IAEA-600

The intended use of IAEA-600 is as calibrant when δ(¹³C) and δ(¹⁵N) are determined in organic materials using IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) coupled with an EA (Elemental Analyser) for obtaining traceability of the data to the VPDB-LSVEC carbon delta scale and Air-N₂ nitrogen delta scale.   

Its recommended use is as quality control material when δ(¹⁸O) and δ(²H) are determined in organic materials using IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) coupled with a Pyrolizer, for verifying the traceability of the data to the VSMOW-SLAP oxygen and hydrogen delta scale.  

IAEA-600 was prepared in 2001 in Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany, from commercially produced pure caffeine. The material was grounded and bottled at NIST. Details about the characterization are reported in the Reference Sheet.

Note: For δ(¹³C), currently two scales exist and are in use: VPDB and VPDB-LSVEC.  δ(¹³C) values reported on the VPDB and VPDB-LSVEC scale can differ, with maximum reported differences (VPDB minus VPDB-LSVEC) of +0.3 ‰ for materials with carbon isotope delta values around –45 ‰ and negligible difference (below current analytical combined uncertainty) at carbon isotope delta values close to zero [https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.10018)]. 

End users should state the values of reference materials used to normalize isotope data following the minimum requirements established by IUPAC [https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2021-1108] and in the case of carbon, whether they are publishing δ(¹³C) values on the VPDB scale or the VPDB-LSVEC scale. Users should ensure that in one calibration they only use values for reference materials assigned on one scale.