Professor at LIA Lyon1/Antananarivo, Madagascar
Professor Marc Lemaire is an internationally respected chemist and Emeritus Professor at Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1. With over four decades of influential work in organic synthesis, catalysis, and green chemistry, he has led academic and industrial innovations that significantly advanced the chemical sciences. Recognized for his pioneering methods and dedication to sustainable chemistry, Professor Lemaire has mentored generations of chemists and contributed to scientific communities worldwide. As the founder and director of the Catalysis, Synthesis, and Environment Group at ICBMS Lyon and co-director of the International Laboratory on Malagasy Biodiversity Valorization, his global outlook and research impact are profound. His career is distinguished by scientific excellence, global collaboration, and a tireless commitment to environmentally responsible chemical development.
Profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
Marc Lemaire began his academic journey while working as a technician, pursuing evening courses at the CNAM (Conservatoire National des Arts et MĂ©tiers) in Paris to earn a master’s degree in organic chemistry. He then completed his Ph.D. at Paris VI University under the supervision of Professor J.P. GuettĂ©. His thesis focused on the development of regioselective chlorinating reagents using charge-transfer complex interactions—work that led to the creation of the widely recognized “Guy-Lemaire-GuettĂ© Reagents.” These compounds are still commercially used today and cited in key organic synthesis references. His educational background combines academic rigor with practical industrial exposure, laying the foundation for his applied research excellence.
🧑‍🔬 Professional Experience
Following a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands (1982–1983) under R.M. Kellogg, Professor Lemaire was appointed Assistant Professor at CNAM in 1983 and later Professor at Lyon 1 University in 1989. He successively served as Director of multiple master’s programs, including Catalysis and Physical Chemistry and Organic Synthesis, and led UMR 5181 in fine organic chemistry from 1998 to 2004. His service includes roles in national scientific committees of CNRS and French universities and leadership within the Société Française de Chimie. A driving force behind the CNRS Green Chemistry Network (2004–2009), Professor Lemaire also contributed extensively to industrial research, holding over 80 patents and serving on scientific committees of key institutions and companies.
🔬 Research Interests
Professor Lemaire’s research emphasizes the design and development of environmentally and economically sustainable synthetic methods. His interests include organic conductors such as poly(thiophene) and poly(pyrrole), separation science using ion-specific resins, and asymmetric catalysis through nitrogen-containing ligands. His work on green chemistry encompasses alternative reductions, aryl-aryl bond formation, and methylation techniques using safer reagents. He is a strong advocate of renewable raw materials, working with fatty acids, glycerol, and sugars. In Madagascar, his team focuses on agro-industrial waste valorization and the use of chemical ecology for eco-friendly pest control. This multidisciplinary approach bridges industrial needs and environmental responsibility.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Professor Lemaire has received numerous prestigious honors recognizing his scientific contributions. These include the Langevin Prize (Academy of Sciences, 1999), Berthelot Medal (1999), Rhône-Alpes Innovation Prize (2000), and the Lebel Prize from the Société Française de Chimie (2007). He is also a member of Academia Europaea and the Institut Universitaire de France, further affirming his distinguished status in European scientific circles. These accolades reflect both the depth and breadth of his impact on the field of chemistry.
đź“š Selected Publications
Professor Lemaire has authored over 450 peer-reviewed scientific papers. Notable publications include:
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“Enantioselective chlorination using Guy-Lemaire-Guetté reagents in organocatalysis,” Org. Lett., 2002 – cited by 154 articles.
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“Nickel-catalyzed Grignard cross-coupling with chiral thiamacrocycles,” J. Org. Chem., 1985 – cited by 122 articles.
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“Catalytic alternatives to boron hydride reduction in fine chemical synthesis,” Green Chem., 2006 – cited by 230 articles.
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“Poly(pyrrole)-based organic conductors for electrochemical applications,” Synth. Met., 1998 – cited by 189 articles.
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“Fatty acid derived monomers for green polymer chemistry,” J. Mol. Catal. A, 2010 – cited by 95 articles.
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“Heterogeneous metal nanoparticle catalysis for aryl-aryl bond formation,” Appl. Catal. A, 2012 – cited by 103 articles.
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“Chemical ecology and agro-waste valorization strategies in Madagascar,” J. Environ. Chem. Eng., 2018 – cited by 87 articles.
These works showcase his broad scientific range, high citation count, and real-world applicability.
🔚 Conclusion
In conclusion, Professor Marc Lemaire’s prolific and impactful career in green chemistry, catalysis, and renewable materials makes him an ideal nominee for the Research for FRP Sustainable Construction Excellence Award. His interdisciplinary, environmentally conscious, and application-oriented research aligns exceptionally well with the award’s focus on sustainable construction technologies and innovative material sciences. His leadership, innovation, and mentorship in the field will not only honor the award’s legacy but also inspire future directions in sustainable construction practices.