Adrian Brook (1924-2013)

Sadly, I report that Adrian Brook (University of Toronto) died on July 10, 2013. He was well-known for his original research on Organo-silicon chemistry, and especially for discovering the “Brook Rearrangement”.  

Adrian was a frequent participant of POMs in the early years and he was a valued colleague to many of us. I first met him when I was a post-doc at U of T, with Keith Yates. When Adrian was Acting Chairman I sometimes lectured on Intro Organic Chem for him when he was “away”. He lent me his notes and his overheads which made for an easy introduction to lecturing. Best of all, I had no marking to do.

In 2007, Adrian and W.A.E. McBryde published a book, "Historical Distillates", which examines the history of the Chemistry Department at the University of Toronto from its beginnings in 1843.  I am hoping to get a copy from Santa Claus.

Adrian's obituary, which appeared in the Globe & Mail and in the Toronto Star, can be viewed online - here.

Where has the summer gone?

As mentioned earlier, the 41st POMs is being organized by Heidi Muchall for November 1, 2, and 3, 2013. It will be held at Concordia University, in Montreal, Quebec. For more details check the website - HERE.

In related business, here is a message from Andy Bennet, of Simon Fraser U:

"Dear Colleagues,
I am organizing a Physical Organic Symposium at next year's CSC meeting in Vancouver. In order that the symposium is a success, I am requesting input from the mechanistic community concerning:
1) What areas would you like to see covered.
2) Suggestions for invited speakers, especially early career Canadians.
3) Any other suggestions for the symposium.
All the best, I hope to see you at POMS this year and in Vancouver next.

Andy Bennet "

Link for the 97th Canadian Chemical Conference and Exhibition.