Experimental parameters and radiochemical yield in tritium labeling by microwave discharge activation of tritium gas

Tritium labeling by microwave discharge activation (MDA) of tritium gas is an efficient method for labeling many organic compounds. The label is introduced into the molecule by a gas/solid reaction, which can be influenced by (a) the nature of the substrate (i.e., the compound to be labeled), (b) the state of its dispersion, (c) tritium pressure, (d) microwave power, (e) supporting surfaces for dispersion (f) diffusion, and (g) energy transfer. The first five of these parameters were studies using amino acids and peptides. This paper summarizes some of the findings.