Optimizing [13N]N2 radiochemistry for nitrogen-fixation in root nodules of legumes

Here we explored the conditions for synthesizing [ 13 N]N 2 in a state that is suitable for the administration to plant root nodules enabling studies of nitrogen fixation. [ 13 N]N 2 was prepared batchwise, starting with [ 13 N]NO ― 3 from the 16 O(p,α) 13 N nuclear reaction on a liquid water target. [ 13 N]NO ― 3 was first reduced to [ 13 N]NH 3 using Devarda's alloy, and then the [ 13 N]NH 3 was oxidized to [ 13 N]N 2 by hypobromite using carrier-added NH 4 CI. The amounts of carrier NH 4 CI and hypobromite were varied to determine the effects these parameters had on the radiochemical yield, and on the radiotracer specific activity. As expected, increasing the amount of carrier NH 4 CI im…