Synthesis of taurine-13C2. A potential probe for human 13CO2 breath tests

The synthesis of a 2% mixture of taurine-13C2, in nonlabelled taurine is presented. Using 1, 2-dibromoethane-13C2, labelled taurine was prepared in two steps as a new and potentially useful probe for 13CO2 breath tests in the diagnosis of intestinal malabsorption. Unique analytical data are presented, including gas chromatographic and mass spectral data of a derivative of taurine, N-carbobenzyloxytaurine amide. These new results were essential for the characterization and determination of isotopic enrichment of the 2% labelled taurine probe. Considerations for human feeding experiments with this stable, isotopically labelled mixture are also discussed.