Straightforward synthesis of a novel maleimide-DTPA bifunctional chelating agent

An extremely easy and multigram scale synthesis of a new maleimide-DTPA derivative is described. This bifunctional chelating agent finds application in bioconjugate chemistry because the maleimido group allows easy labeling of thiol-containing molecules (e.g., proteins, peptides) and the DTPA moiety ensures a strong and stable coordination of metal and radiometal ions such as gadolinium, lutetium, indium, and yttrium.