Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Kagan and Soai Win 2026 Chemistry Nobel for Asymmetry
Some molecules come in two forms that are mirror images, like a left hand and a right hand.
These forms can behave differently, especially in living things and medicines.
Henri B. Kagan showed that a small difference in a catalyst can lead a reaction to make much more of one form than the other.
Kenso Soai studied a reaction in which the product helps make more of itself.
This can magnify a tiny starting difference between the two forms.
Their work helps explain how one molecular form can become common in living things.
It also gives chemists tools for making medicines and other useful substances.
Kagan and Soai will share the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and its 12 million kronor award.
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discoveries in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Kagan showed that non-linear effects can make a small catalyst imbalance produce a much larger imbalance in mirror-image molecules.
Soai demonstrated asymmetric autocatalysis, in which a reaction product helps generate more of the same molecular form.
Their work helps explain how homochirality can emerge and supports selective production of molecules for pharmaceuticals and other uses.
They will share 12 million Swedish kronor, about US$1.2 million, and are scheduled to receive their medals in Stockholm on December 10.
- Who
- French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai
- What
- They won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discoveries in non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
- When
- The award was announced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026; the medal ceremony is scheduled for December 10.
- Where
- The award was announced in Stockholm, Sweden.
- Why
- Their discoveries showed how chemical reactions can favour and amplify one mirror-image form of a molecule, helping explain how homochirality can emerge and enabling selective synthesis.
Henri B. Kagan
Kenso Soai
How molecular handedness can be favoured and amplified
Henri B. Kagan
Kagan showed that a small imbalance in a chiral catalyst can produce a much larger imbalance between mirror-image forms in a reaction’s products, a phenomenon known as a non-linear effect.
Kenso Soai
Soai demonstrated asymmetric autocatalysis: a reaction product helps produce more of the same molecular form, amplifying an initial imbalance.
- Award
- 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
- Laureates
- Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai
- Award citation
- Discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis
- Kagan's contribution
- Research showed that a small difference in a chiral catalyst can create a much larger difference between mirror-image products.
- Soai's contribution
- His autocatalytic reaction demonstrated how an initial molecular imbalance can be amplified; the reaction is known as the Soai reaction.
- Prize money
- 12 million Swedish kronor, approximately US$1.2 million, shared by the laureates.
- Medal ceremony
- Scheduled for December 10 in Stockholm.
Sources
Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai win Chemistry Nobel for solving ‘mirror image’ mystery
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 awarded to Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai for breakthrough in molecular mirror images
Nobel Chemistry goes to Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai for solving chemistry’s ‘asymmetry mystery’
Nobel Chemistry Prize 2026 goes to Henri B. Kagan, Kenso Soai. What is asymmetric autocatalysis?
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 goes to Kagan and Soai for work on 'molecular asymmetry'
2026 Chemistry Nobel: Mirror-image molecules and the chemistry of life
Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai Win 2026 Nobel Chemistry Prize for Autocatalysis
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai Win 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai Win 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Discoveries in Asymmetric Organic Synthesis
Kagan and Soai win 2026 Nobel chemistry prize
Kagan, Soai win chemistry Nobel for ‘mirror image’ breakthrough
Chemistry Nobel goes to pair who solved mystery of 'mirror image' molecules
Who Are Henri Kagan And Kenso Soai? Meet The Scientists Who Won The 2026 Nobel Prize In Chemistry
Chemistry Nobel Prize 2026: Who are Henri B. Kagan, Kenso Soai and what did they discover?
Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai win 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work on asymmetric synthesis
Nobel Chemistry Prize 2026 goes to Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai for work on asymmetric synthesis
Henri Kagan And Kenso Soai: Meet The Scientists Behind 2026 Nobel Prize In Chemistry
