Excitation functions and thick target yields curves have been measured by means of the stacked foil technique for α and 3He reactions producing 81Rb 81 m Rr, 82 m Rb, 83Rb 83 m Kr, 84Rb, 77Br and 79Kr from potassium bromide. The 79Br(α, 2 n) 81Rb and 81Br( 3He, 3 n) 81Rb reactions have cross section peaks of 300 mb and 320 mb at 28 MeV and 29 MeV, respectively. It is shown that the thick target yield of 81Rb 81 m Kr for 3He bombardment is comparable to that of α bombardment. The radionuclidic purity of 81 m Kr was higher for 3He bombardment. Considering the production yield, radionuclidic purity and the fact that the required particle energy (30 MeV 3He) is within the energy range of the compact cyclotron, the 81Br( 3He, 3 n) 81Rb 81 m Kr reaction is preferred, although it has not been reported in the past.