American-German Duo Win Chemistry Nobel For 'Greatest Benefit To Humankind'
The 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to laureates Benjamin List and David MacMillan for their groundbreaking tool called "organocatalysis".?
A new way to build molecules, organocatalysis is a gamechanger in the field of chemistry. Earlier, reserachers believed that two types of catalysts existed - metals and enzymes. With the development of organocatalysis, Benjamin List and David MacMillan have developed a third type of catalyst.
Built on small organic molecules, organocatalysis takes construction of molecules in chemistry to a level unheard of earlier.
With this new tool, chemistry is greener and smarter. Using organocatalysis, scientists will be able to construct a variety of things including new pharmaceuticals to molecules that may be able to capture light in solar cells, according to the Nobel Prize 2021 Chemistry press release.
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What is a catalyst??
A catalyst is anything that triggers another process. In cars, catalysts transform toxic substances that exist in exhaust fumes into harmless molecules. These substances control and guide chemical processes without becoming part of the final product. With "asymmetric organocatalysis".
With organic catalysts, environment friendly and cheap processes may be used to build on molecules.
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First developed in the early 2000s, organic catalysts have developed tremendously over the last two decades. According to the Nobel Prize press release, both Benjamin List and David MacMillan are considered pioneers in the field and will bring "greatest benefit to humankind".??
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