Chapter 25.10, Problem 12P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of carbon atoms in citronellal that would be radioactively labeled if the acetic acid used were enriched with ${}^{\text{14}}\text{C}$ at C1 instead of C2 is to be determined, and these carbon atoms are to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

Reaction pathways can be studied using compounds containing radioactively labeled carbons, and studying how many such atoms are incorporated in the product and at which locations.

Plants grown in a medium containing radioactively labeled acetic acid incorporate the radioactive atoms in the compounds they synthesize.