Development of an automated modular system for the synthesis of [C-11]acetate

Methods In this study, the carboxylation reaction was implemented for the synthesis of sodium 1-[C-11]acetate after the classic route of carboxylation of methylmagnesium chloride by [C-11]carbon dioxide, followed by the acidic hydrolysis, purification and sterile filtration This was performed using a commercially available kit of preassembled hardware units and fully compatible components of radiochemistry automation (VarioSystem)

Background Carboxylation reactions offer a straightforward method for the synthesis of carbon-11 labelled carboxylic acids Among these, the preparation of carbon-11 (C-11)-acetate is receiving increasing attention because of diagnostic applications in oncology in addition to its well-established use as a probe for myocardial oxidative metabolism Although a number of dedicated modules are commercially available, the development of the synthesis on flexible platforms would be beneficial to widen the number of tracers, in particular for preclinical assessment and testing