UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal

The utilization of isotopic labeling is still growing in its use among chemists; the use of hydrogen isotope labeling allows for direct comparisons between two molecules undergoing a catalyzed reaction. An understanding of how the molecules behave when undergoing catalysis can be used when designing medication. Thus the understanding and prediction of chemical behavior at the molecular level can lead to a number of scientific advances; such as catalyst synthesis, inferences in biochemical reactions, and even possible mathematical systems that can model these reactions. Overall the reactions described are commonly used in this isotopic labeling technique, allowing for multiple measurements of reactions of our choosing.