Positron Emission of Carbon-11

11C → 11B + e+ + νe

Overview

Carbon-11 undergoes positron emission to become boron-11 with a short half-life of 20.4 minutes. C-11 can be incorporated into virtually any organic molecule for PET imaging because carbon is present in all organic compounds. Its short half-life limits use to facilities with on-site cyclotrons.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Carbon C 1 (s)
Product Boron B 1 (s)

Everyday Example

C-11 labeled methionine PET scans help distinguish brain tumor recurrence from radiation necrosis after cancer treatment.

Industrial Importance

C-11 PET tracers are used in neurological research, oncology, and cardiology. Cyclotron production requires specialized radiopharmacy facilities.

Properties

Type
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-96000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Positron Emission of Carbon-11?
The balanced equation is: ¹¹C → ¹¹B + e⁺ + νₑ.
What type of reaction is Positron Emission of Carbon-11?
Positron Emission of Carbon-11 is a nuclear reaction.
Is Positron Emission of Carbon-11 exothermic or endothermic?
Positron Emission of Carbon-11 is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -96000000.0 kJ/mol.