Synthesis of [3H] quinocetone

[H-3]Quinocetone was prepared from [H-3]o-nitroaniline with a radiochemical yield of 59.2%. [H-3]o-nitroaniline, as starting material, was oxidized with NaClO to [H-3]benzofarazan oxide. [H-3]Benzofurazan oxide was recombined with acetylacetone to 3-methyl-2-acetyl-quinoxaline-1,4-dioxide with [H-3] in parent structure. In the last reaction, 3-methyl-2-acetyl-quinoxaline- 1,4-dioxide with [H-3] was condensed with benzaldehyde to the title compound-[H-3]Quinocetone. The specific radioactivity of the labeled product was 12.14mCi/mmol and its radiochemical purity was > 98%.