C(2)H(4): its purification for biological studies

A gas chromatographic technique is described for obtaining ultra high purity ¹⁴C₂H₄ for use in biological studies. ¹⁴C₂H₄ purchased from commercial sources contained readily detectable impurities including radioactive acetylene. Following purification on two different columns, no impurities were detected by high sensitivity gas chromatographic analysis. However, shortly thereafter impurities were detected as a result of radiation decomposition. Trapping and immediately regenerating ultra high purity ¹⁴C₂H₄ from dilute, filtered Hg (CIO₄)₂ solutions did not cause the formation of impurities, whereas additional impurities were formed when unpurified ¹⁴C₂H₄ was used. Impurities were also formed when ultra high purity ¹⁴C₂H₄ was stored in such solutions prior to its regeneration or when it was trapped and immediately regenerated from more concentrated Hg(CIO₄)₂ solutions.