14CH3I

14CH3I, also known as iodomethane-14C or methyl iodide-14C, is a radiolabeled compound. It is the isotopic form of methyl iodide where the carbon atom is the radioactive isotope Carbon-14 (14C). Methyl iodide (CH3I) is a simple organoiodine compound with the formula CH3I. The introduction of the Carbon-14 isotope makes 14CH3I detectable and quantifiable using radiometric techniques, which are sensitive to the beta decay emitted by the 14C isotope.

This radiolabeled compound is primarily used as a tracer in various scientific research applications. Its ability to be tracked allows scientists to study biochemical pathways, metabolic processes, and the fate of methyl groups in biological systems. For instance, it can be used to investigate methylation reactions, which are crucial in DNA regulation, protein function, and the synthesis of numerous biomolecules. In environmental studies, 14CH3I can help trace the movement and transformation of organic compounds in soil and water. Its chemical reactivity as a methylating agent, combined with its radiolabel, makes it a valuable tool for both mechanistic studies and quantitative analysis in fields such as molecular biology, environmental science, and pharmacology.