Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the laureates in Stockholm, with each recipient set to receive a share of the 12 million Swedish crowns ($1.7 million Cdn) prize.
Their work addresses a long-standing chemical enigma regarding the spontaneous emergence of homochirality, as highlighted by Heiner Linke, head of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry. Linke praised the duo’s chemical reactions as remarkable and essential for pharmaceutical manufacturing design.
Kagan, aged 95 and hailing from France, is associated with Université Paris-Saclay in Orsay, while Soai, born in Japan in 1950, conducts research at the Tokyo University of Science. The Academy recognized their contributions as pivotal for the field of chemistry.
Many vital molecules in life exist as mirror images, yet organisms predominantly utilize only one form, a phenomenon termed “homochirality.” This enduring mystery has baffled scientists for more than a century. Kagan and Soai’s innovative methods have enabled the manipulation of reactions to select the desired mirror-image, significantly benefiting pharmaceutical chemists.
Expressing his elation, Soai shared that the news of the prestigious award was one of the most thrilling moments of his life. He recounted being informed by the Nobel committee while out shopping near his residence.
The Nobel Prize in Literature is scheduled to be revealed the following day, with the peace prize announcement set for Friday, and the economics prize unveiling on October 12. The Nobel laureates will officially receive their awards on December 10, in accordance with Alfred Nobel’s will, which allocated a portion of his estate to honor those who have made significant contributions to humanity.