2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai
2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai
Stockholm, October 7: French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking discoveries in asymmetric organic synthesis.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences honoured the two scientists “for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.”
Their research helped solve a long-standing mystery in chemistry involving “mirror-image molecules.” Many molecules can exist in two forms that resemble the left and right hands — similar in appearance but not identical. Kagan and Soai discovered ways in which chemical reactions can favour and amplify one molecular form over the other.
The breakthrough is particularly important in pharmaceutical manufacturing because different mirror-image forms of the same molecule can behave differently in the human body. One form may provide the desired therapeutic effect, while another may have unwanted or harmful effects.
Kagan’s research demonstrated how chemical reactions could produce a greater proportion of one molecular form, while Soai later discovered an autocatalytic reaction capable of dramatically amplifying molecular “handedness.”
Their discoveries have also helped scientists better understand homochirality — the phenomenon in which living organisms predominantly use one particular molecular orientation.
Kagan and Soai will share the Nobel Prize award of 12 million Swedish kronor, approximately $1.2 million. The Nobel medals will be presented in Stockholm on December 10.
[ Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026, Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai, Chemistry Nobel Prize, asymmetric organic synthesis, molecular chirality ]
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