Magnesium-Molybate Compounds as Matrix for (99)Mo/(99m)Tc Generators

This work reports the preparation of a (99m)Tc generator based on conversion of (99)Mo produced by neutron irradiation, into insoluble magnesium (99)Mo-molybdates compounds as matrix. The effect of magnesium salt types and concentration, Mg:Mo molar ratios, pH of molybdate solutions, eluate volume as well as the addition order of molybdate and magnesium solutions' influences on the final (99m)Tc were evaluated. Polymetalates and polymolybdates salts either crystallized or amorphous were obtained depending on the magnesium salt and Mg:Mo molar ratio used in matrix preparation. (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generator production based on magnesium-(99)Mo molybdate compounds allow reduction of preparation time and eliminates the use of specialized installations. The best generator performances were attained using matrices prepared from 0.1 mol/L MgCl(2)·6H(2)O solutions, ammonium molybdate solutions at pH 7 and at a Mg:Mo molar ratio of 1:1.