Chromatographic separation of germanium and arsenic for the production of high purity (77)As

J Chromatogr A. 2016 Apr 8:1441:68-74. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2016.02.074. Epub 2016 Mar 2.

Abstract

A simple column chromatographic method was developed to isolate (77)As (94±6% (EtOH/HCl); 74±11 (MeOH)) from germanium for potential use in radioimmunotherapy. The separation of arsenic from germanium was based on their relative affinities for different chromatographic materials in aqueous and organic environments. Using an organic or mixed mobile phase, germanium was selectively retained on a silica gel column as germanate, while arsenic was eluted from the column as arsenate. Subsequently, enriched (76)Ge (98±2) was recovered for reuse by elution with aqueous solution (neutral to basic). Greater than 98% radiolabeling yield of a (77)As-trithiol was observed from methanol separated [(77)As]arsenate [17].

Keywords: Column chromatography; Ge/As distribution coefficient; Ge/As separation; High specific activity arsenic-77.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arsenic / isolation & purification*
  • Chromatography, Liquid / methods
  • Germanium / isolation & purification*
  • Methanol
  • Radioisotopes / isolation & purification
  • Silica Gel
  • Solvents
  • Water

Substances

  • Radioisotopes
  • Solvents
  • Germanium
  • Water
  • Silica Gel
  • Arsenic
  • Methanol