Little Buddha College of Health Science

Assignment of Inorganic pharmaceutical Chemistry

Submitted by: Sabin Thapa Submitted to: Diwa shrestha mam

Roll no: 22
1) Measurement of alpha, beta and gamma rays.
In order to measure the radiation α, β and γ particles many techniques counting of
individual particles or photons have been available. It includes pulse ionization chamber
proportional counter and Geiger-Muller counter scintillation methods are especially
employed for counting gamma radiation.
a) Ionization chamber
It consists of chambers filled with gas and filled with two electrodes kept at different
potentials. Radiation brings about ionization of gas molecules or ions which cause
emission of electrons.
b) Proportional counters
It is the modified ionization chambers in which an applied potential ionization of primary
electrons causes thunderous brusting or production of more free electrons. The voltage
range over which the gas amplification occurs called the proportional region and the
counters working in this region is called proportional counters.
c) Geiger-Muller counters
These are still most popular radiation detectors having ionization gas and quenching
vapour. It’s functions is to prevent the spurious pulses that may get produced due to
positive ions reaching the cathode. It absorb the photons emitted by excited atoms and
molecules returning to their ground state. Chlorine and bromine are used as quenching
agents where as ethyl alcohol and ethyl bromated as organic quenching agents.
i) Properties of alpha particle
Alpha rays or alpha particle are the positively charged particles. A highly energetic
helium nucleus which contains two proton and two neutrons is called alpha particle.
Alpha particles have the least penetration power but the greatest ionization power.
They cannot penetrate the skin but this does not mean that they are not dangerous.
Since they have great ionization power, if they get in to the body can cause serious
damage. They have the ability of ionizing numerous atoms.
ii) Properties of beta-particles
Beta particles are highly energetic electrons which are released from inside of a
nucleus. They are negatively charged and have a negligible mass on the emission of a
beta particle a neutron in the nucleus divides into a proton and an electron. Beta
particles have a greater penetration power than alpha particles and easily travel
through the skin. Beta particles have less ionization power than the alpha particles.
iii) Properties of gamma particles
The waves from the high frequency and of the electromagnetic spectrum which do
not have any mass are called gamma particles. They have greatest power of
penetration. They are the least ionizing but least ionizing but most penetrating and
is extremely difficult to stop them from entering the body. These rays carry huge
 amount of energy and can even through thin lead and thin concrete. Gamma ray is
uncharged electromagnetic radiation whose charge is zero.
2) Define radio opaque contrast media. Explain it’s application.
Radio opaque contrast media are diagnostic drugs used for the enhancement of
radiographic x-rays.
Applications of radio opaque contrast media;
Radio opaque contrast media is used to increase or improve the picture of the inside of the
body produce by x-rays , compused tomography (CT) , magnetic resonance (MR) and
ultrasound after contrast media allow the radiologist to distinguish normal from abnormal
condition. Radio opaque contrast media are typically iodine or more rarely barium sulphate.
They are used in large quantities and are short period of time. They absorb external x-rays
detection.
3) What is radioactivity? Explain the preparation and clinical use of cobalt -57 , iodine-125 and
gold-198
Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation in the form of particles or high
energy photons resulting from a nuclear reaction. A substance that contains unstable
atomic nuclei is consider to be radioactive.
a. Preparation of cobalt-57
Cobalt-57 is produce by gamma radiation of 58Ni and through photon bombardment of
56 fe. Cobalt-57 is produced by cyclotron irradiation of iron.
56
fe + 2H n + 57Co
Clinical uses of cobalt-57
It is a cynocobalamin having (57 Co). The radioactive life of 57Co is 270 days. It is used in
diagnostic pernicious anaemia.
a. Preparation of Iodine-125
Iodine-125 is available in solution form. Iodine-125 is produced by neutron reaction
from conversion of xenon. The half-life of iodine-125 is 60 days and emits rays and
produce meta stable tellerium (te) which is further decayed to stable (te) with emission
of gamma rays.
131 131
I xe + β + γ
53 54
125 125
I Te + x-rays + 125Te + γ
53 52 52

Clinical use of iodine-125

It is used in diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. Used in scanning procedures that will
provide a clear picture of it’s size, shape, location, area of high or low iodine
 concentration. It’s applicability to patients who are poor the avoidance of surgical risk
and complicants.
b. Preparation of gold-98
It is available in cherry red, colloidal solution form. It is produced by neutron
bombardment of gold-197. It’s half-life is 2.7 days. It emits β-particles and γ-rays
[β(0.96MEV) and γ(0.47MEV)]
Clinical use of gold-98
It Is used for diagnostic scanning of diver, determination of position, size, shape of the
organ. It is also used as neoplastic suppressant. Hence these are the preparation and
clinical uses of cobalt-57, iodine-125 and gold-98.

4. what are the safety measures to be taken during handling and storage of
radiopharmaceuticals?

Great cure has to be taken in handling and storage of radioactive materials for protecting
peoples and person who handle it from harmful radiation which the radioactive materials
emits.

The safety measures should be taken during handling and storage of

radiopharmaceuticals are as follows;

1. Radioactive substances should be handled carefully due to harmful chemical

radiation.
2. Liquid radioactive substance should be carried in trays containing tissue paper. No
mouth pipetting should be done ,used glass should be inactivated after use.
3. Solid radioactive substance should be stored in thick glass container , properly
labeled , shielded by bricks and preferably in corners of the room.
4. Areas where radioactive materials are stored or handled should be regularly
monitored either testing radiation regularly.
5. While handling radioactive substances bare hands should not be used but forceps
can be used.
6. Protective clothes should be worn while handling radioactive agents or substance.
7. These materials should be disposed with great care ,if they are released into the
environment by accidentally or due to poor disposal, they can results in potentially
harmful effect.
8. Smoking ,drinking and eating activities should not be done where radioactive
materials are handled.

Hence, those are the safety measures which should be followed during handling and storage of
radioisotopes.