What is the process used to convert 18F-FtAg to 18F-FDG?

The correct answer is related to the process of converting 18F-Fluorothymidine (18F-FtAg) to 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Alkaline hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that involves treating a compound with a strong base, which helps in modifying certain functional groups or chemical bonds in the molecule. In the context of synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals, alkaline hydrolysis can facilitate the conversion of various precursors into desired products, such as transforming 18F-FtAg into 18F-FDG.

18F-FDG is a glucose analog widely used in PET imaging for detecting metabolic activity in tissues, particularly in oncology. The transformation process requires specific conditions that are characteristic of alkaline hydrolysis, allowing for the effective conversion of the precursor compound into an active radiotracer suitable for medical use. Therefore, this method is essential in the synthesis of 18F-FDG, highlighting the importance of chemical reactions in the production of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging.