2026 · Chemistry
Chemical reactions can amplify a tiny preference between two mirror-image forms.
Visual guide
Chemical reactions can magnify molecular handedness.
Some molecules have left and right versions.
Catalysis can favour one form.
Autocatalysis helps produce more of the same form.
A possible route to asymmetry, not proof of life’s exact origin.
01 · The discovery
Some molecules come in forms like left and right hands: the same parts, arranged as mirror images. Their interactions with living systems can differ.
Kagan studied how a catalyst’s small preference can produce a larger imbalance. Soai developed reactions whose products help produce more of the same form, amplifying that preference.
Controlling molecular handedness matters in synthesis, including the preparation of pharmaceuticals.
02 · The people
Prize share · 1/2
His work on nonlinear effects showed that the product’s imbalance between mirror forms could exceed that of the catalyst.
Read the biography ↗
Prize share · 1/2
He developed asymmetric autocatalysis that amplifies a small initial imbalance into a large excess of one mirror-image product.
Read the biography ↗03 · Years in the making
Kagan reports nonlinear effects.
Soai reports asymmetric autocatalysis.
The discoveries receive the Chemistry prize.
04 · Read further
Original explanations by Curionode, based on the official records below. Biographical details and affiliations refer to the award year.
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