Expedient synthesis of [18F]‐labeled α‐trifluoromethyl ketones

Several [¹⁸F]‐labeled α‐trifluoromethyl ketones have been synthesized. Reactions of 2,2‐difluoro‐1‐aryl‐1‐trimethylsiloxyethenes ( 1a–d ) with [¹⁸F]‐F₂ at low temperature produced [¹⁸F]‐labeled α‐trifluoromethyl ketones ( 2a–d ). Radio‐labeled products were isolated by purification with column chromatography in 22–28% yields, decay corrected (d.c.) in three runs per compound. Radiochemical purity was >99% with specific activities 15–20 GBq/mmol at the end of synthesis (EOS). The synthesis time was 35–40 min from the end of bombardment (EOB). This one‐step simple method is highly useful for the radiochemical synthesis of potential biologically active [¹⁸F]‐labeled α‐trifluoromethyl ketones for PET imaging. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radiosynthesis of the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand: 5‐((1‐[11C]‐methyl‐2‐(S)‐pyrrolidinyl)methoxy)‐2‐chloro‐3‐((E)‐2‐(2‐fluoropyridin‐4‐yl)vinyl)pyridine

5‐((1‐[¹¹C]‐methyl‐2‐(S)‐pyrrolidinyl)methoxy)‐2‐chloro‐3‐((E)‐2‐(2‐fluoropyridin‐4‐yl)‐vinyl)pyridine ([¹¹C]‐FPVC) was synthesized from [¹¹C]‐methyl iodide and the corresponding normethyl precursor. The average time of synthesis, purification, and formulation was 42 min with an average non‐decay‐corrected radiochemical yield of 19%. The average specific radioactivity was 359 GBq/µmol (9691 mCi/µmole) at end of synthesis (EOS). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of an 18F‐labelled high affinity β1‐adrenoceptor PET radioligand based on ICI 89,406

To date, some non‐selective β‐adrenoceptor (β‐AR) positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands are in clinical use, but no PET radioligand for the selective imaging of cardiac β₁‐ARs is clinically available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a potential high‐affinity PET radioligand for the β₁‐subtype of ARs. Here, the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of (S)‐ and (R)‐N‐[2‐[3‐(2‐cyano‐phenoxy)‐2‐hydroxy‐propylamino]‐ethyl]‐N′‐[4‐(2‐fluoro‐ethoxy)‐phenyl]‐urea ( 8a–b ), derivatives of the well‐characterized β₁‐AR selective antagonist, ICI 89,406, are described. The (S)‐isomer 8a shows both higher β₁‐AR selectivity and β₁‐AR affinity than the (R)‐enantiomer 8b (selectivity: 40 800 vs 1580; affinity: K_I1=0.049 nM vs K_I1=0.297 nM). Therefore, the ¹⁸F‐labelled analogue 8e of compound 8a was synthesized. While the direct nucleophilic ¹⁸F‐fluorination of the tosylate precursor 8d produced 8e in low radiochemical yields (?2.9% decay‐corrected) and specific activities (?3.5 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis (EOS), n=9) the alternative two‐step synthesis of 8e from ethylene glycol di‐p‐tosylate 9 , [¹⁸F]fluoride ion and phenol precursor 8f gave satisfying results (16.4±3.2% radiochemical yield (decay‐corrected), 99.7±0.5% radiochemical purity, 40±8 GBq/µmol specific activity at the EOS within 174±3 min from the end of bombardment (EOB) (n=5)). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of [18F]FETO,a novel potential 11‐β hydroxylase inhibitor

Recent publications reported high uptake of the carbon‐11 labelled 11β‐hydroxylase inhibitors (R)–[O–methyl‐¹¹C]metomidate ([¹¹C]MTO) and (R)–[O–ethyl‐¹¹C]etomidate ([¹¹C]ETO) in adrenocortical incidentalomas with excellent selectivity for positron emission tomography (PET). In our studies [¹⁸F]FETO, (the [¹⁸F]fluoroethyl ester of etomidate, (R)‐1‐(1‐phenylethyl)‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid, 2′‐[¹⁸F]fluoroethyl ester), an analogue of [¹¹C]MTO and [¹¹C]ETO was chosen due to the suspected similarity of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and was prepared in the following two step procedure: First, [¹⁸F]fluoride was reacted with 2‐bromoethyl triflate using the kryptofix/acetonitrile method to yield 2–bromo‐[¹⁸F]fluoroethane ([¹⁸F]BFE). In the second step, [¹⁸F]BFE was reacted with the tetrabutylammonium salt of (R)‐1‐(1‐phenylethyl)‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid to yield [¹⁸F]FETO, a novel inhibitor of the 11β‐hydroxylase. The proposed synthesis of [¹⁸F]FETO allows the production of sufficient amounts of this new PET‐tracer to serve 1–2 patients with an overall synthesis time of less than 80 min. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of [18F]3‐[1‐(3‐fluoropropyl)‐(S)‐pyrrolidin‐2‐ylmethoxy]pyridine ([18F]NicFP): a potential α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor radioligand for PET

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are widely distributed throughout the human brain and are believed to play a role in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. In order to identify an effective PET radioligand for in vivo assessment of the α4β2 subtype of nicotinic receptor, we synthesized [¹⁸F]3‐[1‐(3‐fluoropropyl)‐(S)‐pyrrolidin‐2‐ylmethoxy]pyridine (NicFP). The in vitro K_D of NicFP was determined to be 1.1 nM, and the log P value obtained by HPLC analysis of the unlabelled standard was found to be 2.2. The radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]NicFP was carried out by a nucleophilic substitution reaction of anhydrous [¹⁸F]fluoride and the corresponding mesylate precursor. After purification by HPLC, the radiochemical yield was determined to be 11.3±2.1% and the specific activity was 0.47±0.18 Ci/μmol (EOS, n = 3). The time of synthesis and purification was 99±2 min. The final product was prepared as a sterile saline solution suitable for in vivo use. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of [18F] 4‐amino‐N‐(3‐chloro‐4‐fluorophenyl)‐N′‐hydroxy‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole‐3‐carboximidamide (IDO5L): a novel potential PET probe for imaging of IDO1 expression

To synthesize ¹⁸F‐labeled positron emission tomography (PET) ligands, reliable labeling techniques inserting ¹⁸F into a target molecule are necessary. The ¹⁸F‐fluorobenzene moiety has been widely utilized in the synthesis of ¹⁸F‐labeled compounds. The present study utilized [¹⁸F]‐labeled aniline as intermediate in [¹⁸F]‐radiolabeling chemistry for the facile radiosynthesis of 4‐amino‐N‐(3‐chloro‐4‐fluorophenyl)‐N′‐hydroxy‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole‐3‐carboximidamide ([¹⁸F]IDO5L) as indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) targeted tracer. IDO5L is a highly potent inhibitor of IDO1 with low nanomolar IC₅₀. [¹⁸F]IDO5L was synthesized via coupling [¹⁸F]3‐chloro‐4‐fluoroaniline with carboximidamidoyl chloride as a potential PET probe for imaging IDO1 expression. Under the optimized labeling conditions, chemically and radiochemically pure (>98%) [¹⁸F]IDO5L was obtained with specific radioactivity ranging from 11 to 15 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis within ~90 min, and the decay‐corrected radiochemical yield was 18.2 ± 2.1% (n = 4).     

Simplified synthesis of N‐(3‐[18F]fluoropropyl)‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐fluorophenyl)nortropane ([18F]β‐CFT‐FP) using [18F]fluoropropyl tosylate as the labelling reagent

A synthesis method has been developed for the labelling of N‐(3‐[¹⁸F]fluoropropyl)‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐fluorophenyl)nortropane ([¹⁸F]β‐CFT‐FP), a potential radioligand for visualization of the dopamine transporters by positron emission tomography. The two‐step synthesis includes preparation of [¹⁸F]fluoropropyl tosylate and its use without purification in the fluoroalkylation of 2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐fluorophenyl)nortropane (nor‐β‐CFT). The final product is purified by HPLC. Optimization of the two synthesis steps resulted in a greater than 30% radiochemical yield of [¹⁸F]β‐CFT‐FP (decay corrected to end of bombardment). The synthesis time including HPLC‐purification was approximately 90 min. The radiochemical purity of the final product was higher than 99% and the specific radioactivity at the end of synthesis was typically 20 GBq/µmol. In comparison to alkylation by [¹⁸F]fluoropropyl bromide, the procedure described here results in an improved overall radiochemical yield of [¹⁸F]β‐CFT‐FP in a shorter time. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simplified and automatic one‐pot synthesis of 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol without high‐performance liquid chromatography purification

16α‐[¹⁸F]Fluoroestradiol (16α‐[¹⁸F]FES, 1) is known as a valuable tracer in molecular imaging as estrogen receptor (ER) ligand for investigation of primary and metastatic breast cancer. ER concentration in human breast tumor cells is a significant indicator for the degree of disease and is often monitored by immunoassays or in vitro ligand binding of a tumor biopsy sample. More preferable non‐invasive diagnosis is accessible using 16α‐[¹⁸F]FES (1) as PET tracer. Our aim was to develop a reliable, easy‐to‐use, remotely controlled synthesis for non carrier added (n.c.a.) 16α‐[¹⁸F]FES (1) by nucleophilic substitution using a disposable cassette for GE TRACERlab® MX_FDG. Purification of the crude product using solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, Oasis® WAX, HLB Plus, Sep‐Pak® C18 and Light Alumina N, allows abandonment of an HPLC purifying system. Formulation of the final product is included in the automatic synthesis. The experimental conditions for this easy‐to‐use synthesis for routine production of 16α‐[¹⁸F]FES (1) are given in detail. Within 75 min 16α‐[¹⁸F]FES (1) is produced in typically 20% n.c.a., radiochemical yield (non decay corrected). Chemical and radiochemical purity is >95% and >99%, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of 1‐(2′‐deoxy‐2′‐fluoro‐β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)‐[Methyl‐11C]thymine ([11C]FMAU) via a Stille cross‐coupling reaction with [11C]methyl iodide

1‐(2′‐deoxy‐2′‐fluoro‐β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)‐[methyl‐¹¹C]thymine ([¹¹C]FMAU) [¹¹C]‐ 1 was synthesised via a palladium‐mediated Stille coupling reaction of 1‐(2′‐deoxy‐2′‐fluoro‐β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)‐5‐(trimethylstannyl)uracil 2 with [¹¹C]methyl iodide in a one‐pot procedure. The reaction conditions were optimized by screening various catalysts and solvents, and by altering concentrations and reaction temperatures. The highest yield was obtained using Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o‐tolyl)₃ in DMF at 130°C for 5 min. Under these conditions the title compound [¹¹C]‐ 1 was obtained in 28±5% decay‐corrected radiochemical yield calculated from [¹¹C]methyl iodide (number of experiments=7). The radiochemical purity was >99% and the specific radioactivity was 0.1 GBq/μmol at 25 min after end of bombardment. In a typical experiment 700–800 MBq of [¹¹C]FMAU [¹¹C]‐ 1 was obtained starting from 6–7 GBq of [¹¹C]methyl iodide. A mixed ¹¹C/¹³C synthesis to yield [¹¹C]‐ 1 /(¹³C)‐ 1 followed by ¹³C‐NMR analysis was used to confirm the labelling position. The labelling procedure was found to be suitable for automation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of N‐(3‐[18F]Fluoropropyl)‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)nortropane ([18F]FP‐β‐CIT)

N‐(3‐[¹⁸F]fluoropropyl)‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)nortropane ([¹⁸F]FP‐β‐CIT) was synthesized in a two‐step reaction sequence. In the first reaction, 1‐bromo‐3‐(nitrobenzene‐4‐sulfonyloxy)‐propane was fluorinated with no‐carrier‐added fluorine‐18. The resulting product, 1‐bromo‐3‐[¹⁸F]‐fluoropropane, was distilled into a cooled reaction vessel containing 2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐nortropane, diisopropylethylamine and potassium iodide. After 30 min, the reaction mixture was subjected to a preparative HPLC purification. The product, [¹⁸F]FP‐β‐CIT, was isolated from the HPLC eluent with solid‐phase extraction and formulated to yield an isotonic, pyrogen‐free and sterile solution of [¹⁸F]FP‐β‐CIT. The overall decay‐corrected radiochemical yield was 25 ± 5%. Radiochemical purity was > 98% and the specific activity was 94 ± 50 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel probes for imaging amyloid‐β: F‐18 and C‐11 labeling of 2‐(4‐aminostyryl)benzoxazole derivatives

2‐(4‐Methylaminostyryl)‐6‐(2‐[¹⁸F]fluoroethoxy)benzoxazole ([¹⁸F]BF‐168) was prepared and found to be a potential probe for imaging amyloid‐β. The precursor, a 6‐(2‐tosyloxyethoxy)benzoxazole derivative, was fluorinated with [¹⁸F]KF and Kryptofix 222 in acetonitrile, and the crude product purified by semi‐preparative HPLC to give [¹⁸F]BF‐168. The radiochemical purity was >95% and the maximum specific activity was 106 TBq/mmol at the end of synthesis. The synthesis time was 110 min from the end of bombardment. 2‐(4‐[N‐methyl‐¹¹C]methylaminostyryl)‐5‐fluorobenzoxazole ([¹¹C]BF‐145) was also prepared from 2‐(4‐aminostyryl)‐5‐fluorobenzoxazole, [¹¹C]MeI and 5 N NaOH in DMSO, and purified by semi‐preparative HPLC. The radiochemical purity was >95% and the specific activity was 40–70 TBq/mmol at the end of synthesis. The synthesis time was 45 min from the end of bombardment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A fast,simple, and reproducible automated synthesis of [18F]FPyKYNE‐c(RGDyK) for αvβ3 receptor positron emission tomography imaging

[¹⁸ F]FPyKYNE‐c(RGDyK) was successfully synthesized by the Cu(I) catalyzed Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of alkynes to azides using [¹⁸ F]FPyKYNE as a prosthetic group in an overall radiochemical yield of 12%–18% (decay‐corrected) and >99.5% chemical and radiochemical purities in 125 min including quality control. This simple, fully automated two‐step, two‐reactor approach consists of a quick and convenient purification of the prosthetic group using silica gel cartridges and its subsequent use for the labeling of the azido‐c(RGDyK) peptide via click chemistry.     

Radiosynthesis of 3‐(3‐[18F]fluoropropoxy)‐4‐(benzyloxy)‐N‐[(1‐dimethylaminocyclopentyl)methyl]‐5‐methoxybenzamide,a potential PET radiotracer for the glycine transporter GlyT‐2

The recently described selective and potent GlyT2 antagonist, 4‐benzyloxy‐3,5‐dimethoxy‐N‐[(1‐dimethylaminocyclopentyl) methyl]benzamide (IC₅₀=16 nM) provided an important additional tool to further characterize GlyT2 pharmacology. In order to identify an effective PET radioligand for in vivo assessment of the GlyT‐2 transporter, 3‐(3‐[¹⁸F]fluoropropoxy)‐4‐(benzyloxy)‐N‐((1‐dimethylaminocyclopentyl) methyl)‐5‐methoxybenzamide ([¹⁸F] 3 ), a novel analog of 4‐benzyloxy‐3,5‐dimethoxy‐N‐[(1‐dimethylaminocyclopentyl) methyl]benzamide was synthesized using a one‐pot, two‐step method. The NCA radiofluorination of 1,3‐propanediol di‐p‐tosylate in the presence of K₂CO₃ and Kryptofix‐222 in acetonitrile gave 81% 3‐[¹⁸F]fluoropropyl tosylate, which was subsequently coupled with 4‐benzyloxy‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxy‐N‐[(1‐dimethylaminocyclopentyl) methyl]benzamide in the same reaction vessel. Solvent extraction and HPLC (Eclipse XDB‐C8 column, 80/20/0.1 MeOH/H₂O/Et₃N, 3.0 ml/min) gave [¹⁸F] 3 in 98.5% radiochemical purity. The radiochemical yield was determined to be 14.0–16.2% at EOS, and the specific activity was 1462±342 GBq/µmol. The time of synthesis and purification was 128 min. The final product was prepared as a sterile saline solution suitable for in vivo use. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of 6‐chloro‐3‐((2‐(S)‐azetidinyl)methoxy)‐5‐(2‐[18F]fluoropyridin‐4‐yl)pyridine ([18F]NIDA 522131), a novel potential radioligand for studying extrathalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by PET

6‐Chloro‐3‐((2‐(S)‐azetidinyl)methoxy)‐5‐(2‐[¹⁸F]fluoropyridin‐4‐yl)pyridine ([¹⁸F]NIDA 522131), a potential radioligand for studying extrathalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by positron‐emission tomography, was synthesized via no‐carrier‐added nucleophilic [¹⁸F]fluorination of 6‐chloro‐3‐((1‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐2‐(S)‐azetidinyl)methoxy)‐5‐(2‐iodopyridin‐4‐yl)vinyl)pyridine, followed by acidic deprotection. The overall radiochemical yield of the radiosynthesis was 4–8% (non‐decay‐corrected), the specific radioactivity was in the range of 167–335 GBq/µmol (4500–9000 mCi/µmol) and the radiochemical purity was greater than 99%. Preparation of [¹⁸F]NIDA522131 via corresponding bromo‐derivative 2 is also described. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) in ionic liquid, [bmim][OTf]

Although 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐[¹⁸F]fluorothymidine ([¹⁸F]FLT) is a prospective radiopharmaceutical for the imaging of proliferating tumor cell, it is difficult to prepare large amount of [¹⁸F]FLT. We herein describe the preparation of [¹⁸F]FLT in an ionic liquid, [bmim][OTf] (1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate). At optimized condition, [¹⁸F]fluorinationin ionic liquid with 5 µl of 1 M KHCO₃ and 5 mg of the precursor yielded 61.5 ± 4.3% (n=10). Total elapsed time was about 70 min including HPLC purification. The rapid synthesis of [¹⁸F]FLT can be achieved by removing all evaporation steps. Overall radiochemical yield and radiochemical purity were 30 ± 5% and >95%, respectively. This method can use a small amount of a nitrobenzenesulfonate precursor and can be adapted for automated production. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a 18F‐labeled 4‐phenylpiperidine‐4‐carbonitrile radioligand for σ1 receptor imaging

We report the design and synthesis of several 4‐phenylpiperidine‐4‐carbonitrile derivatives as σ₁ receptor ligands. In vitro radioligand competition binding assays showed that all the ligands exhibited low nanomolar affinity for σ₁ receptors (K_i(σ₁) = 1.22–2.14 nM) and extremely high subtype selectivity (K_i(σ₂) = 830–1710 nM; K_i(σ₂)/K_i(σ₁) = 680–887). [¹⁸F]9 was prepared in 42–46% isolated radiochemical yield, with a radiochemical purity of >99% by HPLC analysis after purification, via nucleophilic ¹⁸F^‐ substitution of the corresponding tosylate precursor. Biodistribution studies in mice demonstrated high initial brain uptakes and high brain‐to‐blood ratios. Administration of SA4503 or haloperidol 5 min prior to injection of [¹⁸F]9 significantly reduced the accumulation of radiotracers in organs known to contain σ₁ receptors. Two radioactive metabolites were observed in the brain at 30 min after radiotracer injection. [¹⁸F]9 may serve as a lead compound to develop suitable radiotracers for σ₁ receptor imaging with positron emission tomography.     

Radiosynthesis of 1‐(4‐(2‐[18F]fluoroethoxy)benzenesulfonyl)‐3‐butyl urea: a potential β‐cell imaging agent

Tolbutamide ( 1 ) is a sulfonurea agent used to stimulate insulin secretion in type 2 diabetic patients. Its analogue 1‐(4‐(2‐[¹⁸F]fluoroethoxy)benzenesulfonyl)‐3‐butyl urea ( 3 ) was synthesized in overall radiochemical yields of 45% as a potential β‐cell imaging agent. Compound 3 was synthesized by ¹⁸F‐fluoroalkylation of the corresponding hydroxy precursor ( 2 ) with 2‐[¹⁸F]fluoroethyltosylate in DMF at 120°C for 10 min followed by purification with HPLC in a synthesis time of 50 min. Insulin secretion experiments of the authentic ¹⁹F‐standard compound on rat islets showed that the compound has a similar stimulating effect on insulin secretion as that of tolbutamide ( 1 ). The partition coefficient of compound 3 between octanol/water was determined to be 1.3±0.3 (n=5). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of (R)‐ and (S)‐[O‐methyl‐11C]N‐[2‐[3‐(2‐cyano‐phenoxy)‐2‐hydroxy‐propylamino]‐ethyl]‐N′‐(4‐methoxy‐phenyl)‐urea as candidate high affinity β1‐adrenoceptor PET radioligands

Molecular imaging and quantification of myocardial β₁‐adrenoceptor (AR) rather than total β‐AR density is of great clinical interest since cardiac biopsy studies suggest that myocardial β₁‐AR density is reduced in patients with chronic heart failure whereas cardiac β₂‐AR density may vary. Positron emission tomography (PET), with appropriate radioligands, offers the possibility to assess β‐AR density non‐invasively in humans. However, no PET radioligand for the selective imaging of cardiac β₁‐ARs is clinically available. Here some derivatives of the well characterized β₁‐AR selective antagonist, ICI 89,406, namely the enantiomers of N‐[2‐[3‐(2‐cyano‐phenoxy)‐2‐hydroxy‐propylamino]‐ethyl]‐N′‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenyl)‐urea ( 5a and 5b ) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro. The (R)‐isomer 5a was more β₁‐selective but has lower affinity than its (S)‐enantiomer 5b (β₁‐AR selectivity: 6100 vs 1240; β₁‐affinity: K₁ = 0.288 nM vs K₁ = 0.067 nM). Etherification of the analogous desmethyl precursors, 5e and 5f , respectively, with [¹¹C]iodomethane gave ¹¹C‐labelled versions of 5a and 5b , namely 5g and 5h , in 44 ± 5% radiochemical yield (decay‐corrected) and 97.4 ± 1.3% radiochemical purity with specific radioactivities of 26.4 ± 9.4 GBq/µmol within 41.2 ± 3.4 min from the end of bombardment (n = 14). 5g and 5h are now being evaluated as candidate radioligands for myocardial β₁‐ARs. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficient synthesis of 6‐chloro‐3‐((2‐(S)‐azetidinyl)methoxy)‐5‐((E)‐2‐(2‐[18F]fluoropyridin‐4‐yl)vinyl)pyridine ([18F]NIDA 52289), a very high affinity radioligand for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

6‐Chloro‐3‐((2‐(S)‐azetidinyl)methoxy)‐5‐((E)‐2‐(2‐[¹⁸F]fluoropyridin‐4‐yl)vinyl)pyridine ([¹⁸F]NIDA 52289), a very high affinity radioligand for studying nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) by positron‐emission tomography, was synthesized through Kryptofix 222 assisted no‐carrier‐added nucleophilic [¹⁸F]fluorination of 6‐chloro‐3‐((1‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐2‐(S)‐azetidinyl)methoxy)‐5‐((E)‐2‐(2‐bromopyridin‐4‐yl)vinyl)pyridine, followed by acidic deprotection. The overall radiochemical yield of the radiosynthesis was 10% (non‐decay‐corrected), the specific radioactivity was in the range of 93–326 GBq/µmol (2.5–8.8 mCi/µmol) and the radiochemical purity was greater than 99%. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of [18F]‐labeled N‐3(substituted) thymidine analogues: N‐3([18F]fluorobutyl) thymidine ([18F]‐FBT) and N‐3([18F]fluoropentyl) thymidine ([18F]‐FPT) for PET

Syntheses of N‐3(substituted) analogues of thymidine, N‐3([¹⁸F]fluorobutyl)thymidine ([¹⁸F]‐FBT) and N‐3([¹⁸F]fluoropentyl)thymidine ([¹⁸F]‐FPT) are reported. 1,4‐Butane diol and 1,5 pentane diol were converted to their tosyl derivatives 2 and 3 followed by conversion to benzoate esters 4 and 5, respectively. Protected thymidine 1 was coupled separately with 4 and 5 to produce 6 and 7 , which were hydrolyzed to 8 and 9 , then converted to their mesylates 10 and 11 , respectively. Compounds 10 and 11 were fluorinated with n‐Bu₄N[¹⁸F] to produce 12 and 13 , which by acid hydrolysis yielded 14 and 15 , respectively. The crude products were purified by HPLC to obtain [¹⁸F]‐FBT and [¹⁸F]‐FPT. The radiochemical yields were 58–65% decay corrected (d.c.) for 14 and 46–57% (d.c.) for 15 with an average of 56% in three runs per compound. Radiochemical purity was >99% and specific activity was >74 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis (EOS). The synthesis time was 65–75 min from the end of bombardment (EOB). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.