Draft:Rajendralal De

Rajendralal De (/ˈrɑːdʒɛndrəlɑ/ˈ; born January 3, 1899), was an Indian chemist and physicist. He made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of rare-earth elements and radiochemistry. In 1937, De claimed to have discovered element 85 in minerals and named it "dakine." However, subsequent investigations revealed that his claim was mistaken. Despite this setback, De's work contributed to the broader scientific efforts to explore and understand the properties of elements. Throughout his career, De held various academic positions, including professorships at institutions such as the University of Calcutta. He was known for his dedication to teaching and mentoring students, inspiring many young minds to pursue careers in science. De's influence extended beyond the classroom, as he actively advocated for the advancement of scientific research and education in India.

Rajendralal De was born on January 3, 1899, in Kolkata, India. He completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Presidency College in Kolkata, where he developed a keen interest in the sciences. He pursued further studies at the University of Calcutta, earning his doctoral degree in Chemistry. His doctoral research focused on the chemistry of rare-earth elements, laying the foundation for his future contributions to the field.