{
  "id": 12606639,
  "title": "Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to duo for 'spectacular' chemical reaction",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/nobel-prize-in-chemistry-awarded-to-duo-for-spectacular-chemical",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-07T10:44:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-07/nobel-chemistry-prize-2026-non-linear-effects-autocatalysis/107240878"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai have been honored with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. This prestigious award recognizes their work in solving a chemical mystery that has persisted for over a century. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the winners in Stockholm. Dr. Kagan, hailing from France, is associated with Université Paris-Sud in Orsay, France, while Dr. Soai, born in Japan, is affiliated with the Tokyo University of Science. Their research has been instrumental for chemists involved in designing reactions for pharmaceutical manufacturing, as highlighted in the press release. The Soai reaction, named in their honor, stands as a testament to their contributions. The Nobel prizes, including the peace prize, literature prize, and economics prize, will be awarded throughout the week, culminating in the announcement of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences on Monday. This year's prize money amounts to 12 million Swedish kronor ($1.71 million), awarded to either individuals, small groups of laureates, or organizations.",
  "summary": "They won for their discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis, solving a chemical mystery more than a century old.",
  "key_points": [
    "French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry",
    "Discovered non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis",
    "Soai reaction named after Soai, crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturing"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}