The short version of FTIR spectroscopy fits in a sentence. The long version — which is the one that helps — is below.
Reviewed 2025-09-29. Anything still debated is marked as such rather than presented as settled.
Quality control of creatine monohydrate relies on a combination of identity, purity, and moisture tests. High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection is widely used to separate creatine from creatinine and other related nitrogenous compounds. Spectroscopic methods such as infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance provide structural confirmation. Because the material is a hydrate, water content is measured separately, often by Karl Fischer titration. These tests together establish whether a lot meets a defined specification.
Manufacturing processes can leave trace amounts of dicyandiamide, creatinine, or residual solvents, depending on the synthetic route and purification steps. Heavy metals, arsenic, and microbial contamination are also monitored for food or pharmaceutical grades. Particle size distribution can affect dissolution behavior and blending uniformity, so it may be specified for certain applications. Analytical results are reported on a dry basis or as-is basis, and the difference matters when comparing certificates of analysis. Open questions remain about how minor impurities influence long-term stability under varied storage conditions.
Dry creatine monohydrate is generally stable when kept sealed and protected from heat and moisture. In solution, however, creatine undergoes a slow cyclization to creatinine, a related compound with no role in phosphocreatine storage. The rate of this conversion increases with temperature and is influenced by pH. Because creatinine is a common impurity in liquid or poorly stored products, analytical testing often measures both compounds. The crystalline monohydrate is less prone to degradation than aqueous preparations, though caking can occur if moisture enters the container.
Laboratory analysis of creatine monohydrate typically uses high-performance liquid chromatography to separate creatine from creatinine and other impurities. Detection may be ultraviolet, refractive index, or mass spectrometric, depending on the laboratory's equipment and the required sensitivity. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy can quantify the main component and identify related substances. Water content is measured by Karl Fischer titration, which is important because the monohydrate has a defined theoretical hydration level. Heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial limits are also checked in quality control programs.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assay method | HPLC with UV detection | Commonly used for content and purity |
| Water content | Karl Fischer titration | Measures total water including hydration |
| Identity test | FTIR or NMR spectroscopy | Confirms chemical structure |
| Common impurities | Dicyandiamide, creatinine | Process-related or degradation markers |
| Storage condition | Dry, sealed, 15–25 °C | Protect from moisture and heat |
Recommended storage usually involves a sealed container kept at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. High humidity can cause caking, which changes flow properties and may complicate accurate weighing. Repeated opening of containers exposes the powder to air and moisture, so smaller aliquots can reduce handling effects. Storage temperature ranges are not absolute requirements; they reflect conditions that slow degradation and preserve consistent physical characteristics. Clean, dry tools help prevent contamination during sampling.
Identity and purity are commonly assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography, often with ultraviolet detection, and by spectroscopic techniques such as infrared or nuclear magnetic resonance. These methods can distinguish creatine from creatinine and detect related impurities. Moisture content may be measured by Karl Fischer titration or loss on drying. Particle size, bulk density, and heavy metal limits are additional quality parameters. Not every product is tested by every method, so specifications depend on the intended use and regulatory framework.
As a supplement, creatine monohydrate is studied for its effects on muscle performance and recovery. The compound is often described as an ergogenic aid, meaning it may support physical work capacity. Research typically compares it with placebo or other forms, such as citrate or nitrate, under controlled conditions. Questions remain about the optimal dose and long-term effects in different populations, and findings are not uniform across all studies. The monohydrate form remains the most extensively tested.
Creatine monohydrate is a crystalline compound formed from creatine and one molecule of water. Its systematic name is N-(aminoiminomethyl)-N-methylglycine monohydrate, and it appears as a white, odorless powder with limited solubility in water. The monohydrate is the most common solid form used in research and commercial products because it is stable under dry conditions. The anhydrous form lacks the water of crystallization and differs slightly in molar mass. Both forms participate in the same biochemical reactions once dissolved.
In the body, creatine is synthesized from the amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine, primarily in the liver and kidneys. It is transported to muscle and other tissues, where it is phosphorylated to phosphocreatine by creatine kinase. This phosphagen system provides a rapid source of adenosine triphosphate during short, intense contractions. Dietary creatine comes mainly from meat and fish, and the body's total pool is influenced by both synthesis and intake.
=== Closing ceremony === The closing ceremony took place before the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and featured performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, IShowSpeed, and Post Malone, as well as an appearance from Tom Cruise. Jennifer Hudson performed "The Star-Spangled Banner".
Rudolf Schoenheimer (May 10, 1898 – September 11, 1941) was a German-American biochemist who developed the technique of isotope labelling of biomolecules, enabling detailed study of metabolism. This work revealed that all the constituents of an organism are in a constant state of chemical renewal. Born in Berlin, after graduating in medicine from the Friedrich Wilhelm University there, he learned further organic chemistry at the University of Leipzig and then studied biochemistry at the University of Freiburg where he rose to be Head of Physiological Chemistry. He spent the 1930-31 academic year at the University of Chicago. In 1933, following the rise of the Nazis to power he emigrated from Germany to the Columbia University to join the department of Biological Chemistry. Working with David Rittenberg, from the radiochemistry laboratory of Harold C. Urey and later together with Konrad Bloch, they used stable isotopes to tag foodstuffs and trace their metabolism within living things. He further established that cholesterol is a risk factor in atherosclerosis. He suffered from manic depression all of his life, which led to him in 1941 committing suicide using sodium cyanide. He had been honoured with the request to give the Dunham Lecture at Harvard before his death. It was read for him following his death.
==== United Kingdom ==== In the United Kingdom, the sale and possession of codeine are restricted separately under law. Neat codeine and higher-strength codeine formulations are generally prescription-only medicines (POM) meaning that the sale of such products is restricted under the Medicines Act 1968. Lower-strength products containing combinations of up to 12.8 mg of codeine per dosage unit, combined with paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin are available over the counter at pharmacies. Codeine linctus cough syrups were banned from over-the-counter sale in 2024 due to concerns over addiction and recreational usage. They remain available under a prescription. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 codeine is a Class B controlled substance or a Class A drug when prepared for injection. The possession of controlled substances without a prescription is a criminal offence. However, certain preparations of codeine are exempt from this restriction under Schedule 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. It is thus legal to possess codeine without a prescription, provided that it is compounded with at least one other active or inactive ingredient and that the dosage of each tablet, capsule, etc. does not exceed 100 mg or 2.5% concentration in the case of liquid preparations. The exemptions do not to apply to any preparation of codeine designed for injection.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
==== Hypoxia/anoxia intolerance ==== Most mammals and birds are intolerant to low/no oxygen conditions. For the heart, in the absence of oxygen, the first four complexes of the electron transport chain decrease in activity. This will lead to protons leaking through the inner mitochondrial membrane without complexes I, III, and IV pushing protons back through to maintain the proton gradient. There is also electron leak (an event where electrons leak out of the electron transport chain), which happens because NADH dehydrogenase within Complex I becomes damaged, which allows for the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) during ischemia. This will lead to the reversing of Complex V, which forces protons from the matrix back into the inner membrane space, against their concentration gradient. Forcing protons against their concentration gradient requires energy, so Complex V uses up ATP as an energy source.
However, no consistent correlation has been found between the degree of cognitive impairment and the severity of the sleep disturbance or hypoxia. These impairments may improve with an effective treatment for OSA, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Driving a motor vehicle is an example of a complex task that relies on driver's cognitive abilities, such as attention, reaction time and vigilance. Very brief moments of inattention called microsleep events could be an indicator for daytime vigilance impairment. These may not be present in all drivers with obstructive sleep apnea.
== 2018 suicide attempt and introduction to DMT == On January 15, 2018, Cantelmo contacted his children and told them he intended to kill himself. Police placed him on a 5150 hold, an involuntary psychiatric detention. While in the facility he decided to try DMT after his release. After leaving the hospital he ordered mimosa hostilis root bark online, extracted DMT using methods based on his chemistry background, and began experimenting with the substance. He later described a breakthrough experience that ended his lifelong atheism and convinced him of the existence of a higher power and of entities he encountered during the trips. He resolved to promote DMT publicly.
== Awards == 2014 – Akabori Memorial Award (Japanese Peptide Society) 2016 – Max Bergmann Gold Medal (German Peptide Society) 2016 – Nippon Venture Award (METI) 2017 – Nagoya Silver Medal of Organic Chemistry (MSD Life Science Foundation) 2019 – Vincent du Vigneaud Award (American Peptide Society) 2020 – Humboldt Prize (Humboldt Foundation) 2020 – World Entrepreneur of the Year, Japan (EY) 2022 – Prelog Medal (ETH Zurich) 2023 – Wolf Prize in Chemistry (Wolf Foundation) 2024 – Asian Scientist 100 (Asian Scientist) 2026 – Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Eddy copyrighted her book, then called The Science of Life, in July 1874. Three of her students, George Barry, Elizabeth Newhall and Daniel Spofford, paid a Boston printer, W. F. Brown and Company, $2,200 to produce the first edition. The printer began work in September 1874, but stopped whenever the advance payment ran out, so progress was slow. The book—Science and Health by Mary Baker Glover, with eight chapters and 456 pages—finally appeared on October 30, 1875, published in the name of the Christian Science Publishing Company. The book was positively received by Amos Bronson Alcott, who in 1876 wrote to Eddy that she had "reaffirm[ed] in modern phrase the Christian revelations," and that he was pleased it had been written by a woman. The printer's proofreading had been poor. Martin Gardner called the first edition a "chaotic patchwork of repetitious, poorly paragraphed topics," with spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes. Eddy changed printers for the second edition, which was also poorly proofread, and for the third edition in 1881 switched again, this time to John Wilson & Sons, University Press, Cambridge, MA. John Wilson and his successor, William Dana Orcutt, continued to print the book until after Eddy's death. To the 6th edition in 1883, Eddy added with a Key to the Scriptures (later retitled with Key to the Scriptures), a 20-page glossary containing her definitions of biblical terms. The book sold 15,000 copies between 1875 and 1885. In August 1885, on the advice of John Wilson, she hired one of his proofreaders, the Rev.
=== Australia === As of July 2019, beak trimming is only banned in the Australian Capital Territory by means of the Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT) s 9C. It is currently debated in parliament whether debeaking should be banned in Victoria and New South Wales. A 2019 Voiceless report recommended the NSW Parliament to prohibit debeaking and instead '[introduce] enriched environmental conditions, such as litter and suitable range areas [to] encourage interaction and mental stimulation for hens. Better nutrition, lighting and parasite management may also help reduce injurious pecking.' In a 2015 survey conducted by the Humane Society International Australia, 91% of respondents stated that free range egg boxes should display whether the hens had undergone beak trimming.
== Measurement == 3-phosphoglycerate can be separated and measured using paper chromatography as well as with column chromatography and other chromatographic separation methods. It can be identified using both gas-chromatography and liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry and has been optimized for evaluation using tandem MS techniques.
=== Part Two === Part Two begins some time before Part One, taking place somewhere before the chapter Anticitizen One during the final events of Half-Life 2. During the battle for City 17, a Russian Resistance member (Julia Tourianski) is about to be killed by CP officers when the third Resistance member (David Purchase), who was only heard in a radio transmission during Part One, saves her by killing the officers. At first, she doesn't trust him, but after partnering up together to survive the battle, they become closer to each other. At one point in the film, they kiss in an abandoned restroom after destroying a Combine Strider. Sometime later, David gives Julia a present: a 9mm pistol with the slogan "Never Gone" written on the side. She starts to weep, because she hadn't been "given a gift in over a decade." Soon after, the final events of Half-Life 2, as well as the chapters Undue Alarm and Direct Intervention of Episode One, come to pass, and the Citadel's dark energy reactor begins to enter meltdown. However, Gordon Freeman's actions delay the reaction long enough to allow citizens and Resistance members alike to escape City 17. David and Julia decide to leave the city as well. After reaching the old canals and combating zombies, the first two Resistance members from Part One, Derek and Ian, finally catch up with the duo. As they walk together, they talk about Freeman's actions within the Citadel. Suddenly, David is shot in the neck by a CP officer. As the other two members fire back at the incoming Combine soldiers, David dies in Julia's arms.
== Accidents == Ethylene oxide is extremely flammable, and its mixtures with air are explosive. When heated it may rapidly expand, causing fire and explosion. Several industrial accidents have been attributed to ethylene oxide explosion. The autoignition temperature is 429 °C (804 °F), decomposition temperature of 571 °C (1,060 °F) at 101.3 kPa (14.69 psi), minimum inflammable content in the air is 2.7%, and maximum limit is 100%. The NFPA 704 rating is Health, 3; Flammability, 4; Instability 2. Ethylene oxide in presence of water can hydrolyze to ethylene glycol and form polyethylene oxide, which then eventually is oxidized by air and leads to hotspots that can trigger explosive decomposition. Fires caused by ethylene oxide are extinguished with conventional media including foam, carbon dioxide, or water. Suppression of this activity can be done by blanketing with an inert gas until total pressure reaches the nonexplosive range. Extinguishing of burning ethylene oxide is complicated by its ability to continue burning in an inert atmosphere and in water solutions. Fire suppression is reached only upon dilution with water above 22:1.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Purity is commonly assessed by HPLC, which separates creatine from related compounds such as creatinine. Water content is measured separately by Karl Fischer titration. Together these results help calculate the actual creatine content in a sample.
Creatine monohydrate contains water as part of its crystal structure, so some water is expected. Excess moisture can promote clumping, hydrolysis, or microbial growth. Karl Fischer titration measures total water and helps distinguish expected hydration from residual moisture.
Dicyandiamide, creatinine, and related nitrogenous compounds are common markers. Their levels are controlled by manufacturing processes and product specifications. Heavy metals and microbial limits may also be tested depending on the intended grade.
Purity testing often uses high-performance liquid chromatography to measure creatine and creatinine. Water content can be checked by Karl Fischer titration. Additional tests may cover heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contamination.