Cyclotron production of PET radionuclides: 34mCl (33.99 min; β + 53%; IT 47%) with protons on natural isotopic chlorine-containing targets

Thin- and thick-target yields for the production of ^34mCl (31.99 min; β + 53%; IT 47%) with high-energy protons on natural isotopic chlorine targets were measured in the 67.5–20.0 MeV energy range. The total cross section for the reactions ³⁵Cl(p,pn) (Q = -12.8 MeV) and ³⁷Cl(p,p3n) (Q = -31.7 MeV) was measured. The total cross section peaked at 30 MeV with a value of 108±14.6 (13.5%) mbarn. The ^34mCl cumulative yield reached 591±80 (13.5%) mCi/μAh with a 67.5-MeV proton beam exiting at 20 MeV. The potential to produce ^34mCl for research and radiopharmaceutical syntheses is discussed based upon current accelerator capabilities. Other aspects of the potential use of ^34mCl (i.e. radionuclidic, radiochemical purities, specific activities) are also discussed.