bolstered by experience gained during the Manhattan Project. The Pressure Research Laboratory at the DuPont Experimental Station played a crucial role in facilitating numerous complex chemical reactions. Prominent researchers including William Middleton, David England, Carl Krespan, William Sheppard, Owen Webster, Bruce Smart, Malli Rao, Robert Wheland, and Andrew Feiring secured many patents that enhanced DuPont’s competitive position in this domain. Foundational literature on organofluorine chemistry authored by Sheppard and Smart highlighted its significant commercial impact.

In response to environmental issues related to chlorofluorocarbons, DuPont’s Catalysis Center under Leo Manzer developed alternative refrigerants based on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which were marketed under the Suva brand. This innovation aligned with changing regulatory landscapes and helped maintain DuPont’s leadership in the refrigerants market.

Cyanocarbon chemistry

During the 1960s and 1970s, under Theodore Cairns’ guidance, CRD advanced the synthesis of long-chain cyanocarbons, compounds structurally similar to fluorocarbons like Teflon. This research culminated in twelve articles published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society in 1958 and propelled several contributors into influential executive roles at DuPont, such as Richard E. Benson (Associate Director, CRD), Theodore L. Cairns (Research Director, CRD), and Richard E. Heckert (CEO). This progression reflects the company’s approach of elevating leaders with strong technical backgrounds. The publications also stimulated wider scientific interest in cyanocarbon chemistry.

The research aimed at potential applications including dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, organic magnets, and innovative polymers; however, no commercial products resulted from these efforts. Cairns earned distinguished industry accolades for his work in synthetic organic chemistry. Meanwhile, Owen Webster’s synthesis of diiminosuccinonitrile (DISN), which can be converted into diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN), led to additional patents and academic papers. Howard Simmons further diversified the chemical portfolio by synthesizing novel substances such as tetracyanothiophene and pentacyanocyclopentadiene using sodium maleonitriledithiolate.

Metal oxides

Arthur Sleight spearheaded research on perovskite materials like the K-Bi-Pb-O system, which laid the groundwork for subsequent breakthroughs in high-temperature superconductors. In the realm of solution-phase oxide chemistry, Walter Knoth developed organic-soluble polyoxoanions that played a key role in expanding oxidation catalysis applications. These projects contributed significantly to DuPont’s strength in advanced materials and catalysis industries.

Dynamic NMR spectroscopy

Research on stereodynamics at CRD, led by Jesson, Meakin, and Muetterties, underscored the synergy between practical applications and fundamental scientific inquiry. Initial investigations centered on the flexibility of SF₄, an essential reagent in fluorocarbon synthesis, which paved the way for identifying the first stereochemically flexible octahedral complexes such as FeH₂(PR₃)₄.

Polymer science

Owen Webster was instrumental in developing group-transfer polymerization (GTP), marking the first novel polymerization technique since living anionic polymerization. This method was swiftly commercialized for use in automotive coatings and inkjet ink formulations. The underlying mechanism also finds extensive application in organic synthesis, including the production of natural compounds.

Meanwhile, Andrew Janowicz pioneered cobalt-catalyzed chain transfer to regulate molecular weight during free radical polymerizations, a process further refined by Alexei Gridnev and Steven Ittel. This innovation rapidly transitioned to commercial use while fundamental research continued to evolve.

Under the leadership of Rudolph Pariser, CRD broadened its polymer research efforts. In 1995, Maurice Brookhart—a professor at the University of North Carolina and DuPont consultant—collaborated with Lynda Johnson (who later joined CRD as a scientist) to create post-metallocene catalysts for olefin coordination polymerization. This advancement culminated in DuPont’s Versipol technology, developed over ten years by an extensive team at CRD.

Organometallic chemistry

CRD made significant investments in inorganic and organometallic chemistry during Earl Muetterties’ tenure, with a particular emphasis on borane chemistry. Walter Knoth discovered the first polyhedral borane anion, B₁₀H₁₀⁼, which exhibited substitution patterns similar to those found in aromatic hydrocarbons. Concurrently, Norman Miller identified the B₁₂H₁₂⁼ anion through related studies. George Parshall joined CRD in 1954 and introduced organometallic chemistry after completing a sabbatical under Geoffrey Wilkinson at Imperial College London.

The leadership baton passed from Muetterties to Parshall, then to Steven Ittel and Henry Bryndza, before responsibilities were distributed among various CRD teams. Parshall and Ittel co-authored "Homogeneous Catalysis," a seminal text recognized as a foundational resource in the discipline.

Among significant achievements were Richard Cramer’s identification of “Cramer’s dimer” and Fred Tebbe’s development of the “Tebbe reagent.” Tebbe’s work directly influenced Richard Schrock’s metal-carbene (M=C) research program at DuPont, which laid the groundwork for olefin metathesis; Schrock subsequently received the Nobel Prize alongside Robert Grubbs, who served as a CRD consultant. Additionally, Anthony Arduengo’s pioneering work on persistent carbenes further propelled advancements in metathesis catalysis.

CRD also prioritized C-H bond activation research with key contributions from Parshall, Herskovitz, Ittel, and Thorn. Chad Tolman formulated the “ligand cone angle” concept, now widely utilized to interpret ligand influences in organometallic complexes.

Further organometallic investigations included R. Thomas Baker’s studies on heterobinuclear complexes, Patricia L. Watson’s work on organolanthanides, William A. Nugent’s exploration of metal-ligand multiple bonding, Jeffery Thompson’s development of technetium-based radiopharmaceuticals, and Bob Burch’s research on fluoro-organometallic compounds.

Homogeneous catalysis formed a cornerstone of CRD’s business strategy. DuPont pioneered the nickel-catalyzed addition of hydrogen cyanide to butadiene to synthesize adiponitrile—a precursor for nylon—initially developed through William C. Drinkard’s efforts. Subsequent mechanistic investigations at CRD supported advancements for next-generation technologies before this segment was divested to Koch Industries. Additional catalytic processes included ethylene polymerization, oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid, and carbonylation of butadiene for nylon intermediates. Catalyst development encompassed homogeneous organometallic systems, heterobinuclear catalysts, polyoxometalates, enzymatic catalysts, membrane reactors, and supported organometallic materials.

Photochemistry and Physics

David M. McQueen, an early leader of CRD and a physical chemist affiliated with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, secured 35 patents in the fields of photochemistry and photography, laying the groundwork for CRD’s expertise in photochemical and photophysical research. Subsequently, David Eaton directed a team dedicated to developing photopolymerization color proofing technologies tailored for the printing sector.

CRD pioneered inorganic non-linear optical (NLO) materials that facilitated optical frequency doubling, enabling the production of "green lasers," and later expanded its efforts to include organic NLO compounds. The organization also pursued advancements in display technologies, such as printable electronics, thermal transfer color filters, carbon nanotube applications for field emission displays, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials. A major focus involved creating next-generation photoresists intended to supplant 193 nm lithography wavelengths with 157 nm for enhanced resolution; however, this requirement lessened following the emergence of immersion lithography techniques and associated fluids. Additionally, CRD successfully commercialized phase-shift mask technology.

Biological Sciences

Expanding into biological sciences was a deliberate strategic move aligned with founder Charles Stine’s advocacy for biochemistry at Du Pont. Beginning in the early 1950s, CRD investigated chemical compounds with biological relevance. Charles Todd’s work on substituted ureas led to the development of DuPont’s highly effective sulfonylurea herbicides. This research program encompassed agricultural and veterinary chemicals as well as bacteriology and microbiology, ultimately contributing to DuPont’s acquisition of Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds to strengthen its agrichemical portfolio.

Research into nitrogen fixation within plants commenced in the mid-1950s and gained worldwide recognition under Ralph Hardy’s leadership from 1963 onward; Hardy was noted for his extensive publications and exemplified CRD’s integration of scientific innovation with managerial acumen.

Advances in fermentation microbiology and genetic engineering enabled CRD to biologically produce 1,3-propylene glycol, a novel monomer that propelled the commercialization of Sorona premium polyester. Achievements included synthesizing non-natural peptides and proteins designed with specific functions and predicted three-dimensional structures.

Innovative DNA sequencing methods employing unique fluorescent tags led to the formation of Qualicon, a DuPont enterprise utilizing PCR-based bacterial detection. This breakthrough significantly enhanced food safety measures both within the United States and internationally.

General References

• David A. Hounshell and John Kenley Smith. Science and Corporate Strategy. DuPont R&D, 1902–1980. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1988.
• J. J. Bohning. Howard E. Simmons, Jr., Oral History. Philadelphia: Chemical Heritage Foundation, 1993.
• R. C. Ferguson. William D. Phillips and nuclear magnetic resonance at DuPont. In Encyclopedia of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Vol. 1, Eds. D. M. Grant and R. K. Harris, pp. 309–13, John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
• R. G. Bergman, G. W. Parshall, and K. N. Raymond. Earl L. Muetterties, 1927–1984. In Biographical Memoirs, vol. 63, pp. 383–93. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1994.
• B. C. McKusick and Theodore L. Cairns, Cyanocarbons in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 2nd Edition, 6, 625-33 (1965)