A method for providing 11C-labeled cyanides from 11C labeled oxides in a target gas stream retrieved from an irradiated high pressure gaseous target containing O2, wherein 11C labeled oxides are reduced with H2 in the presence of a nickel catalyst under a pressure and a temperature sufficient to form a product stream comprising at least about 95% 11CH4, the 11CH4 is then combined with an excess of NH3 in a carrier/reaction stream flowing at an accelerated velocity and the combined 11CH4 carrier/reaction stream is then contacted with a platinum (Pt) catalyst particulate supported on a substantially-chemically-nonreactive heat-stable support at a temperature of at least about 900° C., whereby a product stream comprising at least about 60% H11CN is provided in less than 10 minutes from retrieval of the 11C labeled oxide.