Christopher Spencer Foote, a distinguished organic chemistry
professor at UCLA since 1962 and the foremost authority on chemical
reactions of singlet oxygen, died June 13 from complications of
brain cancer. He was 70.
During his teaching career at UCLA, Foote furthered the field of
chemistry through his research. He discovered the role of singlet
oxygen, an electronically excited form of oxygen in the air, and
his research helped explain molecular oxygen’s simultaneous
beneficial yet toxic role in life processes.
“Professor Foote’s lifelong research established the
enormous importance and double-edged nature of singlet oxygen and
reactive oxygen species,” said Kendall Houk, professor of
organic chemistry.
“Chris led a research team that showed these altered forms
of oxygen formed by the influence of light can be used for
beneficial chemical reactions and have many natural functions in
living cells ““ but are responsible for many types of
biological damage, including DNA reactions leading to
mutations.”
Foote earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Yale
University in 1957, and he spent the following year at the
University of Gottingen in Germany where he developed his interest
in reactive oxygen species. After entering Harvard University in
1958, he received his Ph.D. in 1962 for work with Nobel Laureate
Robert Burns Woodward on solvolytic reactions.
Foote co-wrote the organic chemistry textbook Brown and Foote,
which is now in its fourth edition and used in undergraduate
courses worldwide. Having studied in Germany, he gave back to the
scientific community through his book.
“Chris was a wonderful guy. By writing one of the
textbooks used here at UCLA, he not only taught here but around the
world as well,” said Michael Jung, professor of organic
chemistry.
His colleagues spoke warmly of his interest in others’
well-being.
“He was a real intellect, a master of many languages,
besides chemistry. But he was a very warm and friendly person too,
always volunteering to help out on any worthwhile project, and
always very considerate of others,” Houk said.
One such project occurred when he was chair of the Department of
Chemistry from 1978 to 1981, during which he advocated the
construction of the Molecular Sciences Building that was completed
in 1994.
He also supported developing the department’s commitment
to hiring outstanding female scientists for faculty positions by
encouraging his colleagues to put thought into looking over their
applications.
“When he was chair of his department at UCLA, he persuaded
his colleagues to hire me, probably the best single thing that ever
happened to me in my career, and I became the first tenured or
tenure-track woman in the department, thanks to Chris,” said
Joan Valentine, professor of organic chemistry with whom he later
co-edited two books.
In his free time, Foote was a patron of the Los Angeles Opera
and the Da Camera Society, a concert series in Southern California.
He also acted as a benefactor of the L.A. Chamber Orchestra and
built his own harpsichord.
Foote balanced his cultural side with an active interest in
skiing that he enjoyed until the very end.
“Even late in life he skied like a madman, a very good
skiing madman,” Jung said.
Foote helped develop the chemistry department with his intellect
and wisdom, his colleagues said.
“Chris was a mentor to me and a friend. It’s hard to
imagine a future without him,” Valentine said.
Foote is survived by his wife Judith L. Smith, his sister Mark
Foote Rounsavall, his two sons Jonathan Trumbull Foote and Thomas
Ward Foote and a grandson Spencer Andre Foote. A memorial service
will be held in fall.
Donations may be made to the Christopher S. Foote Graduate
Fellowship in Organic Chemistry at UCLA and sent to: Camille
Harper, UCLA College, 1309 Murphy Hall, Box 951413, Los Angeles, CA
90095-1413.