Kane, Robert (1809-1890)

Irish chemist and educationalist. Kane conducted extensive chemical experimentation, isolating acetone from wood spirit in 1836, and producing the first cyclic hydrocarbon from a straight-chain hydrocarbon. He analysed the mineral kaneite, which was later named after him.

Kane was born in Dublin, and was a slow starter, taking seven years to complete his primary degree at Trinity College, Dublin. He went on to publish numerous papers in chemistry, eventually becoming a professor and qualifying as a doctor. He also published a textbook on pharmacy, and carried out work on the chemistry of the natural dyestuffs, achil and litmus.

He advised the government on education and wrote a three volume textbook on chemistry in 1841. Other works include The Industrial Resources of Ireland (1844). He was knighted in 1846.