In-target production of [13N]ammonia via proton irradiation of dilute aqueous ethanol and acetic acid mixtures.

A reliable, reproducible method has been developed for the in situ production of decicurie quantities of [13N]ammonia by proton irradiation of pressurized, dilute aqueous solutions of acetic acid and ethanol. Some of the parameters investigated for their effect on the 13N product distribution included dose, dose rate, solute concentration, target body material, beam strike volume and proton energy. For the conditions investigated, [13N]NH3 was produced directly in the target in yields greater than 75%.