Arthur von Weinberg: Chemiker,Naturforscher

The chemist Dr. Arthur von Weinberg was a member of the Cassella – Gans – Weinberg families of traders and industrialists. In close cooperation with his uncle, Dr. Leo Gans, and his brother, Carl von Weinberg, he developped the small dyestuff factory of his uncle into the world's largest azodyestuff fabrication site of the end of the 19^th century. This was achieved by scientifically exploring the chemistry of naphthalene and its derivatives and exploiting their commercial potential as dyestuff precursors. Furthermore, Dr. Arthur von Weinberg realized the market opportunities of sulfur dyes, which could be manufactured in large volumes at low cost. Most important, he very early recognized the great importance of synthetic pharmaceuticals. In 1908 he and his brother Carl were ennobled for their scientific and economic achievements; his hometown Frankfurt/Main made Arthur von Weinberg a “Honorary Citizen” in 1930. Imprisoned based on his jewish background by the Nazi‐government he died in the concentration camp of Theresienstadt in 1943.