A simple and rapid technique for recovery of (99m)Tc from low specific activity (n,gamma)(99)Mo based on solvent extraction and column chromatography

Appl Radiat Isot. 2010 Jan;68(1):1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2009.07.024. Epub 2009 Aug 14.

Abstract

A simple and inexpensive method of separation of (99m)Tc from (99)Mo produced by neutron activation of (98)Mo via the (98)Mo(n,gamma)(99)Mo nuclear reaction is described. The recovery of (99m)Tc was performed by solvent extraction technique followed by column (active alumina) chromatography. The overall radiochemical yield for the complete separation of (99m)Tc was 85-95% (n=10). The separated Na[(99m)Tc]TcO(4) was of high radionuclidic, radiochemical, and chemical purities. The method can be adopted for routine use of (99m)Tc in hospital radio-pharmacies utilizing low-medium specific activity (n,gamma)(99)Mo produced in a research reactor.

MeSH terms

  • Butanones
  • Chromatography
  • Molybdenum / chemistry*
  • Neutron Activation Analysis
  • Radiochemistry / methods*
  • Radioisotopes / chemistry
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / isolation & purification*
  • Solvents
  • Technetium / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Butanones
  • Radioisotopes
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Solvents
  • methylethyl ketone
  • Technetium
  • Molybdenum