Computer-controlled radiochemical synthesis: A chemistry process control unit for the automated production of radiochemicals

A computer-controlled general purpose chemistry process control unit (CPCU) suitable for the automated production of radiochemicals has been developed. This valve-and-tubing synthesis system can be user programmed to accommodate a variety of chemical processes. In a practical demonstration of its utility, the CPCU has been configured and programmed to synthesize 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro- d -glucose (2-[ 18 F]FDG) using aqueous [ 18 F]fluoride ion. Using this instrument, the yield of 2-[ 18 F]FDG from [ 18 F]fluoride ion is 54.9% (± 11.2%, n = 125) corrected to EOB, after a synthesis time of 50–55 min. The average total activity produced (for runs of 5–10 μA) is 28.1 mCi/μA (± 5.03 m Ci/ μ A). Thus, the amount of 2-[ 18 F]FDG produced from a 10 μA for 1 h bombardment was 154.3 mCi (± 27.4 mCi). The unit has been similarly configured and programmed to synthesize 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro- d -mannose (48% EOB), 3-(2′-[ 18 F]fluoroethyl)spiperone (29% EOB), and [ 18 F]fluoroacetate (66% EOB) from aqueous [ 18 F]fluoride ion, and 2-[ 18 F]FDG from gaseous acetyl hypo[ 18 F]fluorite (20% EOB).