German chemist. Wohler discovered the cyanates and, in 1828, he attempted to synthesis ammonium cyanate, but instead synthesised urea. This was the first time an organic substance was synthesised from inorganic compounds. As urea is a typical animal product, this reaction was interpreted by many chemists as ending the idea of a vital force essential for the chemistry of life. Wohler collaborated with Liebig on an important study of benzaldehyde.Wohler was co-discoverer of beryllium and silicon and was the first to isolate aluminium, yttrium and titanium. The discovery of the synthesis of urea through non-living means was one of the first disproofs of the concept of vitalism, that every organic substance could only be produced in living cells.