Validation of carbonization as a part of benzene synthesis for radiocarbon measurement

Carbonization, i.e., turning organic sample to carbon, was validated for the benzene synthesis for the radiocarbon liquid scintillation measurement. Tests of sample preparation by combustion, carbonization followed by combustion and carbonization followed by a direct reaction with lithium were performed. Wood and charcoal samples were good for carbonization followed by direct reaction with lithium, while collagen obtained from bones had to be combusted. Direct reaction of carbonized sample with lithium required three times less amount of lithium than the combusted sample.