The synthesis of tritium labeled 9, 10‐oleic acid

Tritium labeled 9,10‐oleic acid was prepared from stearolic acid by reduction with tritium gas, in the presence of 5% Palladium on Charcoal catalyst, at room temperature and under partial vacuum. No stearic or elaidic acids were formed. Unreacted stearolic acid was removed by low temperature erystallization from Skellysolve F. The tritium labeledcis 9,10‐oleic acid was prepared with a specificity of greater than 90% of the activity at the 9 and 10 positions. Specific radio‐activity of the oleic acid was 1000 me of Tritium/g. Tritium labeled stearic acid with a specific activity of 927 me of Tritium/g was also prepared.