Preparation of high specific activity tritium labeled 6α,9,‐difluoro‐11β,21‐dihydroxy‐16α,17‐[(1‐methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]pregna‐1,4‐diene‐3,20‐one,fluocinolone acetonide

Fluocinolone acetonide was tritiated by selective reduction of the 1,2‐double bond of the O‐protected analog under tritium, followed by re‐establishment of the 1,2‐double bond and deprotection. Protection of both hydroxyl functionalities was required. The product was obtained with specific activity 36.8 Ci/mmol. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.