An efficient synthesis of dopamine transporter tracer [18F]FECNT

A simple synthesis of the dopamine transporter ligand [F-18]FECNT with high radiochemical yield and short synthesis time, suitable for routine production is reported. Reaction of 2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-chlorophenyl)nortropane with [F-18]2-fluoroethyl triflate ([F-18]FEtOTf) at room temperature for 4 min provided [F-18]FECNT in 84% decay corrected radiochemical yield. Since [F-18]FEtOTf was prepared from [F-18]2-fluoroethyl bromide that was isolated from its starting material, formation of unwanted side products and the amount of expensive precursor used could be greatly reduced. The overall radiochemical ;yields of [F-18]FECNT were 40% (n=29) and the total synthesis time was ca. 100 min. The average specific activity of [F-18]FECNT was 377.4 GBq/mu mol (10.2 Ci/mu mol). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.