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Dorothy Virginia Nightingale (February 21, 1902 - ) is an American chemist who known for her research into chemical reactions, and particularly for her work on chemiluminscence (the emission of light during chemical reactions) and her studies of the Friedel-Crafts reaction. In addition, as a professor for many decades, she influenced and helped to develop generations of chemists.

Personal life
Nightingale was born and raised in Colorado, until, at age seventeen, her family moved to Columbia, Missouri. Her mother, Jennie Beem Nightingale, was a teacher and secretary prior to her marriage. Her father, William David Nightingale, was a rancher. Dorothy never married.

Education
Nightingale's interest in chemistry developed early in life when her mother showed her and other young students a number of chemistry experiments at Colorado State University. She pursued a chemistry degree at the University of Missouri, where she studied with chemist Herman Schlundt. Schlundt encouraged her to continue her studies, which she did at starting at the University of Missouri, and then moving to doctoral studies at the University of Chicago, where she received her PhD in chemistry 1928.

Career
She began her career teaching at the University of Missouri, and returned there after earning her PhD. When she joined the faculty at the University of Missouri she was one of only two female chemistry instructors. During her time there she published numerous papers, focusing in particular of chemiluminescence and explaining the Friedel-Crafts reaction. Her work helped to build a more complete scientific understanding of these complex chemical reactions. In addition, her work had a significant impact on the development of production methods for various chemicals that involve dangerous reactions such as high-octane gasoline, synthetic rubbers and plastics, and detergents.

From 1942-1945 she served as a consultant to the United States’ Office of Scientific Research and Development.

In 1975, she published the book A History of the Department of Chemisty: University of Missouri-Columbia, 1843-1975.