No-carrier-added nucleophilic 18F-labelling in an electrochemical cell exemplified by the routine production of [18F]altanserin

A new type of electrochemical cell with anodic deposition of no-carrier-added [18F]fluoride and variable reaction volume has been developed. The reactor is designed for small reaction volumes and non-thermal drying of [18F]fluoride. The implementation of this reactor into a complete remotely controlled synthesis device is described for the routine production of [18F]altanserin. A radiochemical yield of 23±5% was obtained via cryptate-mediated nucleophilic 18F-fluorination. Batches of up to 6 GBq [18F]altanserin, suitable for human application, with a molar activity of >500 GBq/μmol were obtained within 75 min.