O18O18

O18O18 refers to a molecule composed of two oxygen atoms, each specifically being the oxygen-18 isotope. Oxygen-18 (18O) is a stable isotope of oxygen, meaning it does not undergo radioactive decay. It is a naturally occurring isotope, though it is less abundant than the more common oxygen-16 (16O). The natural abundance of oxygen-18 is approximately 0.2%. Molecules like O18O18, where all constituent atoms are of a specific isotope, are often synthesized for research purposes.

The primary use of isotopically labeled compounds such as O18O18 is in scientific research, particularly in areas like environmental science, biochemistry, and materials science. In environmental studies, the ratio of oxygen isotopes in water molecules can be used to trace hydrological cycles and understand past climate conditions. In biological research, O18O18 can be incorporated into molecules to study metabolic pathways and reaction mechanisms. By tracking the movement and transformation of the O18 label, scientists can gain insights into complex biological processes. The synthesis of O18O18 typically involves specialized chemical reactions and the use of enriched oxygen-18 gas or precursors. Its distinct isotopic signature allows for its identification and quantification using techniques such as mass spectrometry.