Märt Lõkov received the IUPAC Balarew Award

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Estonian scientist Märt Lõkov was recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) with the prestigious Balarew Award, which is given to outstanding young scientists who have made significant contributions to the critical evaluation of solubility or other chemical equilibrium data. Märt Lõkov's work on acid-base equilibria and the study of pKₐ values in non-aqueous solutions has placed him among the leading researchers in his field.

In his research, Märt Lõkov focuses on determining the balance between acidity and basicity, particularly by measuring the pKₐ values of molecules in non-aqueous solutions. This line of research is crucial in chemical science, as it allows for a better understanding and prediction of the behavior of compounds in solutions, which play a central role in both industrial processes and scientific studies.

Lõkov has played a key role in developing reliable acidity and basicity scales in acetonitrile, which include the pKₐ values of 231 acids and 279 bases. Using the "multiple overlapping" spectrophotometric measurement method, this is considered one of the most accurate techniques for determining pKₐ values in non-aqueous solutions. His work also involves revising and correcting many existing data, thereby creating a widely used and reliable database.

Märt Lõkov is not only a respected researcher but also a recognized mentor. Under his supervision, several master's and doctoral students have investigated pKₐ values, carrying out important research projects. His contribution has thus extended through the work of his supervised students, further advancing the field of science.

Currently, Märt Lõkov is leading an ambitious project focused on the extensive re-evaluation of pKₐ values of carboxylic acids in three non-aqueous solvents—acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and dimethylformamide (DMF). In a previous IUPAC project, "Critical Compilation of Acidic pKₐ Values in Polar Aprotic Solvents," it was found that the existing literature data were often inaccurate and required revision. The aim of Lõkov's current studies is to create a more precise and reliable pKₐ database for carboxylic acids.

Märt Lõkov's contributions to chemical science are highly valued both in Estonia and internationally. The Balarew Award is a valuable recognition of his outstanding work and his contribution to guiding and developing the next generation of scientists.