5
$\begingroup$

I'd like to know how much stable isotopes like $\ce{^{13}C}$, $\ce{^2H}$, $\ce{^{17}O}$ and $\ce{^{18}O}$ deviate from their natural abundances in the earth's crust among all possible compounds we may come across, especially organic molecules. I'd like to know a rough minimum and maximum percentage of such isotopes that a given compound is likely to contain, and if possible how likely it is to contain such a percentage. It might be really good to have a histogram showing how common compounds with different percentages of such isotopes are. Does anyone know where I could find such data?

$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

7
$\begingroup$

I am aware of this range diagram about $\ce{^{81}Br}$ that appeared in the recurrent (open access) IUPAC recommendations of atomic weights in Pure and Applied Chemistry:

enter image description here

(source: doi 10.1351/PAC-REP-13-03-02)

which cites data of a publication in Environmental Chemistry extending a little to $\ce{^{37}Cl}$ (doi 10.1071/EN10090, open access), too.

Even if the elder (2000) IUPAC compilation in the same journal includes a graphical representation of the range in occurrence of $\ce{^2H}$ as known at this time:

enter image description here

(source: doi 10.1351/pac200375060683, open access)

it may be worth to read more in detail, as -- in contrast to the 2011 edition (32 pages) -- the 2000 edition (120 pages) includes a dedicated section "Isotope fractionation from natural processes" and "Element-by-element review of the standard atomic weights" for a detailed view.


Otherwise, if you were "just" interested in an overall overview of isotopes, their masses and their percentage of occurrence, NIST has a searchable dedicated database here.

$\endgroup$
3
$\begingroup$

After looking through the sources from the gratefully acknowledged Buttonwood's answer, I also came across CIAAW, which seems to have some of the best available data for the natural isotope abundance ranges of elements like $\ce{C}$, $\ce{H}$, $\ce{N}$, $\ce{O}$, and $\ce{Cl}$. It is based on IUPAC Technical Report 2013 [1].

References

  1. Meija, J.; Coplen, T. B.; Berglund, M.; Brand, W. A.; De, B. P.; Gröning, M.; Holden, N. E.; Irrgeher, J.; Loss, R. D.; Walczyk, T.; et al. Isotopic Compositions of the Elements 2013 (IUPAC Technical Report). Pure and Applied Chemistry 2016, 88 (3), 293–306. https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-0503.
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.