Synthesis and some characteristics of no-carrier added [18F]fluorotrimethylsilane

[18F]Fluorotrimethylsilane was prepared in 80% decay corrected yield by reaction of no-carrier added tetramethyl-ammonium fluoride (hydroxide as bulk anion) with chlorotrimethylsilane in 65% aqueous acetonitrile. The 18F gas was collected in a cold-trap at -130 degrees C and found to have an Ostwald solubility coefficient of 11.5 in paraffin oil. Accurate measurement of its aqueous solubility was precluded by hydrolysis. When rats were allowed to inhale [18F]fluorotrimethylsilane extensive uptake of 18F occurred in bone, demonstrating ready release of fluoride in vivo.