Product Overview and Isotopic Properties

Formaldehyde-¹³C solution (SKU F357312) is an aqueous or solvent-based solution of formaldehyde in which the single carbon atom is enriched to high isotopic purity with the stable, non-radioactive isotope carbon-13 (¹³C). Natural-abundance formaldehyde contains approximately 1.1% ¹³C; the enriched product provides dramatically enhanced signal sensitivity and specificity in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments and mass spectrometry-based tracing workflows.

The ¹³C label is fully stable under standard laboratory conditions and does not decay, making this reagent safe for routine bench use without radiological controls. Because formaldehyde itself is the simplest aldehyde (molecular formula ¹³CH₂O), the single labeled carbon constitutes 100% isotopic incorporation at the only available carbon site, ensuring unambiguous spectral interpretation.

Note: Specific isotopic purity percentage, concentration, and solvent details should be confirmed from the current product datasheet or certificate of analysis (CoA). Contact Aladdin Scientific for the latest lot-specific documentation.

Key Research Applications

¹³C NMR Spectroscopy: The ¹³C-enriched formaldehyde provides a strong, unambiguous NMR signal at the characteristic chemical shift of aldehyde/carbonyl carbons. It is used as an internal or external reference, as a reactant in mechanistic studies, and to track the fate of formaldehyde-derived carbon in complex reaction mixtures.

Metabolic Flux and Tracer Analysis: Formaldehyde is an important one-carbon (C1) metabolite in cellular one-carbon metabolism. Supplying ¹³C-labeled formaldehyde allows researchers to follow incorporation of C1 units into downstream metabolites—including folate-cycle intermediates, methyl donor pools, and nucleotide precursors—using NMR or high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Chemical Biology and Crosslinking Studies: Formaldehyde is widely used in protein-DNA and protein-protein crosslinking (e.g., chromatin immunoprecipitation, ChIP). The ¹³C-labeled version enables mechanistic elucidation of crosslink chemistry and can serve as a tracer to quantify crosslinking efficiency by MS-based methods.

Synthesis of Labeled Building Blocks: Formaldehyde-¹³C is a versatile C1 synthon for introducing a single labeled carbon into organic molecules via reactions such as reductive amination, Mannich reaction, and hydroxymethylation, supporting synthesis of isotopically labeled reference standards.

Safe Handling and Laboratory Precautions

Hazard Awareness: Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) and is a known sensitizer, irritant, and toxic substance by inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. These hazard characteristics apply equally to Formaldehyde-¹³C solution. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene), safety glasses or goggles, and a laboratory coat at minimum. When handling larger volumes or during procedures with elevated vapor risk, use a half-face respirator with organic vapor cartridges and conduct all manipulations inside a certified chemical fume hood.

Engineering Controls: All dispensing, dilution, and reaction setup should be performed inside a fume hood. Ensure adequate laboratory ventilation. Monitor workplace air formaldehyde levels in compliance with applicable occupational exposure limits (e.g., OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV).

Spill Response: In the event of a spill, evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate the area, and use appropriate absorbent material. Dispose of contaminated materials as chemical waste in accordance with institutional and local regulations.

First Aid: In case of skin or eye contact, flush immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. For inhalation exposure, move to fresh air immediately and seek medical evaluation.

Storage, Stability and Quality Guidelines

Storage Conditions: Store Formaldehyde-¹³C solution in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, open flames, and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, strong bases). Specific temperature requirements should be confirmed from the product label and current SDS. Do not store in a standard laboratory refrigerator shared with food or beverages.

Container Integrity: Inspect the container for cracks or leaks before each use. Formaldehyde solutions can release formaldehyde gas upon warming; never open containers in unventilated spaces. Use the smallest practical container size to minimize repeated opening.

Polymerization: Formaldehyde in aqueous solution tends to polymerize (forming paraformaldehyde precipitate) particularly at low temperatures or upon concentration. If precipitation is observed, gently warm the solution (do not exceed recommended temperature limits) and mix before use. Confirm the solution is homogeneous before aliquoting for experiments. Check the CoA for guidance specific to this lot.

Isotopic Integrity: The ¹³C label is chemically and isotopically stable under normal storage conditions. There is no isotopic decay. Prolonged storage or improper conditions may affect chemical purity but not the isotopic label itself. Verify chemical purity via CoA upon receipt and before critical experiments.

Waste Disposal: Dispose of formaldehyde-containing waste in labeled, sealed containers as regulated chemical waste. Do not pour down the drain without confirmed compliance with local sewer regulations and institutional guidelines.

Quality Assurance and Ordering Information

Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Each lot of Formaldehyde-¹³C solution (F357312) is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis documenting isotopic purity, chemical purity, concentration, and other lot-specific quality parameters. Request the CoA for your specific lot number at time of ordering or upon receipt. This documentation is essential for regulatory compliance in GLP/GMP-adjacent research environments.

Isotopic Purity Verification: Isotopic purity (atom % ¹³C) is a critical quality parameter for tracer experiments. Confirm this value on the CoA before designing dose and enrichment calculations for metabolic flux experiments. For NMR applications, higher isotopic purity translates directly to improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced background from ¹²C-containing impurities.

Ordering: Formaldehyde-¹³C solution is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU F357312. For volume pricing, custom packaging, or technical support, contact Aladdin Scientific's customer service or your regional representative. Cross-reference with Santa Cruz Biotechnology catalog number sc-257544 is noted for procurement verification.

Returns and Regulatory Compliance: As a hazardous chemical, returns are subject to Aladdin Scientific's returns policy and applicable transport regulations for hazardous materials. Consult Aladdin Scientific customer service before initiating any return of this product.