Comparative studies on the production of the medically important radionuclide 124I via p-, d-, 3He- and α-particle induced reactions

Excitation functions of the reactions natSb(α,xn)123,124,125,126I, 121Sb(α,xn)123,124I, natSb(3He,xn)121,123,124 and 126Te(p,xn)123,124,125,126I were measured from the respective threshold up to 22 MeV α-, 36 MeV 3He- and 100 MeV p-energy, with particular emphasis on data for the production of the medically important radionuclide 124I. The conventional stacked-foil technique was used. The optimum energy range and yield for the production of 124I were determined. The isotopic impurities in the produced 124I are discussed. A comparison of all production routes of 124I is given, including other (p,xn) and (d,xn) nuclear reactions already known. The α- and 3He-induced reactions on antimony are not suitable for the production of 124I due to low batch yield and high impurity level. The commonly used production route 124Te(p,n)124I gives the purest form of 124I and the production can be done at a small-sized cyclotron. Large scale production via 125Te(p,2n) or 126Te(p,3n) reaction is possible, but with a higher impurity level. Cyclotrons with higher proton energy are needed (up to 40 MeV). The final choice will depend upon the tolerable level of impurities