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J. Chem. Thermodynamics 39 (2007) 1336–1337

Tribute to Professor Jose Simoes Redinha on theoccasion of his 80th birthday

This special issue of the Journal of Chemical Thermody-namics is dedicated to Retired Professor Jose Simoes Red-inha: a Scientist, a Teacher, a Mentor.

Professor J. Simoes Redinha was born on 19 October 1927in Campizes-Condeixa, a small town in the vicinity ofCoimbra, the major city of the central region of Portugal.He finished his high school education in this city in 1947,and started to study Chemistry in the University of Coimbrain the same year. In 1951, he obtained his first degree in Phys-ical Chemical Sciences with the excellent grade of 17/20.Recognized for his excellent academic talent, just afterobtaining his first degree, Jose Simoes Redinha was invitedto become a member of the teaching staff of the ChemistrySection in the Faculty of Science of Coimbra University.

doi:10.1016/j.jct.2007.03.014

Between 1956 and 1958 he was a Ph.D student at theImperial College of Science and Technology of theLondon University, under the supervision of ProfessorJ.A. Kitchener. Professor Jose Simoes Redinha obtainedhis Ph.D. in 1958 with the thesis entitled ‘‘A study of thethermodynamics of cation-exchange reactions onpolystyrene sulphonate resins’’, which marked thebeginning of a scientific career dedicated to ChemicalThermodynamics. He has kept close links with ImperialCollege, where he was Visiting Professor in 1971 and1978.

In 1964, he was made Full Professor of the University ofCoimbra, following unanimous approval in the publicexaminations for this position.

M. Ermelinda S. Eusebio / J. Chem. Thermodynamics 39 (2007) 1336–1337 1337

Professor Simoes Redinha’s research activities havebeen devoted to two main topics: the study of the structureof non-electrolyte solutions and the investigation of poly-morphism of organic compounds, using thermodynamicproperties, complemented by data from other methods,such as infrared spectroscopy and computationalcalculations.

The study of non-electrolyte solutions was the originalaim of J. Simoes Redinha’s research. He was particularlyinterested in the role of water as a solvent, on the natureof the interaction of non-polar groups with this solventand on the influence of the number and relative positionof polar groups on solvation. Solvation enthalpies, ob-tained from solution and vaporization/sublimation calori-metric measurements, were determined for solutescarefully chosen to mimic different molecular arrangementsin water and in selected organic solvents. These were thenused to seek explanations to the above questions. Themolecular interpretation of macroscopic thermodynamicproperties was accomplished by taking into account thedifferent partial contributions to the solvation process,and subsequently performing quantitative determinationof solute–solvent interactions. Using this procedure, bycombining solvation thermodynamic data and statisticalmechanical calculations, he demonstrated that the appar-ently anomalous solvation enthalpies in water relative toorganic solvents were a result of a smaller water moleculardiameter and a lower number density. When these differ-ences are taken into account and the solute–solvent interac-tion term is calculated, no anomalies are observed.

For polyfunctional solutes, he recognized that thechange in solute conformation on going from the gas phaseinto the solution could give rise to a non-negligible contri-bution to solvation properties. He was a pioneer in propos-ing and calculating this contribution, using computationalmethods, both to obtain a correct interpretation of solva-tion enthalpy, and also to discuss the interaction forces inthe solid and liquid states, based on sublimation/vaporiza-tion enthalpic data.

Because of Professor Redinha’s qualities as a diligentteacher and eminent scientist, several students, particu-larly from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Coimbra, havechosen to carry out their postgraduate studies in his re-search group. The scientific area of the group has conse-quently been expanded to include the study of thepolymorphism of organic compounds, in response tothe needs of this area. He has been interested in the char-acterization of the polymorphs of solids used as pharma-ceuticals, applying differential scanning calorimetry,thermo-microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffrac-tion, etc. Moreover, since crystallization from solventsis one of the principal ways of obtaining different poly-

morphic forms, he has made use of his expertise in theinteractions in solution to understand the effect of sol-vents on the solid form obtained.

J. Simoes Redinha is author of more than 80 scientificpublications, and was the mentor of 25 post-graduate the-ses. Although Jose Simoes Redinha has devoted most ofhis life to research, he also had an extensive participationin the University life. He was Director of the Faculty of Sci-ence of the University of Coimbra (1972–1974) and Head ofthe Chemistry Department at various times. The introduc-tion of the Engineering degrees in the newly created Facultyof Science and Technology was a major achievement duringhis directorship. Some years previously (1963–1966) he ac-cepted the invitation to establish, equip and direct theChemistry Section of the University of Lourenco Marques(today Maputo) in Mozambique. More recently, he repre-sented Portugal in EURATOM (1990–1993) and in EURA-CHEM (1990–1996). He has also been made a member ofthe Portuguese Academy of Science.

He has maintained a remarkable and constant concernin keeping a close link between the University and the eco-nomic and social activities of the country. He has alwaysaccepted a new practical problem as a challenge and madeuse of his vast, solid culture on chemistry to look for solu-tions. To respond to the needs of the local society andindustry, he organized and directed a laboratory in theChemistry Department for several years devoted to theseproblems, and in 1992, was able to set up a non profit mak-ing laboratory association, ÆMITEQ, with modern labo-ratories, which is devoted to meeting industrial and otherneeds in analytical chemistry in the central region of Portu-gal, which he directed until 2002.

Professor Redinha is a multitalented and dynamic per-sonality. Although formally retired ten years ago, at theage of 70, he has continued his research activities withthe same commitment and dedication as ever, advising,supporting, innovating research in chemical thermodynam-ics. This special issue is the statement of our admirationand gratitude for the scientific and personal enrichmentwhich we have gained in our daily contact with him. Wecongratulate Prof. Redinha for his 80th birthday and ex-press our best wishes for the future.

M. Ermelinda S. EusebioChemistry Department, University of Coimbra, Portugal

Joao Canotilho

Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal

Available online 31 March 2007