Flow Chemistry For Contemporary Isotope Labeling

By Mounir Raji, Senior Scientist

Isotope‑labeled molecules continue to play an essential role in drug discovery, offering clearer insight into ADME behavior and enabling more precise mechanistic studies. Advances in deuterium and ¹³C incorporation are expanding beyond traditional batch routes requiring enriched starting materials. New strategies provide a more cost‑effective, selective, and scalable path to labeled compounds. Using optimized heterogeneous catalysts under flow, highly selective deuterium incorporation can be achieved even in complex pharmaceuticals. A complementary on‑demand ¹³CO₂ generation system further improves control and efficiency in ¹³C labeling, enabling streamlined access to labeled ureas and carboxylic acids. These innovations open opportunities across pharmaceuticals, mass spectrometry, and kinetic isotope studies.

Explore how these methods can drive more efficient and versatile isotope‑labeling workflows.