Synthesis,radio‐LC–MS analysis and biodistribution in mice of 99mTc–NIM–BAT

S,S′‐bis‐trityl‐N‐BOC‐1,2‐ethylenedicysteamine (S,S′‐bis‐trityl‐N‐BOC–BAT) was conjugated to 2‐nitroimidazole (NIM) through a propylene spacer in order to provide a precursor for a potential technetium‐99 m labelled hypoxia tracer. For labelling with technetium‐99 m, a two‐step one‐pot procedure was developed consisting of deprotection of the ligand by heating in mild acidic conditions and subsequent exchange labelling in the presence of SnCl₂, tartrate and ^99mTcO. The labelling reaction mixture was analyzed using electrospray radio‐LC–MS and the observed mass spectrum corresponding to the main radiometric peak was in accordance with the predicted structure of oxo–Tc(V)–NIM–BAT. ^99mTc–NIM–BAT was purified using RP–HPLC and its biodistribution was evaluated in normal mice at 10 min and 4 h p.i. ^99mTc–NIM–BAT was cleared from plasma mainly by hepatobiliary excretion. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.