Who discovered the triphenylmethyl radical?

The triphenylmethyl radical was discovered by the Russian-born American chemist Moses Gomberg in 1900.12

Gomberg prepared this compound, which is recognized as the first authentic organic free radical, by treating triphenylmethyl chloride with metals such as silver or zinc in solution. In this radical, the central carbon atom is trivalent, possessing an unshared electron. While triphenylmethyl is relatively stable compared to other radicals, it remains reactive and is typically studied in specific organic solvents, as it is susceptible to destruction by air, water, or strong acids.132