A simplified [11C]phosgene synthesis

A new flow-through system for the production of [11C]phosgene, a versatile labelling agent in radiochemistry for PET, is described. Cyclotron-produced [11C]CH4 is mixed with Cl2 and converted into [11C]CCl4 by passing the mixture through an empty quartz tube at 510 °C. The outflow is directed through a Sb-filled guard that takes out Cl2 and then, without intentional O2 addition, through a second empty quartz tube at 750 °C, giving rise to [11C]phosgene in 30-35% radiochemical yield.

A simplified [11C]phosgene synthesis method is proposed. [11C]Phosgene is obtained in 30-35% yield relative to [11C]methane, in a process taking 12-13 min from the end of carbon-11 production.