Kagan and Soai Awarded 2026 Nobel Prize for Chemistry Breakthrough

Henri B. Kagan, a professor emeritus at Université Paris-Sud in France, and Kenso Soai, a professor emeritus at Tokyo University of Science, have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

They were recognized for their discoveries related to non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis, which address the longstanding puzzle of how molecules can preferentially adopt one of two mirror-image forms. Their research is significant as many essential molecules, such as amino acids, exist in left- and right-handed versions, with living organisms predominantly utilizing one form, a phenomenon known as homochirality.

Kagan's work in 1986 demonstrated that a slight excess of one mirror-image catalyst could lead to a much larger excess of the corresponding product, enhancing control over stereochemistry. Soai later developed an autocatalytic reaction that allows the product to drive the formation of more of the same mirror-image molecule, amplifying small imbalances.

The prize, amounting to 12 million Swedish kronor, underscores the importance of their findings in pharmaceutical design.