The Nobel Committee announced the award on Wednesday, recognizing the scientists for research into complex molecular processes and the way molecules interact during chemical reactions.
Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry Heiner Linke explained that many molecules exist in two different forms that appear as mirror images of each other but are not identical. Such molecules are known as chiral molecules, a term derived from the Greek word for hand.
The committee compared the phenomenon to human hands, which are mirror images of each other but cannot be placed on top of one another to match perfectly.
Kagan and Sui's research focuses on understanding complex molecular processes in which the structure of molecules and their interactions play an important role during chemical reactions. The Nobel Committee said their discoveries have fundamental importance for chemistry.
The Chemistry Nobel is the third Nobel Prize announced this week, following the awards in medicine on Monday and physics on Tuesday.
The Nobel Prizes were established under the will of Swedish inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel and have been awarded in the fields of science, literature and peace since 1901, with some interruptions during the World Wars.
Nobel, who was himself a chemist, built his fortune through inventions including explosives and dynamite. An economics prize was later added to the Nobel awards with financial support from Sweden's central bank.
Previous Chemistry Nobel Prizes have recognized major scientific breakthroughs, including nuclear fission and techniques for determining genetic sequences.
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi for developing metal-organic frameworks, molecular structures with potential applications in areas including climate change and clean water.
Kagan and Sui will receive their medals from Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf at a ceremony in Stockholm on December 10. The event will be followed by the traditional Nobel banquet at Stockholm City Hall.
The two laureates will share a prize of 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to around $1.2 million. The Nobel Peace Prize is presented separately in Oslo, Norway, unlike the other Nobel awards, which are presented in Sweden.
