Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Frances Kagan and Japans Soï for Asymmetric Organic Synthesis

New Delhi, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has announced the winners of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Henry B. Kagan from France and Kenso Soï from Japan have been honored for their pioneering research in “asymmetric organic synthesis and the discovery of non-linear effects and auto-catalysis.”

Their work addresses a century-old conundrum in chemistry concerning the process of selecting ‘mirror images’ of molecules. The duo has made significant strides in demonstrating how to produce only one form of a molecule from two mirror-image counterparts during chemical reactions. This breakthrough could be crucial for synthesizing various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals.

A committee member illustrated the concept through a simple analogy: our hands appear similar, yet the left hand cannot replace the right. Similarly, some molecules exist in two forms that are mirror images of each other. The challenge arises when both forms are produced simultaneously in a reaction, complicating the desired outcome.

In drug development, one molecular form may effectively treat a condition, while its mirror image could be harmful. Thus, chemists strive to create only the necessary form.

This issue extends beyond pharmaceuticals; it also appears in our bodies. Amino acids can have two mirror-image forms, yet our body utilizes only one for protein synthesis.

Henry B. Kagan introduced a novel method in 1986 for controlling chemical reactions, allowing for the production of a greater quantity of one mirror image. His discovery has been revolutionary for chemists involved in developing drugs, flavors, fragrances, and new materials.

Kenso Soï further advanced this research by designing chemical reactions that yield only one of the potential mirror images, facilitating the creation of similar molecules.

The Nobel laureates will be honored in December in Stockholm, Sweden, where they will receive a medal, diploma, and a cash award. The prize for 2026 is approximately 115 million rupees.

Since October 6, announcements for various Nobel Prizes have been made. On Tuesday, Belgian scientist Francis Halzen received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pivotal work in capturing and studying powerful neutrinos from space.