Percy Julian synthesizes Reichstein's Substance S — key to hydrocortisone

In 1948 Percy Julian synthesized Reichstein's Substance S (desoxycortisone) from soybean sterols at the Glidden Company. This synthesis remains the most widely used route to the production of hydrocortisone and its derivatives, which treat arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory diseases. The breakthrough combined with his 1949 cortisone work made Julian the world's leading steroid chemist.