Methods for the radiolabeling molecules of interest with [18F]-fluoride need to be rapid, convenient, and efficient. Numerous [18F]-labeled prosthetic groups, e.g., N-succinimidyl 4 [18F]-fluorobenzoate ([18F]-SFB), 4-azidophenacyl-[18F]-fluoride ([18F]-APF), and 1-(3-(2-[18F]fluoropyridin-3-yloxy)propyl)pyrrole-2,5-dione ([18F]-FpyMe), for conjugating to biomolecules have been developed. As the synthesis of these prosthetic groups usually requires multistep procedures, there is still a need for direct methods for the nucleophilic [18F]-fluorination of biomolecules. We report here on the development of a procedure based on the trimethylammonium (TMA) leaving group attached to an aromatic ring and activated with different electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs). A series of model compounds containing different electron-withdrawing substituents, a trimethylammonium leaving group, and carboxylic functionality for subsequent coupling to peptides were designed and synthesized. The optimal model compound, 2-cyano-4-(methoxycarbonyl)-N,N,N-trimethylbenzenaminium trifluoromethanesulfonate, was converted to carboxylic acid and coupled to peptides. The results of the one-step [18F]-fluorination of tetrapeptides and bombesin peptides show that the direct 18F-labeling of peptides is feasible under mild conditions and in good radiochemical yields.

SummaryCompared to homoaromatic and aliphatic nucleophilic radiofluorinations, only few references can be found in the literature describing nucleophilic substitutions with studied include the influence of the position of the leaving group at the pyridine ring, as well as the quantity of the precursor used, the type of activation (conventional heating, microwave irradiation), the solvent, the temperature and the reaction time. Using the corresponding nitro precursor, high yields were obtained at the 2-position (94% yield) using microwaves (100 W) for 2 min in DMSO. Good yields (up to 72%) were observed at the 4-position using the same conditions while practically no reaction was observed at the 3-position. About 60% yield was also obtained at both the 2-and 4-position

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