Preparation of 11C methyl iodide

A process for the production of 11C methyl iodide, the process comprising:

• a) coating the internal surface of a first reaction vessel with a solution of lithium aluminium hydride by (i) introducing said solution into a first reaction vessel and then (ii) blowing an inert gas through the first reaction vessel to remove excess lithium aluminium hydride, wherein the first reaction vessel has an internal diameter not greater than about 1.5 mm;
• b) introducing 11C carbon dioxide into the first reaction vessel such that it is reduced by the lithium aluminium hydride to give a reduction product;
• c) providing a second reaction vessel in fluid communication with the first reaction vessel, said second reaction vessel being heated;
• and,
• d) passing hydriodic acid through the first reaction vessel, which contains the reduction product, into the second reaction vessel where 11C methyl iodide is produced.