Wichterle, Otto

Wichterle Otto, and Lim Drahoslav. Hydrophilic gels for biological usage. Nature. 185 (1960) 117-118. 

Wichterle Otto (1913-1998), Czech chem., inventor of widespread contact hydrogen lenses, organic polymers and plastics (kaprolaktan - silon)... 

During the late 1930s, Otto Wichterle was working at the Czech Technical University in Prague when he first encountered l,3-dicholo-2-butene, a byproduct in the production of the synthetic rubber monomer chloroprene. The compound, which contains a reactive allylic chloride and an inert vinylic chloride, was first used in the bis-alkylation of diethyl malonate. When this compound was dissolved in sulfuric acid, evolution of HCl gas began immediately. The product obtained from this reaction was identified as being diethyl 3-acetyl-4-methyl-3-cyclohexene-l,l-dicarboxylate, which is the net result of the hydrolysis of the vinylic chloride moiety followed by a subsequent intramolecular aldol condensation. 

Soft contact lenses (Otto Wichterle) Wichterle s soft contacts can be worn longer with less discomfort than can hard contact lenses. 

Polymeric soft contact lenses came into existence in the 1950s (12]. Otto Wich-terle discovered the hydrogel poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (HEMA), a transparent, soft, hydrophilic material that could be used to prepare contact lenses, Wichterle utilized a free radical polymerization of the HEMA monomer (including cross-linker, solvent, initiator, and stabilizer) with either thermal or ultraviolet initiation of the reaction. Initially, the len.ses were produced via spin casting, which involved the use of a concave mold that is spun at a particular rate. The rate of the mold spin determines the resultant lens power (13). After production of the lens in the mold, the lens would be hydrated from the mold in a warm water solution. Once hydrated, the lens would float free from the mold. Each lens is inspected for rips, tears, and clarity. Finally, the lens is packaged, sterilized, and boxed for shipping. The surface quality of the mold determines the surface chemistry and morphology on the anterior surface of the lens produced. 

Details Urn, working for inventor of contact lenses (Otto Wichterle) synthesized PHEMA which was used for contact lenses ... 

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