Chemistry Nobel 2026 awarded to Kagan and Soai
The prize recognises work on forming mirror-image molecules.
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai receive the 2026 Chemistry Nobel, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on 7 October. It recognises nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Some molecules exist as two mirror-image forms, like hands. Preferentially producing one form matters in manufacturing medicines.
Kagan identified a decisive effect in 1986. Soai published a key reaction in 1995 and presented a reaction forming only one possible mirror image in 2003, according to the Academy.
The 12 million Swedish kronor prize is shared equally. It honours fundamental discoveries and does not announce a new medicine. Source: official release, 7 October 2026.