52Mn

52Mn is a radioactive isotope of manganese. Its nucleus contains 25 protons and 27 neutrons. 52Mn is produced through nuclear reactions, commonly by bombarding iron isotopes with protons or by irradiating manganese with neutrons. It is a positron emitter, undergoing beta-plus decay with a half-life of 5.591 days. The primary decay product is 52Cr, a stable isotope of chromium. In its decay, 52Mn also emits gamma rays, which are characteristic of its radioactive signature.

Due to its relatively short half-life and the emission of gamma rays, 52Mn has found applications in nuclear medicine as a radiotracer. It can be incorporated into radiopharmaceuticals for imaging purposes, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, to study various physiological processes in the body. Its use allows for non-invasive monitoring of biological functions and the detection of certain diseases. The production and handling of 52Mn require specialized facilities and strict safety protocols due to its radioactivity. Research continues to explore its potential in diagnostics and targeted therapies.