Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank
  • 7500 Forint 2024, Hungary, Hungarian Nobel Prize Winners, 30th Anniversary of George Andrew Olah's Nobel Prize
  • 7500 Forint 2024, Hungary, Hungarian Nobel Prize Winners, 30th Anniversary of George Andrew Olah's Nobel Prize
Description

George Andrew Olah (Oláh András György, 1927–2017) was a Hungarian-American chemist renowned for his groundbreaking research in carbocation chemistry. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Olah studied at the Technical University of Budapest and initially worked in the burgeoning Hungarian chemical industry. His career took a pivotal turn when he immigrated to the United States following the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. At Case Western Reserve University and later at the University of Southern California, Olah developed innovative methods to stabilize carbocations—highly reactive intermediates in organic chemistry—using superacids. His work expanded the understanding of these fleeting molecules, enabling chemists to explore new reactions and synthetic pathways.

Olah's contributions significantly impacted both theoretical and applied chemistry, influencing areas such as fuel production and petrochemical processing. His research on methanol-based energy systems laid the foundation for sustainable energy solutions. For his achievements, Olah received numerous accolades, including the 1994 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The honor recognized his pioneering work on carbocation chemistry, which not only deepened the scientific community’s understanding of chemical reactivity but also opened doors to innovations in materials and fuels. Beyond his research, Olah was celebrated for his mentorship and advocacy for cleaner energy technologies, leaving a lasting legacy in science and sustainability.

Engraver: Mihály Fritz

Obverse

Depicts a half-length portrait of George Andrew Olah, holding a piece of chalk as he illustrates the cycle underpinning the methanol economy. To the left of the portrait, in two lines, the inscriptions "NOBEL PRIZE" and "1994" are displayed. Along the right edge, following the curve of the rim, the inscription "GYÖRGY OLÁH" is visible, with the engraver's privy mark placed below it.

The methanol economy, advocated by George Andrew Olah, involves the conversion of CO₂ (carbon dioxide) into CH₃OH (methanol) using renewable hydrogen (H₂). This process captures CO₂ from the atmosphere or industrial emissions and converts it into a usable form of energy. Methanol can then be used as a clean fuel or chemical feedstock. When burned or used in fuel cells, CH₃OH releases CO₂, which can be recaptured and reused, creating a closed-loop system. Olah’s approach promotes carbon recycling, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a sustainable energy future, offering a viable alternative to fossil fuels like CH₄ (methane).

OLÁH GYÖRGY
CO₂
CH₃OH
CH₄
NOBEL-DÍJ
1994
fm

Reverse

Depicts a three-dimensional model of a characteristic, stable carbocation structure. Below the depiction, in two rows each, the denomination and the inscription "FORINT" are displayed on the left, while the year of issuance "2024" and the mint mark "BP." are placed on the right. Along the edge at the top, following the curve of the rim, the inscription "HUNGARY" is visible.

A stable carbocation is a positively charged carbon atom in an organic molecule that is stabilized by various factors, such as resonance, hyperconjugation, and inductive effects. These carbocations are less reactive and more likely to participate in chemical reactions. Stability is enhanced when the positive charge is delocalized over multiple atoms through resonance, as seen in allylic or benzylic carbocations, or when electron-donating groups help stabilize the charge. The study of carbocations was significantly advanced by George Andrew Olah, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1994 for his pioneering work on carbocation chemistry. Olah’s research focused on the isolation and stabilization of carbocations, which was crucial in understanding their behavior and applications in organic reactions, particularly in the fields of catalysis and synthetic chemistry. His work laid the foundation for many advances in both theoretical and practical chemistry.

MAGYARORSZÀG
7500
FORINT
BP.
2024

Edge

7500 Forint

Hungarian Nobel Prize Winners
30th Anniversary of George Andrew Olah's Nobel Prize

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 12.5 g
Diameter -
Width 30 mm
Height 25 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape oval
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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