Image that youve just discovered a new polyketide You want k

Image that you\'ve just discovered a new polyketide. You want know whether the methyl groups that are hanging off of the backbone are from a chain propagating unit such as methylmalonyl CoA, or if they were placed there by SAM. Unfortunately, Cambridge Isotopes (our friendly isotope supplier) is all out of isotopically labeled SAM! What other isotopically labeled molecule could you use to find your answer? Be sure to show me that molecule, and where you\'d want the carbon isotopes to be placed.

Solution

Isotope labelled methanol is one of the molecule which can be used as marker to identify whether the methyl group of polyketides are from SAM or from any other sources.

CH₃-OH is the formula for the methanol and only one carbon atom present in the methanol can be isotope labelled.

This carbon can be identified and checked.