Linus Carl Pauling (February 28, 1901 – August 19, 1994) was an American quantum chemist and biochemist. He was also acknowledged as a crystallographer, molecular biologist, and medical researcher.Pauling is widely regarded as the premier chemist of the twentieth century.He pioneered the application of quantum mechanics to chemistry, and in 1954 was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work describing the nature of chemical bonds.auling is widely regarded as the premier chemist of the twentieth century. He pioneered the application of quantum mechanics to chemistry, and in 1954 was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work describing the nature of chemical bonds.