Synthesis of a C-14 Labeled Heme.

In support of a discovery biology project, a C-14 labeled heme was required. The C-14 label was located in the carbon connecting the A and B ring with a propionic acid side chain on both the C and D ring and alkyl substitution on the remaining positions of the pyrrole rings of the heme. The synthesis was achieved in 7 radiochemical steps and 11% radiochemical yield from 14C-formaldehyde. A stability study showed that the compound decayed at about 0.5%/month in a linear fashion.