THE 2026 NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY
The Chemistry of Chirality, Nonlinear Effects, and Asymmetric Autocatalysis Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai Introduction The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri B. Kagan of France and Kenso Soai of Japan for their groundbreaking discoveries involving nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Their research revolutionized scientists' understanding of how chemical reactions can preferentially produce one of two mirror-image molecules, known as enantiomers. These discoveries have important implications for organic synthesis, pharmaceutical development, stereochemistry, and investigations into the chemical origins of life. 1. Chirality: The Chemistry of Molecular Handedness Chirality is a molecular property in which an object or molecule cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, much like the relationship between the left and right hands. Molecules that exhibit this relationship are called enantiomers . Although enantiomers generally possess ...