ISOTOPOLOGUE Meaning and
Definition
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An isotopologue refers to a variant or form of an element that has the same number of atoms but differs in terms of its isotopic composition. Isotopologues can be considered as "siblings" or "versions" of a specific molecule or compound, where the only difference lies in the presence of stable isotopes of certain elements. The term "isotopologue" is derived from the combination of "isotope" and "analog," emphasizing its role in representing analogs of a specific molecular species.
Isotopologues are commonly used in scientific research, particularly in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, and geology, to study the behavior, dynamics, and metabolism of molecules. By introducing stable isotopes into a molecule, scientists can track and distinguish different isotopologues, often using analytical techniques like mass spectrometry.
The presence of isotopologues can affect various physical and chemical properties of molecules, such as bond strength, vibrational frequencies, and reactivity. This isotopic variability provides a valuable tool for investigating reaction mechanisms, tracing biochemical pathways, and understanding fundamental processes in nature.
For instance, in the field of pharmaceuticals, isotopologues play a crucial role in understanding drug metabolism and bioavailability. By labeling specific atoms with stable isotopes, researchers can track the fate of drug molecules within the body and determine their metabolic pathways, enabling the development of more effective and safe medications.
Overall, isotopologues are essential tools in scientific research, allowing scientists to explore and unravel intricate details of molecular behavior and interactions within complex systems.
Common Misspellings for ISOTOPOLOGUE
- usotopologue
- jsotopologue
- ksotopologue
- osotopologue
- 9sotopologue
- 8sotopologue
- iaotopologue
- izotopologue
- ixotopologue
- idotopologue
- ieotopologue
- iwotopologue
- isitopologue
- isktopologue
- isltopologue
- isptopologue
- is0topologue
- is9topologue
- isoropologue
- isofopologue
Etymology of ISOTOPOLOGUE
The word "isotopologue" is a combination of two terms: "isotope" and "analog".
The term "isotope" comes from the Greek words "isos" (meaning "equal") and "topos" (meaning "place" or "position"). It was first used in 1913 by the British chemist Frederick Soddy to describe a variant of an element that has the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in its nucleus. Isotopes have the same chemical properties but slightly different physical properties due to the variation in atomic mass.
The term "analog" originally comes from the Latin word "analogus", which means "proportional". It is used to describe something that is comparable or analogous to something else.
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