Start Here When Performing Radiochemical Reactions

Abstract

Radiation products are present in several fields of knowledge. From the energy field, with nuclear reactors and nuclear batteries, to the medical field, with nuclear medicine and radiation therapy (brachytherapy). Although chemistry works in the same way for radioactive and non-radioactive chemicals, an extra layer of problems is present in the radiochemical counter-part. Reactions can be unpredictable due to several factors. For example, iodine-125 in deposited in a silver wire to create the core of a medical radioactive seed. This core is the sealed forming a radioactive seed that are placed inside the cancer. Several aspects can be discussed in regards to radiation chemistry. For example: are there any competing ions? Each way my reaction is going? Each reaction is more likely to occur? Those are important questions, because, in the case of iodine, a volatile product can be formed causing contamination of laboratory, equipment, personal, and environment. This chapter attempts to create a guideline on how to safely proceed when a new radioactive chemical reaction. It discusses the steps by giving practical examples. The focus is in protecting the operator and the environment. The result can be achieved safely and be reliable contribution to science and society.

Optimization of reaction conditions for synthesis of [18F]FMISO using stable [19F]F-

“…Therefore, implementing non-radioactive chemistry practice (also known as chemistry cold practice), which involves using stable (cold) isotopes such as [ 19 F]Fluoride instead of radioactive [ 18 F]Fluoride, can be beneficial. This practice, described by Daruich de Souza in 2021, encompasses the concepts of basic chemistry, necessary steps, and practical examples to achieve a high degree of success while ensuring operator safety during radioactive reaction investigations [16]. By utilizing non-radioactive chemistry, researchers can gain insights into the optimization of reaction conditions, explore different synthesis platforms, and effectively assess the feasibility and efficiency of radiosynthesis processes.…”