In the history of organic chemistry, who first synthesized barbituric acid in the year 1864?

Introduction / Context:
Barbituric acid is an important compound in the history of medicinal chemistry, as it is the parent structure of barbiturate drugs that were widely used as sedatives and hypnotics. The synthesis of barbituric acid marked a significant step in the development of synthetic organic chemistry in the nineteenth century. This question asks you to recall the name of the chemist who first synthesized barbituric acid in 1864.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The year of synthesis is given as 1864. - The options list Adolf von Baeyer, Marie Curie, Dmitri Mendeleev, and John Dalton. - We assume knowledge of key historical figures in chemistry.

Concept / Approach:
Adolf von Baeyer was a German chemist known for his work on organic dyes and medicinal compounds. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1905 for his contributions to organic chemistry. One of his early achievements was the synthesis of barbituric acid in 1864. Marie Curie is known for radioactivity research, Mendeleev for creating the periodic table, and Dalton for atomic theory. Therefore, the correct answer is Adolf von Baeyer, the chemist directly associated with the synthesis of barbituric acid.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the name associated with barbituric acid synthesis. Historical accounts attribute this synthesis to Adolf von Baeyer. Step 2: Check the time period. Baeyer was active in the mid to late nineteenth century, matching the year 1864. Step 3: Recognise that Marie Curie worked later, mainly in the field of radioactivity, not in the 1860s on barbituric acid. Step 4: Recognise that Mendeleev contributions centered on the periodic table and not specifically on barbituric acid synthesis. Step 5: Recognise that John Dalton focused on atomic theory earlier in the nineteenth century, not on this organic compound. Step 6: Conclude that Adolf von Baeyer is the correct chemist.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical summaries of medicinal chemistry and biographies of Adolf von Baeyer note that he synthesized barbituric acid by condensing urea with malonic acid derivatives. This work laid the foundation for later development of barbiturate drugs. None of the other listed scientists are linked to this specific discovery in standard references. This confirms that Adolf von Baeyer is the accurate answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (Marie Curie) is wrong because her major achievements relate to radioactivity, including the discovery of radium and polonium, not to barbituric acid synthesis. Option C (Dmitri Mendeleev) is incorrect because he is known for formulating the periodic law and arranging elements in the periodic table, not for synthesizing barbituric acid. Option D (John Dalton) is incorrect because he worked earlier in the century on atomic theory and gas laws, not on nineteenth century organic medicinal compounds like barbituric acid.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent pitfall is to guess famous names like Mendeleev or Curie whenever a historical chemistry question appears, without linking them to the specific discovery mentioned. Another mistake is not connecting the dates with the scientists life periods. To avoid such errors, try to associate each major chemist with their main discoveries, such as Dalton with atomic theory, Mendeleev with the periodic table, Curie with radioactivity, and Baeyer with dyes and early medicinal compounds.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is: Adolf von Baeyer.