Organic Solvent Chromatography of Radioactive Sodium Pertechnetate

Abstract

We investigated the degree of chemical separation of radioactive sodium pertechnetate (Na⁺ TcO₄^–) with various organic solvents. Chromatography results using nine different solvents were obtained and studied. Information, including temperature, humidity, pH, and background radiation, was recorded for the 135 chromatographic strips run during the study. We conclude that methylethylketone gives the best chemical separation and we recommend it as the organic solvent of choice when the presence of radioactive sodium pertechnetate is to be determined. The pH and temperature had no noticeable effect on results; however, humidity appeared to have a slight effect on the quantity of sodium pertechnetate that migrated up the chromatography strip.