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U.S. Department of Energy
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Enrichment of nitrogen isotopes by induced isomerization of isocyanides

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5723339

The essentially monochromatic infrared radiation from a laser device with a frequency coincident with a vibrational absorption band of an isocyanide, for example, methyl isocyanide (CH/sub 3/NC), leads to isomerization to the corresponding nitrile, in this example, acetonitrile (Ch/sub 3/CN). This isomerization is accomplished isotopically selectively for vibrational bands which exhibit an isotope shift. As a consequence, the enrichment and separation of nitrogen or carbon isotopes may be accomplished.

Assignee:
Allied Chemical Corp
Patent Number(s):
US 4202741
OSTI ID:
5723339
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English