Viktor Spitsyn

Born Apr. 12 (25), 1902, in Moscow. Soviet chemist. Academician of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (1958; corresponding member, 1946). Hero of Socialist Labor (1969). Member of the CPSU since 1941.

Spitsyn graduated from Moscow University in 1922. He became a professor there in 1942 and in the years 1942–48 served as prorector. In 1949 he began working at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, becoming director of the institute in 1953.

Spitsyn’s main works have been devoted to the chemistry of rare elements; in particular, he developed the theoretical basis for obtaining, among other elements, Mo, W, Be, Nb, Ta, and U. His research has also focused on the chemistry of complex compounds, and he has obtained new information on the mechanism of formation and on the structure, basicity, and relative strength of heteropoly and aquopoly compounds. He has studied the chemistry of lanthanides and platinum metals, the chemistry of Tc, Pa, and the transuranium elements, and a number of aspects of radiochemistry. Together with his co-workers, he obtained and studied the properties of the compounds of heptava-lent Np, Pu, and Am, did research on the extraction of Tc and other valuable components from radioactive wastes of the nuclear industry, and developed a method for the safe removal and treatment of radioactive wastes by injection into porous geological strata (reservoirs).

Spitsyn has been awarded four Orders of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, and several medals.