Skip to main content
Glama
laszlopere

mcp-molecules

isotope_distribution

Compute the natural isotopic pattern of any chemical formula: returns isotopologue masses, relative intensities, and m/z for charged species, using offline NIST data.

Instructions

Compute the natural isotopic pattern (isotope distribution) of a formula.

Returns the set of isotopologue peaks a mass spectrometer would see: each peak's neutral mass (and mz when charge is non-zero), its intensity relative to the base peak, and its absolute abundance. Also reports the monoisotopic_mass (most-abundant isotope of each element) and the average_mass. Backed by the bundled NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions database -- offline and deterministic.

Peaks below threshold percent of the base peak are dropped; at most limit are returned. grouping selects nominal-mass (unit) or fully resolved (exact) peaks.

Raises ValueError for an unparseable formula or an unknown element.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
formulaYesChemical formula whose isotopic pattern to compute. Same syntax as molecular_weight_calculator: element symbols, integer multipliers, nested groups, isotope labels D/T, Unicode subscripts. Examples: 'CHCl3', 'C6H5Br', 'C254H377N65O75S6'.
chargeNoIon charge. 0 (default) reports neutral isotopologue masses. A non-zero n reports m/z for the [M+nH] ion (positive) or [M-nH] ion (negative): (mass +/- n*proton)/|n|.
thresholdNoDrop peaks below this percent of the base (most intense) peak.
limitNoMaximum number of peaks to return, most intense first.
groupingNo'unit' (default) collapses peaks to nominal integer masses (intensity-weighted centroid) -- the low-resolution spectrum a chemist eyeballs. 'exact' keeps every resolved isotopologue.unit
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses return values, threshold/limit behavior, grouping options, error handling (ValueError), and notes the offline deterministic database. It could mention idempotency but is thorough.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise and well-structured, front-loading the core purpose. It uses clear language and separates key points. A minor improvement would be further tightening, but it is effective.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 5 parameters and no output schema, the description covers return values, parameter behavior, and error conditions adequately. It lacks explicit output format structure but provides enough context.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds context about output but does not meaningfully extend parameter descriptions beyond what the schema provides. The grouping explanation is helpful but not substantial.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states it computes the natural isotopic pattern of a formula, specifies what is returned (peaks with mass, mz, intensity, abundance, monoisotopic and average mass), and distinguishes from sibling tools by focusing on isotopic distribution.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description does not explicitly provide usage guidelines or contrast with alternatives like molecular_weight_calculator, find_chemical_compound, or info. It implies when to use (for isotopic pattern) but lacks guidance on when not to use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/laszlopere/mcp-molecules'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server