[11C]formaldehyde

What is [11C]formaldehyde

**[11C]Formaldehyde** is a short-lived radiolabeled compound used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Produced by cyclotron irradiation, it contains carbon-11 (t₁/₂ = 20.4 min), a positron-emitting isotope. As a versatile precursor, [11C]formaldehyde enables the rapid synthesis of radiotracers for studying biological processes such as protein methylation, nucleic acid synthesis, and neurotransmitter dynamics. Its high reactivity allows efficient incorporation into molecules like [11C]choline and [11C]methionine, aiding oncology and neurology research. Due to its short half-life, on-site synthesis and quick administration are essential. [11C]Formaldehyde plays a crucial role in advancing molecular imaging, offering insights into disease mechanisms and drug development with high specificity and minimal radiation exposure.

Preparation Process: The preparation of [11C]formaldehyde typically involves the reduction of [11C]CO₂, produced via a cyclotron, using lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) to form [11C]methanol, followed by oxidation with manganese dioxide (MnO₂) or other oxidizing agents. Alternatively, [11C]CO₂ can be directly hydrogenated over a platinum catalyst at high temperature to yield [11C]formaldehyde. The reaction is carried out in a closed system, and the product is purified by trapping on a solid-phase cartridge or distillation. The entire process is automated to ensure rapid synthesis (<10 min) and high radiochemical purity, suitable for PET imaging applications.

Usage Scenarios: [11C]Formaldehyde is a radiolabeled compound primarily used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for biomedical research. It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of other radiotracers, such as [11C]choline and [11C]methionine, which are employed in oncology to detect and monitor tumors. Additionally, it is utilized in pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies to track biochemical pathways in vivo. Due to its short half-life (20.4 minutes), [11C]formaldehyde enables dynamic imaging with minimal radiation exposure. It also aids in studying neurodegenerative diseases by labeling proteins involved in amyloid plaque formation. Its applications extend to investigating drug distribution and blood-brain barrier permeability in preclinical models.

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