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Introduction to Oxygen-18 Gas (O-¹⁸O₂, O-18o2)
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.