Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai win 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
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Asymmetric organic synthesis and homochirality: a key GS3 Science & Technology topic for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Why in news
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai as the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners for their work on asymmetric organic synthesis.
Background
Henri Kagan (95, France) and Kenso Soai (76, Japan) were awarded the prize. Their research focuses on nonlinear effects and autocatalysis to explain how homochirality emerges spontaneously, aiding in the selective manufacture of pharmaceutical molecules.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TNobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai
- S&THomochirality: The property of a molecule to have a specific handedness (chirality) in organic synthesis
- BodyRoyal Swedish Academy of Sciences: The body responsible for awarding the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Prelims practice question
With reference to the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, consider the following statements:
- The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is awarded by the Royal Society of London.
- The research focuses on nonlinear effects and autocatalysis to explain how homochirality emerges.
- The prize was awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai for work on asymmetric organic synthesis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 and 2 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: It is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of asymmetric organic synthesis in the pharmaceutical industry and its role in addressing the challenges of molecular chirality.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Pharmaceutical precision: Reducing side effects by ensuring specific molecular handedness in drug manufacturing
- Chemical evolution: Understanding spontaneous homochirality as a fundamental principle of prebiotic chemistry
Keywords: Asymmetric synthesis · Homochirality · Autocatalysis · Pharmaceutical manufacturing · Nonlinear effects
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.