Radioactive bromine labeling via gas chromatography

Abstract

The need for radioactively labeled compounds is ever increasing. We have developed an experiment illustrating the application of one of the fastest and most efficient specific labeling techniques (1). Simultaneously, the students are exposed to the principles of chemical effects of nuclear transformation (Szilard-Chalmers reaction, hot atom chemistry) and radio-gas chromatography. This experiment can be performed during a regular 3 hr laboratory period and may be offered with basic counting equipment. Its performance is described here with advanced counting apparatus. The experiment requires the availability of a nuclear reactor, though not necessarily on site.