Carbon-13 (C-13) Stable Isotope – Introduction
Carbon-13 (C-13) is a stable, non-radioactive isotope of carbon that makes up about 1.1% of all naturally occurring carbon. With six protons and seven neutrons, this isotope plays a vital role in scientific research and analytical techniques, particularly in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and environmental science.
Thanks to its unique nuclear spin and stable nature, C-13 is widely used as a tracer in metabolic studies and in advanced spectroscopic techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Key Applications
1. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
C-13 is essential in NMR spectroscopy, where it allows scientists to analyze carbon-containing compounds at the atomic level. C-13 NMR is widely used in organic chemistry, drug development, polymer science, and molecular biology.
2. Metabolic and Nutritional Tracing
Carbon-13-labeled compounds are used as tracers in human and animal metabolic studies. For example, breath tests using C-13-labeled urea or glucose help diagnose gastrointestinal disorders, liver function, and metabolic diseases without the use of radioactivity.
3. Environmental and Climate Research
C-13 isotope ratios are valuable in paleoclimate reconstruction and environmental monitoring. Variations in C-13/C-12 ratios in sediments, plants, and atmospheric CO₂ are used to interpret ancient ecosystems, carbon cycling, and greenhouse gas dynamics.
4. Stable Isotope Labeling in Biosciences
C-13-labeled amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides are widely used in proteomics and metabolic flux analysis, allowing researchers to track molecular transformations within living systems.
Where to Buy Carbon-13
High-purity C-13 isotopes are commercially available in multiple forms, including:
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C-13-labeled gases (CO₂, methane)
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C-13-labeled organic molecules (glucose, urea, amino acids)
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C-13 elemental carbon or graphite (for materials science)
Nakima Ltd offers a wide range of Carbon-13 isotopes tailored for research, diagnostics, and industrial use. We ensure reliable enrichment levels, full documentation, and international shipping compliance.
Key considerations when purchasing:
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Enrichment level – typically >99% for precision work
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Form – choose based on your application (gas, solution, solid)
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Purity & stability – validated for medical or research-grade use
Future Outlook
As personalized medicine, carbon cycling research, and biomolecular analytics continue to expand, the demand for Carbon-13 is expected to grow steadily. Advances in isotope labeling, spectroscopy, and tracer methodologies will further strengthen the value of C-13 in future research and diagnostics.
Need Carbon-13 for your next study or product? Get in touch with Nakima Ltd to explore high-quality Carbon-13 solutions today.
For more information or to inquire about Carbon-13 products, please visit Nakima Ltd.