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Exploring Nature’s Fingerprints with Isotopic Distributions

Citation

Csernica, Timothy Andrew (2024) Exploring Nature’s Fingerprints with Isotopic Distributions. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/zt08-jh39. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05312024-185929614

Abstract

This thesis examines the measurement and interpretation of isotopic distributions and the application of these techniques to forensic questions. Stable isotope abundances are a powerful tool for examining a compound’s history. However, their use is complicated by the fact that 1) isotope substitutions can occur at many positions of a molecule, resulting in a combinatorial increase in possible combinations of isotopes (or isotopologues) with molecule size, and 2) it is difficult to experimentally distinguish between isotopologues, so observational data averages over many isotopologues with distinct properties and histories. We here develop experimental and theoretical strategies to address these questions via observations of the isotopic distributions of small organic compounds obtained by Orbitrap mass spectrometry. In Chapter II, we develop mathematical procedures for manipulating and tracking isotopologues through various experimental designs, allowing us to make precise statements about how observable quantities are affected by underlying physical and chemical processes. Chapters III and IV explore corresponding experimental methods: Chapter III presents a sample introduction technique for the long duration observations required to measure rare, multiply substituted isotopologues, while Chapter IV applies these to observe 146 isotopic properties of methionine, a model analyte. We then explore the use of these Orbitrap methods to applied science problems. In Chapter V, we characterize the 13C and 2H enrichment of methylphosphonic acid, a breakdown product of sarin precursors, and examine the signatures of its synthesis methods. In Chapter VI, we apply these techniques to extraterrestrial, abiotic syntheses of nucleobases, focusing on the chemistry of adenine. These results are interpreted in the context of proposed extraterrestrial syntheses of adenine and other purine nucleobases and used to predict the isotopic distributions of these compounds.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Geochemistry, Stable Isotopes, Isotomics, Mass Spectrometry, Orbitrap, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Forensics
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Eiler, John M.
Thesis Committee:
  • Blake, Geoffrey A. (chair)
  • Stoltz, Brian M.
  • Marcus, Rudolph A.
  • Eiler, John M.
Defense Date:22 May 2024
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Simons Foundation626103
Department of Energy (DOE)DE-SC0016561
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:05312024-185929614
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05312024-185929614
DOI:10.7907/zt08-jh39
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2022.121235DOIArticle adapted for Ch 2
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijms.2023.117084DOIArticle adapted for Ch 3
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2023.121771DOIArticle adapted for Ch 4
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Csernica, Timothy Andrew0000-0002-5273-0721
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:16455
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Timothy Csernica
Deposited On:31 May 2024 23:56
Last Modified:17 Jun 2024 16:44

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