2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Molecules with Handedness

Why is the mirror image of a molecule so important? Our left and right hands are mirror images but cannot be superimposed on one another. Many molecules also possess such a "handedness," which experts call chirality. How can one specifically obtain one of the two mirror forms during a chemical reaction?

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry honors Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai for their discoveries regarding nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Their research shows how an initial excess of one mirror form can be amplified. In autocatalysis, a reaction product promotes its own further creation. This is also significant for the production of active ingredients, as mirror-image molecules can have different effects in the body.

Prof. Dr. Jan Mollitor from the Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz explains the awarded research in an understandable and vivid way. The lecture is part of the series "Excellent Ideas. Simply Explained." and is aimed at all interested parties, university members, as well as students. No prior knowledge is required. Afterwards, there will be time for questions and discussion.

The event will take place on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM in the Main Lecture Hall (Room 0.01), Haus Z IV, Theodor-Körner-Allee 8, 02763 Zittau. The organizer is the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences of the Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz. Participation is open to the public and free of charge. We appreciate registrations, but spontaneous participation is welcome. Please use the registration link for voluntary registration. Contact: Lucas Wenzel, lucas.wenzel@hszg.de, +49 3583 612-4796.