Solid-phase extraction of technetium--amine complexes onto C18 silica and its application to the isolation of 99Tc

The extraction of Tc-tripentylamine complexes onto C18 silica solid-phase extraction columns is evaluated for the selective removal of 99Tc from other isotopes. The Tc-amine complex is quantitatively extracted from sulfuric acid and can be recovered from the column by elution with dilute alkali. A clean separation of Tc from all likely contaminants, including Ru, is achieved showing that C18 silica solid-phase extraction columns are a viable and attractive alternative to the solvent extraction of 99Tc.