Optimization of [11C]HCN production and no-carrier-added [1-11C]amino acid synthesis

The optimal conditions for the catalytic production of [11C]HCN from [11C]CO2 were investigated. [11C]CO2 was reduced to [11C]CH4 with H2 on Ni and then converted to [11C]HCN by reaction with NH3 on Pt in a radiochemical yield of more than 95% under the optimized conditions of an NH3 concentration of 5 vol%, a Pt furnace temperature of 920 degrees C, and a reaction gas flow rate of over 200 mL/min. Absorbers were used to remove O2 and H2O from the reaction gas. The synthesis of no-carrier-added [1-11C]amino acids from [11C]HCN via [11C]aminonitriles was successfully carried out. This method is suitable for automation of [1-11C]amino acid production.