Consequences of a Rapid Cellulose Extraction Technique for Oxygen Isotope and Radiocarbon Analyses

• Published in: Analytical chemistry (Washington) Vol. 80; no. 6; pp. 2035 - 2041
• Main Authors: Anchukaitis, Kevin J, Evans, Michael N, Lange, Todd, Smith, David R, Leavitt, Steven W, Schrag, Daniel P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 15-03-2008
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Extraction processes; Oxygen; Radioisotopes; Solution chemistry; Spectrometric and optical methods; Infrared spectrometry; Time resolution; Absorption spectrometry; High resolution; Sample preparation; Wood; Cellulose; Purity; Acetylation; Replica method; Oxygen isotopes; Comparative study
• ISSN: 0003-2700; 1520-6882
• DOI: 10.1021/ac7020272

We use infrared, radiocarbon, and stable isotope analyses to investigate the purity of cellulose extracted from wood using a rapid processing technique. Replicate laboratory standards processed using the standard Brendel method are not significantly different with respect to δ18O from those prepared using traditional techniques, although the process does result in a slight acetylation of the wood samples. Radiocarbon comparisons, however, show significant differences. We conclude that the standard Brendel method is appropriate for developing stable isotope time series for high-resolution isotope dendroclimatology but must be used with caution for precision radiocarbon measurements.