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 (18)F]fluoride and variable reaction volume has been developed. The reactor is designed for small reaction volumes and non-thermal drying of (18)F]fluoride. The implementation of this reactor into a complete remotely controlled synthesis device is described for the routine production of (18)F]altanserin. A radiochemical yield of 23+/-5% was obtained via cryptate-mediated nucleophilic (18)F-fluorination. Batches of up to 6 GBq (18)F]altanserin, suitable for human application, with a molar activity of >500 GBq/micromol were obtained within 75 min.