Robert A. Holton
Robert Holton | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 26, 1944 |
| Died | May 21, 2025 (aged 81) Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. |
| Education | Florida State University, PhD |
| Alma mater | Florida State University University of North Carolina Stanford University (postgrad.) |
| Occupation | Professor of Chemistry |
| Known for | Holton Taxol total synthesis Florida Inventors Hall of Fame |
| Spouse(s) | Juanita Bird (div.) Dr. Marie E. Krafft (late) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Marion Downing Holton Aaron T. Holton |
Robert Anthony Holton (January 26, 1944 – May 21, 2025) was an American chemist and academic renowned for his pioneering work in the chemical synthesis of the anti-cancer drug Taxol (paclitaxel). Holton’s research enabled large-scale production of Taxol, transforming cancer treatment and saving countless lives. He was a professor of chemistry at Florida State University (FSU) and is widely recognized for achieving the first total synthesis of Taxol, a landmark accomplishment in synthetic organic chemistry.