Chemical properties
In solution Cu-67 is usually in divalent state. It can be radiolabelled with macrocyclic chelators. DOTA is being used, but other, specific copper chelators such as MeCOSar may provide improved stability.
Nuclear properties
Cu-67 decays by beta-minus emission with a half-life of 2.576(5) days to stable Zn-67. It emits a low energy beta spectrum with 145 keV average energy and 561 keV maximum energy based on branching ratios measured in . In addition to beta-minus emission it also emits low energy conversion and Auger electrons , thus emitting in total about 1.2 electrons (with energies above 7 keV) per decay.
Moreover, Cu-67 emits gamma-rays at 184.6 keV (44.2%) and 91.3 / 93.3 keV (together 21.1%) which are suitable for SPECT imaging.
The mean electron energy emitted per decay is 148 keV, the mean photon energy per decay is 101 keV .
Production
Cu-67 is produced by deuteron irradiation of enriched Zn-70 targets at the cyclotron ARRONAX .
Distribution
The radiochemical separation is performed at ARRONAX (Nantes, France) and activity will be shipped from there to the users in form of CuCl2 solution.
Examples of use
Parameter | Specifications |
---|---|
Half-life | 61.8 h |
Daughter | Stable Zn-67 |
Branching Ratio/Decay | 100% β- |
Production | Zn-70(d,αn)Cu-67 |
Purification | 2 steps column separation |
Chemical Form | In 0.1 M HCl |
Specific Activity | Not yet defined, (measured by ICP-OES) |
Radionuclidic Purity | Not yet defined |
Radiochemical Purity | Not yet defined, (measured by ICP-OES) |
Identification | 184.6 keV gamma line present |
Appearance | Clear and colourless solution |
pH | Not Applicable |
Activity available | 1 GBq |
Availability | On demand (planning in advance), starting September 2022 |
Grade | preclinical, n.c.a. |