NEWS: Henri Kagan + Kenso Soai recognised for discoveries on nonlinear effects + autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.

ABOUT CHIRAL MOLECULES

• Chiral molecules → molecules with non-superimposable mirror images.
• Two mirror-image forms → enantiomers.
• Same molecular composition, but may interact differently with biological systems.

• Biological significance → enzymes, receptors + drugs can respond differently to each enantiomer.

ASYMMETRIC SYNTHESIS

• Chemical process → preferentially produces one enantiomer over the other.
• Important for producing specific forms of medicines, agrochemicals + fragrances.

HENRI KAGAN

• 1986 → demonstrated nonlinear effects in reactions involving chiral catalysts.
• Small differences in catalyst composition → disproportionately large differences in product chirality.
• Helped chemists optimise reactions to produce the desired enantiomer.

KENSO SOAI

• 1995 → demonstrated autocatalysis in the Soai reaction.
• Autocatalysis → a reaction product catalyses the formation of more product with the same molecular handedness.
• Tiny initial imbalance → amplified into strong molecular asymmetry.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

• Explains how small molecular imbalances can become amplified.
• Advances asymmetric synthesis and production of specific enantiomers.
• Provides insights into the possible origins of biological homochirality → predominance of one molecular handedness in living systems.