SYNTHESIS OF F-18 SUBSTITUTED AROMATIC-ALDEHYDES AND BENZYL BROMIDES, NEW INTERMEDIATES FOR NCA [F-18] FLUORINATION

The synthesis of various [F-18]fluoroaromatic aldehydes using activated nitro precursors and aminopolyether supported nucleophilic substitution with F-18(-) is reported. These radiolabelled fluorinated aldehydes (radiochemical yields: 50-75%) are powerful key intermediates leading after treatment with NaBH4 and SOBr2 (SOCl2) to further active intermediates for example substituted [F-18]fluorobenzyl bromides (yields 30-50% EOB). These benzaldehydes and bromides are particularly useful for the preparation of new radiopharmaceuticals (e.g. fluorotroprapride, fluorodexetimide) either by reductive amination or by aromatic N-alkylation. The preparation of various amino acids in D, L (50:50) or enriched L form by asymmetric synthesis is also possible (e.g. L-6-[F-18]fluorodopa, L-4-[F-18]fluoro-m-tyrosine). It can be anticipated that the F-18-labelled fluoroaldehydes will find widespread application in radiopharmaceutical chemistry.