An improvement of 11C acetate synthesis--non-radioactive contaminants by irradiation-induced species emanating from the 11C carbon dioxide production target.

An existing procedure for [11C]acetate synthesis, consisting of a reaction of methylmagnesium chloride and [11C]carbon dioxide in tetrahydrofuran, hydrolysis and ion-exchange purification on small columns, has been improved. The use of less Grignard reagent and application of commercial cartridges instead of home made ones led to an increase of the overall yield from 60-65% to over 80%. Malfunction in pure nitrogen targets for 11C production may lead to unexpected contaminants. It is recommended to incorporate in the target outlet line a trap for removal of nitrogen oxides.