The Science Behind Carbon-13C Dioxide: Applications and Sourcing
Carbon-13C Dioxide (13CO2), identified by its CAS number 1111-72-4, is more than just a variation of atmospheric gas; it's a powerful scientific tool. As a leading manufacturer and supplier in China, we provide researchers and diagnostic professionals with access to high-purity 13CO2, enabling critical advancements across various fields. Understanding its scientific basis and sourcing reliable supply are key to leveraging its potential.
The Scientific Foundation of 13CO2
Carbon, the building block of life, exists in nature primarily as Carbon-12 (¹²C) and in a smaller, stable proportion as Carbon-13 (¹³C). Carbon-13C Dioxide is essentially carbon dioxide where the central carbon atom is the ¹³C isotope. This subtle difference allows it to act as a tracer:
- Isotopic Signature: The presence of ¹³C gives 13CO2 a distinct mass and therefore a unique isotopic signature detectable by specialized instruments like mass spectrometers.
- Non-Radioactive Tracer: Unlike radioactive isotopes, ¹³C is stable, meaning it doesn't decay. This makes 13CO2 safe to use in biological systems and allows for long-term experimental monitoring without radioactive hazards.
- Metabolic Pathway Tracing: When introduced into organisms or cells, 13CO2 can be incorporated into various biomolecules. Scientists can then track where this labeled carbon ends up, revealing details about metabolic processes, nutrient cycling, and biosynthesis.
Key Applications Driving Demand:
The demand for high-purity 13CO2 is driven by its critical role in:
- Medical Diagnostics: 13C-urea breath tests for detecting Helicobacter pylori are a prime example. Patients ingest a urea compound labeled with ¹³C. If H. pylori is present, it breaks down the urea, producing 13CO2 which is then detected in the patient's breath.
- Metabolic Research: In academic and pharmaceutical labs, 13CO2 is used to study photosynthesis, cellular respiration, drug metabolism, and the synthesis of complex organic molecules.
- Environmental Science: Tracking the sources and sinks of carbon in ecosystems and the atmosphere often involves isotopic analysis, where 13CO2 serves as a reference or tracer gas.
Sourcing Excellence: The Advantage of a Dedicated Supplier
To ensure the reliability of scientific results, procuring 13CO2 from a reputable manufacturer and supplier is paramount. We focus on providing Carbon-13C Dioxide with guaranteed high isotopic enrichment (≥99% 13C atom) and excellent chemical purity. When you buy from us, you are engaging with a dedicated supplier in China committed to:
- Quality Assurance: Strict quality control measures ensure consistent product specifications for every batch.
- Competitive Pricing: As a direct manufacturer, we offer optimal price for CAS 1111-72-4, making advanced research more accessible.
- Reliable Supply: We maintain robust production capacities to meet the ongoing demands for this critical research material.
For those seeking a dependable source for their next stable isotope carbon dioxide purchase, our expertise and commitment to quality make us an ideal partner. Explore the possibilities with our high-purity 13CO2 and elevate your research and diagnostic capabilities.
Perspectives & Insights
Chem Catalyst Pro
“This makes 13CO2 safe to use in biological systems and allows for long-term experimental monitoring without radioactive hazards.”
Agile Thinker 7
“Metabolic Pathway Tracing: When introduced into organisms or cells, 13CO2 can be incorporated into various biomolecules.”
Logic Spark 24
“Scientists can then track where this labeled carbon ends up, revealing details about metabolic processes, nutrient cycling, and biosynthesis.”