Palmitic acid-16,16,16-d3 (CAS 75736-53-7)

Palmitic acid-16,16,16-d3 is a deuterated variant of palmitic acid, where the hydrogen atoms at the methyl terminal (carbon-16) are replaced with deuterium, a stable and non-radioactive isotope of hydrogen. This modification imbues the molecule with distinct physical and chemical properties compared to its non-deuterated counterpart, particularly in terms of its vibrational modes and reactivity. In research, this deuterated compound is invaluable as a tracer or internal standard in mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies, allowing scientists to track the metabolic fate of palmitic acid in complex biological systems without the interference from the naturally abundant hydrogen. Its use facilitates a deeper understanding of lipid metabolism pathways, enzyme activities, and the dynamics of fatty acid incorporation into cellular structures. The presence of deuterium atoms reduces the exchange with protium (regular hydrogen) in the system, providing more stable and accurate analytical measurements. This specificity makes Palmitic acid-16,16,16-d3 a critical tool in lipidomics and metabolomics, shedding light on the intricate biochemical processes that underpin cellular function and energy storage mechanisms.