Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. The discovery has solved a chemical mystery dating back over a century, shedding light on the spontaneous emergence of homochirality, as stated by Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry. Linke praised the spectacular chemical reactions developed by Kagan and Soai, which have had a significant impact on the design of reactions for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Kagan, a 95-year-old French native affiliated with Université Paris-Saclay, and Soai, born in Japan in 1950 and conducting research at the Tokyo University of Science, were honored by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. The prestigious award comes with a prize of 12 million Swedish crowns ($1.7 million Cdn) to be shared by the two laureates.
Their work addresses the concept of homochirality, where essential life molecules exist in mirror-image forms, with living organisms predominantly utilizing one version. Kagan and Soai’s research has enabled the manipulation of chemical reactions to selectively produce desired mirror-images, a critical advancement for pharmaceutical chemists.
Soai expressed his excitement upon receiving the news, describing it as one of the most thrilling days of his life. He recounted being notified by the Nobel committee while out shopping near his residence. The Nobel Prize in Literature is scheduled for announcement on Thursday, followed by the peace prize on Friday and the economics prize on October 12.
The Nobel prizes will be officially awarded on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s passing. In his will, the Swedish chemist and entrepreneur designated the majority of his estate to fund prizes recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions benefiting humanity.
