Separation of carrier-free 199Au as a β-decay product of 199Pt

Carrier-free 199Au produced in neutron activated platinum as a β-decay product of 199Pt has been separated from bulk matrices through liquid–liquid extraction (LLX) using the liquid cation exchanger, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP), as an extractant for the target element from an aqueous ammonia medium. The effect of octanol on the extraction was also studied. Production, extent of separation and purity of the radiotracers at different stages of their LLX separation have been verified by taking recourse to γ-ray spectroscopy.