![Today in chemistry history graphic on Linus Pauling (born 28 February 1901). The graphic highlights the Pauling electronegativity scale, which measures the tendency of an atom to attract electrons when it is part of a compound.](https://i0.wp.com/www.compoundchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02-28-Linus-Paulings-birthday.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Today, February 28, marks the birthday of Linus Pauling. For chemists Pauling likely needs no introduction; he’s famed for his work on the nature of chemical bonds and also on the structures of biological molecules. Here we take a brief look at one aspect of his work to which he lent his name: the Pauling electronegativity scale.