Chemical reactivity of the 18F electrophilic reagents from the 18O(p,n) 18F gas target systems.

A comprehensive evaluation of the reactivity of 18F electrophilic fluorinating agents derived from the 18O(p,n)18F reaction conducted in target bodies made of aluminum, silver, copper, nickel, and gold-plated copper is reported. Two representative electrophilic reactions, namely addition across a double bond and substitution on an aromatic ring (fluorodemercuration and fluorodestannylation), were tested with the 18F activity generated in the [18O]O2 target systems. Identical reactions were also conducted with analogous nonradioactive fluorinating agents as control experiments. The products of all these reactions were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. Results of these experiments clearly showed that 18F activities recovered from aluminum, silver, and copper target bodies were better suited for radiochemical syntheses, irrespective of the irradiation protocols employed. The 18F activity from a gold-plated target was suitable only for addition reactions. Further, the fluorodemercuration reaction essentially failed with the single-step irradiation technique conducted in nickel and gold-plated targets. In contrast, the fluorodestannylation reaction was quite successful with the 18F reagents recovered from all the target bodies and irradiation protocols.

Production of [18F]F2 using the 16O(3He,p)18F reaction.

For the first time, the 16O(3He,p)18F reaction has been used for the production of 18F electrophilic reagents. The predominant reactive chemical specie recovered in the single-step postirradiation gases was [18F]F2. Decay curve and Ge(Li) analyses established the main radionuclidic impurities in this nuclear reaction as 11C and 15O. Recovery of the 18F activity was exceptionally high, approaching 90% using an electroformed nickel target body. Consistent 18F recoveries for this nuclear reaction (approximately 70%) were realized with a novel aluminum target body. The utility of the [18F]F2 recovered from this oxygen gas target system in radiopharmaceutical preparations is demonstrated by the successful synthesis of 6-[18F]fluoro-L-dopa (11.0 mCi at EOB) via a fluorodemercuration method.

Identification and quantitation of gaseous compounds of fluorine generated in [18F]F2 target systems.

The first direct evidence for the chemical identity of the electrophilic fluorinating agents generated in 20Ne(d, alpha)18F (single-step), 18O(p,n)18F (single-step and two-step) and 16O(3He2+, p)18F (single-step) gas target systems, utilizing aluminum, silver, copper, nickel and gold plated copper target bodies, has been established with multinuclear NMR and mass spectral techniques. The major components of the reactive fraction from these targets were also quantitated using 19F NMR. Fluorine-19 NMR data of the reactive fraction of all proton and 3He2+ irradiated oxygen gas target systems showed the presence of oxygen difluoride in various proportions. Samples from the single-step method contained up to 20% OF2 while those from the two-step process had 0-5%. Fluorine nitrate (FONO2) was observed only as a minor component (0-3%) in the reactive fraction. The presence of OF2 and FONO2 was further confirmed by 17O and 15N NMR, respectively, using [17O]O2 and [15N]N2 spiked oxygen gas targets. The NMR results were supported by mass spectral data collected with a residual gas analyzer (RGA). Both 19F NMR and mass spectroscopy showed CF4 as the only major inert component in the single-step oxygen target products. As expected, the 19F NMR and mass spectral data showed that the reactive fraction of the neon gas target constituted only F2 and the inert fraction comprised of CF4 and NF3.

Metals suitable for fluorine gas target bodies: first use of aluminum for the production of [18F]F2.

A comprehensive evaluation of different metals (aluminum, silver, copper, nickel, and gold-plated copper) was undertaken for the fabrication of target bodies with straight and conical bore shapes for the production of [18F]F2 via the 20Ne(d,alpha)18F nuclear reaction. Of these metals, aluminum, silver and copper have never been used for the production of [18F]F2. All these target bodies were easily passivated using a mild beam-induced plasma technique in the presence of 1% F2 in neon or argon. The recovery of 18F activity was higher with electroformed nickel and silver bodies, probably due to favorable thermal conductivities. Aluminum proved to be a useful material for fluorine gas targets. The consistent recovery of 18F activities, ease and low cost of manufacturing and low nuclear activation properties all make aluminum an ideal choice for fluorine gas targetry. To our knowledge, this investigation is the first to highlight the use of aluminum as a target body material for the routine production of [18F]F2. A reasonable mechanism based on the Langmuir-Rideal surface atom recombination is also proposed for the behavior of [18F]F2 recovery from a nickel target body.

Proton irradiation of [18O]O2: production of [18F]F2 and [18F]F2 + [18F] OF2.

The production of 18F electrophilic reagents via the 18O(p,n)18F reaction has been investigated in small-volume target bodies made of aluminum, copper, gold-plated copper and nickel, having straight or conical bore shapes. Three irradiation protocols-single-step, two-step and modified two-step-were used for the recovery of the 18F activity. The single-step irradiation protocol was tested in all the target bodies. Based on the single-step performance, aluminum targets were utilized extensively in the investigation of the two-step and modified two-step irradiation protocols. With an 11-MeV cyclotron and using the two-step irradiation protocol, > 1Ci [18F]F2 was recovered reproducibly from an aluminum target body. Probable radical mechanisms for the formation of OF2 and FONO2 (fluorine nitrate) in the single-step and modified two-step targets are proposed based on the amount of ozone generated and the nitrogen impurity present in the target gases, respectively.

Regioselective radiofluorodestannylation with [18F]F2 and [18F]CH3COOF: a high yield synthesis of 6-[18F]Fluoro-L-dopa.

A protected 6-trimethylstannyl dopa derivative 6 has been synthesized for the first time as a precursor for the preparation of 6-[18F]fluoro-L-dopa. The tin derivative 6 readily reacted with electrophilic radiofluorinating agents such as [18F]F2 and [18F]AcOF. The [18F]fluoro intermediate 7 was easily hydrolyzed with HBr and the product 6-[18F]fluoro-L-dopa was isolated after HPLC purification in a maximum radiochemical yield of 25%, ready for human use. The various intermediates, the stannyl precursor 6 and the final product (after 18F decay) were all fully characterized by 1H, 13C, 19F and 119Sn NMR as well as high resolution mass spectroscopy.

In-target production of [13N]ammonia via proton irradiation of dilute aqueous ethanol and acetic acid mixtures.

A reliable, reproducible method has been developed for the in situ production of decicurie quantities of [13N]ammonia by proton irradiation of pressurized, dilute aqueous solutions of acetic acid and ethanol. Some of the parameters investigated for their effect on the 13N product distribution included dose, dose rate, solute concentration, target body material, beam strike volume and proton energy. For the conditions investigated, [13N]NH3 was produced directly in the target in yields greater than 75%.

N-[18F]fluoro-N-alkylsulfonamides: novel reagents for mild and regioselective radiofluorination.

N-[18F]fluoro-N-alkylsulfonamides were synthesized by the fluorination of secondary sulfonamides with [18F]F2. Radiochemical yields up to 45% (out of a maximum possible yield of 50%) for these reactions have been realized. The N-[18F]fluorosulfonamides rapidly and regiospecifically fluorinate a variety of Grignard reagents and aryllithium under very mild conditions to give 18F-labeled derivatives in good yields.

3-(2'-[18F]fluoroethyl)spiperone, a potent dopamine antagonist: synthesis, structural analysis and in-vivo utilization in humans.

The synthesis of 3-(2'-[18F]fluoroethyl)spiperone (1c), a radiotracer useful for imaging the brain dopamine receptor system in vivo using positron emission tomography, is described. Precursors of 1c, the functional 3-N-alkyl derivatives of spiperone (4), were prepared by the alkylation of the amide group in spiperone (2a) by 1,2-disubstituted ethanes under phase transfer conditions. A comprehensive evaluation of the reaction of the derivatives 4a-h with no-carrier-added K18F/Kryptofix clearly indicated that the ketalized derivatives 4e-h were the choice of the precursors for 1c. The i.r., MS and NMR spectral data suggested that under phase transfer reaction conditions, the amide nitrogen was preferentially alkylated. To provide a firm basis for comparison with related analogues, an x-ray analysis was performed on a single crystal of 3-(2'-fluoroethyl)spiperone (1d). The tomographic behavior of 1c in human brain tissue was measured for more than 7 h and was consistent with the labeling of dopamine D-2 receptors.

Remote, semiautomated production of 6-[18F]fluoro-L-dopa for human studies with PET.

Regioselective radiofluorodemercuration of the 6-mercurio derivative 5 with [18F]acetylhypofluorite afforded, after acidic hydrolysis, 6-[18F]fluoro-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (6-FD, 1) with a radiochemical yield of 11% (decay corrected and based on the total amount of [18F]F2 recovered from the target). 6-FD was obtained with a chemical and radiochemical purity of greater than 99% and with a level of mercury in the final preparation of less than 20 ppb. Utilization of a remote, semiautomated production system, resulted in the preparation of a sterile, pyrogen-free product suitable for human injection after a synthesis time of 50 min.

Computer-controlled radiochemical synthesis: a chemistry process control unit for the automated production of radiochemicals.

A computer-controlled general purpose chemistry process control unit (CPCU) suitable for the automated production of radiochemicals has been developed. This valve-and-tubing synthesis system can be user programmed to accommodate a variety of chemical processes. In a practical demonstration of its utility, the CPCU has been configured and programmed to synthesize 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG) using aqueous [18F]fluoride ion. Using this instrument, the yield of 2-[18F]FDG from [18F]fluoride ion is 54.9% (+/- 11.2%, n = 125) corrected to EOB, after a synthesis time of 50-55 min. The average total activity produced (for runs of 5-10 microA) is 28.1 mCi/microA (+/- 5.03 mCi/microA). Thus, the amount of 2-[18F]FDG produced from a 10 microA for 1 h bombardment was 154.3 mCi (+/- 27.4 mCi). The unit has been similarly configured and programmed to synthesize 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-mannose (48% EOB), 3-(2'-[18F]fluoroethyl)spiperone (29% EOB), and [18F]fluoroacetate (66% EOB) from aqueous [18F]-fluoride ion, and 2-[18F]FDG from gaseous acetyl hypo[18F]fluorite (20% EOB).

No-carrier-added 3-(2'-[18F]fluoroethyl)spiperone, a new dopamine receptor-binding tracer for positron emission tomography.

No-carrier-added (NCA)3-(2'-[18F]fluoroethyl)spiperone (5), a new dopamine receptor-binding radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography, was synthesized by two different methods. Alkylation of the amide nitrogen in spiperone by NCA [18F]fluorobromoethane in the presence of a strong base gave 5 (Method A). Experimental methods were also developed for the syntheses of functional 3-N-alkylderivatives of spiperone such as 3-(2'-bromoethyl)- or 3-(2'-methylsulfonyloxyethyl)spiperone (4a and 4b, respectively). These derivatives (4) reacted with NCA Ag18F, Cs18F or K18F/Kryptofix 222 in acetonitrile or DMSO to give 5 (Method B). Method B, using K18F/Kryptofix 222 in acetonitrile provided 5 in multimillicure amounts (30-40% isolated radiochemical yield) with a specific activity of 2-10/mumol (EOS) in less than 60 min. This one-step, one-pot synthesis is simple, and the high radiochemical yield of 5, as well as the 110 min half-life of 18F, permit multiple tomographic studies a day with one preparation. Tomographic results in monkey brain with 5 are consistent with the labeling of dopamine-D2 receptor systems.

Stereospecific approach to the synthesis of [18F]2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-mannose.

The reaction of methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-3-O-benzyl-2-O-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-beta-D- glucopyranoside in acetonitrile at 75 degrees C for 30 min with [18F]tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride, followed by silica gel column chromatographic purification, gave the corresponding [18F]methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-3-O-benzyl-2-fluoro-beta-D-mannopyranoside with complete regio- and stereoselectivity (42% radiochemical yield). Hydrolysis of the radiolabeled fluoromannopyranoside intermediate with either 6 N HCl or 50% methanesulfonic acid for 30 min at 120 degrees C, followed by purification by column chromatography (ion retardation resin and neutral alumina), gave pure [18F]2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-mannose ([18F]2-FDM) with an overall radiochemical yield (from [18F]fluoride ion) of 34%. Extension of this methodology to the no carrier added (nca) synthesis under phase transfer conditions (Kryptofix 222/K 18F/acetonitrile) gave nca [18F]2-FDM in a radiochemical yield of 75%. Purity and identity of the fluorinated products were confirmed by 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopy. The synthetic procedure described here permits for the first time the routine preparation of large amounts of [18F]2-FDM for tomographic studies.

The synthesis of 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose using glycals: a reexamination.

The reaction of [F-18]F2 with D-glucal in water proceeds sufficiently mildly at room temperature to present marked regiospecificity. After hydrolysis, analysis by Fourier-transform 19F-NMR showed the product to consist of a mixture of 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-FDG) and 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-mannose (2-FDM) in a 2:1 ratio, respectively. The presence of the mannose isomer has been revealed by extension of the 19F-NMR analyses to other literature methods for 2-FDG synthesis involving the electrophilic fluorinating agent acetyl hypofluorite. Reaction of acetyl [F-18] hypofluorite, prepared by the reaction of [F-18]F2 with solid sodium acetate trihydrate, with the appropriate glycal/solvent combination, followed by hydrolysis, has led to production of [F-18]2-FDG with a radiochemical purity of 95%.

The effect of target-gas purity on the chemical form of F-18 during 18F-F2 production using the neon/fluorine target.

Irradiation of gas mixtures of F2/Ne (20Ne leads to d,alpha 18F) which contained percent levels ( > 0.1%) of N2, CO2, CO2, or CF4 resulted in the production of unacceptable levels of F-18-labeled NF3 and CF4 at the expense of 18F-F2. Analycical gas chromatographic methods have been devised to determine contaminant levels in the target gas as well as in the products arising from them. Commercial mixtures of 1T F2/Ne, pur F2, and neon have been analyzed for contaminants (N2, O2, CO, CO2, and CF4) and found to vary widely in the levels of these impurities from batch to batch. The N2 levels in the 1% F2/Ne mixtures varied from 0.039 to 0.49%, and the CO2 levels from 0o.018 to 0.13%. No detectable impurities were found in the neon (Research Purity), but F2 was found to contain approximately 11% CF4. Reproducibly high yields of 18F-F2 are obtained if the levels of N2, CO2, and CF4 in the final target gas mixture are < 0.01% and carrier F2 is approximately 0.1%. Hydrocarbons and CO were not detected in our gas mixtures, but would also be expected to decrease yields of 18F-F2.