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Trailblazing Chemist Edith Flanigen Dies at 96

1/27/2026

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Story summary

Edith Flanigen, a Union Carbide chemist, died January 6 in Buffalo at age 96, confirmed by her sister Jane Griffin.
Flanigen began her career at Union Carbide in 1952.
She became the first woman named a corporate research fellow in 1973.
She helped develop synthetic molecular sieves, or zeolites, crucial for converting crude oil into gasoline, treating wastewater, and reducing vehicle emissions.

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Story summary

Edith Flanigen, a Union Carbide chemist, died January 6 in Buffalo at age 96, confirmed by her sister Jane Griffin.
Flanigen began her career at Union Carbide in 1952.
She became the first woman named a corporate research fellow in 1973.
She helped develop synthetic molecular sieves, or zeolites, crucial for converting crude oil into gasoline, treating wastewater, and reducing vehicle emissions.