Improved HPLC purification strategy for [11C]raclopride and [11C]DASB leading to high radiochemical yields and more practical high quality radiopharmaceutical formulations

• We proposed a simplified purification strategy for [11C]raclopride and [11C]DASB.
• By using [11C]methyl triflate the amount of precursor could be minimized.
• The purification was done using analytical HPLC columns and IV compatible solvents.
• By minimizing the purification time we obtained high radiochemical yields.
• In addition, the final formulation volume was substantially reduced.

A downscaled analytical HPLC purification strategy for [11C]raclopride and [11C]DASB was proposed to obtain a straightforward produced injectable solution with a substantially reduced volume. Both tracers were radiosynthesized using [11C]methyl triflate, and several analytical columns, in combination with ethanol containing eluents, were examined to optimize the chromatographic resolution. This resulted in a 5 mL solution of [11C]raclopride, obtained after 6 min, and a 7 mL solution of [11C]DASB, obtained after 10 min, using a C16-alkylamide and CN column respectively.