Oxygen-18 Gas (O-¹⁸O₂, O-18o2) Introduction
Oxygen-18 (¹⁸O) is a stable isotope of oxygen with a nucleus containing 8 protons and 10 neutrons, giving it a higher atomic mass than the more abundant Oxygen-16. In its diatomic gaseous form (¹⁸O₂), this isotope plays a critical role in a wide range of scientific, environmental, and medical applications. Due to its isotopic enrichment and gaseous state, ¹⁸O₂ is used in specialized tracer studies and advanced research domains where precise tracking of oxygen atoms is essential.
Physical and Chemical Properties of ¹⁸O₂
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Molecular Formula: ¹⁸O₂
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Molar Mass: ~36.00 g/mol
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Physical State: Colorless, odorless gas
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Isotopic Enrichment: Typically >95% ¹⁸O
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Boiling Point: −183 °C
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Stability: Chemically and thermodynamically stable
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CAS Number: 32767-18-3 (¹⁸O₂ gas)
¹⁸O₂ gas behaves chemically like normal oxygen (¹⁶O₂) but can be traced with high accuracy using mass spectrometry and other detection methods thanks to its unique mass signature.
Applications of Oxygen-18 Gas
1. Metabolic and Respiratory Studies
¹⁸O₂ is widely used in metabolic labeling experiments in biology and medicine. By replacing regular oxygen in respiration experiments, researchers can track oxygen consumption rates, oxygen incorporation in water or carbon dioxide, and physiological oxygen transport.
2. Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)
In geochemistry and environmental sciences, ¹⁸O₂ is used in conjunction with IRMS for the analysis of isotopic oxygen ratios in atmospheric gases, ice cores, and hydrology samples — key to understanding climatic changes and ecosystem cycles.
3. Lung Function and Medical Diagnostics
Oxygen-18 gas can serve as a non-radioactive, safe tracer for pulmonary gas exchange studies, enabling early diagnosis of lung diseases and assessment of oxygen utilization.
4. Stable Isotope Labeling in Biosciences
¹⁸O₂ is used for incorporating labeled oxygen into biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, or metabolites for pathway mapping and proteomic analysis.
5. Research in Photosynthesis
Plant scientists use ¹⁸O₂ to track photosynthetic oxygen evolution and distinguish it from other sources of oxygen production.
Where to Buy Oxygen-18 Gas
Purchasing ¹⁸O₂ gas requires access to high-purity isotopically enriched material with safe packaging and certified documentation.
AMT Isotopes (via Nakima Ltd) supplies Oxygen-18 Gas (¹⁸O₂) in pressurized containers suitable for laboratory and industrial use.
Considerations when ordering:
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Purity: Isotopic enrichment (commonly >95%)
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Form: Gaseous — supplied in aluminum or steel cylinders
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Handling: Requires gas regulators and proper ventilation
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Compliance: Must meet international shipping and safety standards for compressed gases
Contact us for quotes, availability, and technical support regarding ¹⁸O₂ gas.
Future Outlook
As demand grows for non-radioactive tracers, climate research, and advanced diagnostics, ¹⁸O₂ will continue to see increased use across disciplines. The stable nature of the isotope, combined with its traceability and safety profile, positions Oxygen-18 Gas as a cornerstone of innovative research.
What exactly is Oxygen-18 (¹⁸O) and how does it differ from common oxygen?
Oxygen-18 is a stable (non-radioactive) isotope of oxygen. While standard oxygen (¹⁶O) has 8 protons and 8 neutrons, ¹⁸O contains 10 neutrons. This gives it a higher atomic mass, allowing scientists to track it accurately using mass spectrometry without the safety risks associated with radioactive materials.
What are the key physical characteristics of ¹⁸O₂ gas?
- Molecular Formula: ¹⁸O₂
- Molar Mass: Approximately 36.00 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless and odorless gas
- Boiling Point: −183°C
- Enrichment: Typically supplied at levels exceeding 95% isotopic purity.
Applications & Research
How is Oxygen-18 gas utilized in medical diagnostics and biology?
It serves as a safe, non-radioactive tracer for:
- Metabolic Studies: Tracking oxygen consumption and how it incorporates into water or CO₂.
- Pulmonary Health: Assessing lung gas exchange to diagnose respiratory diseases.
- Proteomics: Labeling biomolecules like proteins and nucleic acids to map biological pathways.
What role does this isotope play in environmental and climate science?
Researchers use ¹⁸O₂ in combination with Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) to analyze atmospheric gases and ice cores. This helps in reconstructing historical climate patterns and understanding global ecosystem cycles.
How do plant scientists use ¹⁸O₂ in their research?
It is used to specifically track “photosynthetic oxygen evolution.” By using this labeled gas, researchers can distinguish oxygen produced by plants from other environmental oxygen sources.
Procurement & Safety
What factors should be considered when purchasing Oxygen-18 gas?
When ordering, it is crucial to verify:
- Isotopic Enrichment: Ensure it meets the required purity (usually >95%).
- Packaging: It is typically supplied in pressurized aluminum or steel cylinders.
Equipment: Proper gas regulators and adequate ventilation are mandatory for safe handling.