A simple, rapid procedure for nucleophilic radiosynthesis of aliphatic [F-18]trifluoromethyl groups

A procedure for the radiosynthesis of aliphatic [F-18] trifluoromethyl groups by reacting 1,1-difluorovinyl precursors with [(18) F] fluoride ions, resulting in the equivalent of direct nucleophilic addition of H[F-18] F, has been developed. A variety of F-18-labelled model compounds were then obtained and two potential [F-18] radiotracers were synthesised by a two step process starting from 1,1-difluorovin-2- yl 4-toluenesulfonate. The method is widely applicable for the synthesis of novel radiotracers in high radiochemical yields and good specific activity.