Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai win chemistry Nobel for ‘mirror image’ breakthrough
Summary
Henri Kagan from France and Kenso Soai from Japan won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. They were recognized for their discovery of how certain chemical reactions favor one "mirror image" form of molecules, which is important for making medicines.Key Facts
- Kagan is 95 years old and Soai is 76.
- They were awarded for discovering nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
- Many molecules come in two mirror-image forms, like left and right hands.
- Living things mostly use only one mirror form, called homochirality, which puzzled scientists for over 100 years.
- Their work helps chemists make drugs that use just one form of a molecule, improving safety and effectiveness.
- Soai said winning the prize was the most exciting day of his life.
- The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is the third prize announced during Nobel week.
- The Nobel Prizes were started by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, and have been awarded since 1901.
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