The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of .sup.18F-fluoride (.sup.18F) for use in radiofluorination reactions. The method of the invention finds use especially in the preparation of .sup.18F-labelled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. The method of the invention is particularly advantageous where bulk solutions are prepared and stored in prefilled vials rather than being freshly prepared on the day of synthesis. Also provided by the present invention is a radiofluorination reaction which comprises the method of the invention, as well as a cassette for use in carrying out the method of the invention and/or the radiofluorination method of the invention on an automated radiosynthesis apparatus.

The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of .sup.18F-fluoride (.sup.18F) for use in radiofluorination reactions. The method of the invention finds use especially in the preparation of .sup.18F-labelled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. The method of the invention is particularly advantageous where bulk solutions are prepared and stored in prefilled vials rather than being freshly prepared on the day of synthesis. Also provided by the present invention is a radiofluorination reaction which comprises the method of the invention, as well as a cassette for use in carrying out the method of the invention and/or the radiofluorination method of the invention on an automated radiosynthesis apparatus.

The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of .sup.18F-fluoride (.sup.18F) for use in radiofluorination reactions. The method of the invention finds use especially in the preparation of .sup.18F-labelled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. The method of the invention is particularly advantageous where bulk solutions are prepared and stored in prefilled vials rather than being freshly prepared on the day of synthesis. Also provided by the present invention is a radiofluorination reaction which comprises the method of the invention, as well as a cassette for use in carrying out the method of the invention and/or the radiofluorination method of the invention on an automated radiosynthesis apparatus.

The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of .sup.18F-fluoride (.sup.18F) for use in radiofluorination reactions. The method of the invention finds use especially in the preparation of .sup.18F-labelled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. The method of the invention is particularly advantageous where bulk solutions are prepared and stored in prefilled vials rather than being freshly prepared on the day of synthesis. Also provided by the present invention is a radiofluorination reaction which comprises the method of the invention, as well as a cassette for use in carrying out the method of the invention and/or the radiofluorination method of the invention on an automated radiosynthesis apparatus.

A process for reducing the concentration of one or more arsenic-containing compounds in an aqueous solution comprising at least one fluoroacid, which process comprises: (i) contacting the aqueous solution with an oxidising agent to produce one or more Asv-containing compounds; and (ii) removal of precipitated arsenic-containing compounds; wherein the process comprises a step (iii) the addition of an aqueous alkali solution or slurry, which may take place after step (i) and before step (ii) or after step (ii).

A process for reducing the concentration of one or more arsenic-containing compounds in an aqueous solution comprising at least one fluoroacid, which process comprises: (i) contacting the aqueous solution with an oxidising agent to produce one or more Asv-containing compounds; and (ii) removal of precipitated arsenic-containing compounds; wherein the process comprises a step (iii) the addition of an aqueous alkali solution or slurry, which may take place after step (i) and before step (ii) or after step (ii).

A composition comprising microcapsules functionalized with polymerizable functional groups on the surface of said microcapsules wherein the functional groups form covalent bonds with monomers in the continuous phase to enhance the mechanical properties of the composition.

The invention relates to a method for obtaining a magnesium fluoride (MgF.sub.2) sol solution, comprising the steps of providing a magnesium alkoxide precursor in a non-aqueous solvent and adding 1.85 to 2.05 molar equivalents of non-aqueous hydrofluoric acid, characterized in that the reaction proceeds in the presence of a second magnesium fluoride precursor selected from the group of salts of strong, volatile acids, such as a chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate or triflate of magnesium, or of a catalytic amount of a strong, volatile acid; and/or an additive non-magnesium fluoride precursor selected from the group of salts of strong, volatile acids, such as a chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate or triflate of lithium, antimony, tin calcium, strontium, barium, aluminium, silicium, zirconium, titanium or zinc. The invention further relates to sol solutions, method of applying the sol solutions of the invention to surfaces as a coating, and to antireflective coatings obtained thereby.

Disclosed is a process for producing a fluoride gas that can produces fluoride gases such as BF.sub.3, SiF.sub.4, GeF.sub.4, PF.sub.5 or AsF.sub.5 at a reduced production cost in a simple manner. The process is characterized in that a compound containing an atom, which, together with a fluorine atom, can form a polyatomic ion, is added to a hydrogen fluoride solution to produce the polyatomic ion in a hydrogen fluoride solution and to evolve a fluoride gas comprising the fluorine atom and the atom that, together with the fluorine atom, can form a polyatomic ion.

Disclosed is a process for producing a fluoride gas that can produces fluoride gases such as BF.sub.3, SiF.sub.4, GeF.sub.4, PF.sub.5 or AsF.sub.5 at a reduced production cost in a simple manner. The process is characterized in that a compound containing an atom, which, together with a fluorine atom, can form a polyatomic ion, is added to a hydrogen fluoride solution to produce the polyatomic ion in a hydrogen fluoride solution and to evolve a fluoride gas comprising the fluorine atom and the atom that, together with the fluorine atom, can form a polyatomic ion.