Fluoride Processing Method

Abstract

The invention relates to methods for processing [ 18 F]-fluoride target water using a solid-support bound Cryptand of formula (I) and to apparatus for performing such methods. The resultant [ 18 F]-fluoride is useful for preparation of radiopharmaceuticals by nucleophilic fluorination, specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compound of formula (I): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein the Cryptand is of formula (C): 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein: 
         R1 and R2 are independently selected from 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       and
 R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from: 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         2 . A compound of formula (I) according to  claim 1  wherein the Cryptand is selected from 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for preparation of an [ 18 F]fluoride solution which comprises:
 (i) a vessel containing a solid-support bound Cryptand of formula (I) as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  3 ;   (ii) means for contacting a solution of [ 18 F]fluoride in water with said solid-support bound Cryptand of formula (I) so as to form a Cryptand-[ 18 F]fluoride complex of formula (II) as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  3 ;   (iii) means for removal of excess water from the Cryptand-[ 18 F]fluoride complex of formula (II);   (iv) means for washing the Cryptand-[ 18 F]fluoride complex of formula (II) with a solution of base, suitably a base having a pKa of at least 9, so as to release the [ 18 F]fluoride into solution.   
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 3  which is a microfabricated device.