Examination of the preparation and stability of 99mTcN(NOEt) 2 from the [tc≡N] intermediate

Abstract

The preparation and stability of the [TcN] intermediate and 99mTcN(NOEt) 2 (NOEt: N-ethoxy, N-ethyl dithiocarbamate) which is a potential myocardial imaging agent containing [TcN] 2+ core, is reported. In the presence of a reducer and a donor of N, the [TcN] intermediate could be conveniently synthesized at 100°C, allowing the formation of 99mTcN(NOEt) 2 by addition of NaNOEt at room temperature. The change of the composition of the intermediate was investigated at different pH values, and the radiochemical purity (RCP) of the complex was evaluated by HPLC. The partition coefficient and stability in vitro of 99mTcN(NOEt) 2 were determined, the complex had a RCP of over 90% and was stable for 6 h.