Benjamin List of Germany and David WC MacMillan of the United States have been awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2021. They were cited for their work in developing a new way for building molecules known as “asymmetric organocatalysis.”
The winners were announced Wednesday by Goran Hansson, secretary-general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Announcing the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences claims that organic catalysts can be used for many chemical reactions. He said the reactions could help researchers effectively develop light-capturing molecules and new pharmaceuticals in solar cells. These catalysts are said to be environmentally friendly as well as low cost to produce.
“It’s already benefiting humankind greatly,” Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, a member of the Nobel panel, said.
The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million). It will be shared equally between the laureates.