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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
10:42
Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
Published on: May 3, 2019
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Isotopic Distributions
Alan L Rockwood1, Magnus Palmblad2
1Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|September 26, 2019
Summary
Mass spectrometry uses isotopic information for passive applications like chemical analysis and active applications such as isotope tracing. Calculating theoretical isotopic patterns is crucial for both, enabling diverse scientific investigations.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Mass spectrometry (MS) provides valuable isotopic information applicable to various scientific fields.
- Isotopic applications in MS are broadly categorized into passive (using natural isotopes) and active (manipulating isotopic distributions).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diverse applications of isotopic information in mass spectrometry.
- To discuss computational approaches for calculating theoretical isotopic patterns, essential for MS analyses.
Main Methods:
- The review covers passive applications, including chemical composition determination via isotopic pattern matching.
- Active applications discussed encompass isotope exchange experiments and isotope labeling for tracing and quantitation.
Main Results:
- Theoretical calculation of isotopic patterns is a common requirement across both passive and active MS applications.
- The chapter highlights the indispensable role of computational methods in interpreting isotopic data.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and calculating isotopic patterns are fundamental to leveraging mass spectrometry for chemical analysis and tracer studies.
- This review underscores the broad utility and computational underpinnings of isotopic studies in mass spectrometry.
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