iodomethane14C

Iodomethane-14C, also known as methyl iodide-14C, is a radiolabeled organic compound. It is a derivative of iodomethane (methyl iodide) where one of the carbon atoms is replaced with the radioactive isotope carbon-14 (14C). Carbon-14 is a beta-emitting isotope with a half-life of approximately 5,730 years, making it useful for tracer studies.

Iodomethane-14C is primarily synthesized for use in research laboratories, particularly in fields such as biochemistry, pharmacology, and environmental science. Its radiolabel allows researchers to track the fate of the methyl group in biological and chemical processes. For instance, it can be used to study methylation reactions, which are crucial in DNA, RNA, and protein modification, as well as in the metabolism of various substances.

The compound's high specific activity and the long half-life of carbon-14 enable sensitive detection and quantification of metabolic pathways and chemical transformations. Due to its radioactive nature, iodomethane-14C must be handled with appropriate safety precautions in designated radioactive material handling facilities. Its applications extend to tracing the distribution and persistence of methylated compounds in ecosystems and investigating drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.