John E.
Franz, an American chemist known for discovering the herbicide glyphosate, died on April 27, 2026, at age 96. Born in Springfield, Illinois, on December 21, 1929, Franz spent his career at Monsanto in St.
Louis, Missouri, beginning in 1955 after completing his Ph.D. He discovered glyphosate in 1970 while working at the company, and the chemical became the active ingredient in Roundup. Franz also held more than 840 patents worldwide and published more than 40 papers.
John E. Franz, 96, American chemist.