SYNTHESIS OF A [C-11] METHOXY DERIVATIVE OF ALPHA-DIHYDROTETRABENAZINE - A RADIOLIGAND FOR STUDYING THE VESICULAR MONOAMINE TRANSPORTER

The synthesis of [C-11]TBZOMe, a [C-11]methoxy derivative at the 2-hyd roxy position of alpha-dihydrotetrabenazine, was carried out by an O-[ C-11]methylation reaction. The product [C-11]TBZOMe (100-200 mCi) was obtained in 15-40% radiochemical yield (corrected for decay) within 37 min, and in high specific activity (2000-2500 Ci/mmol) and radio-chem ical purity (>97%). [C-11]TBZOMe is a potential new radioligand for st udying the vesicular monoamine transporter using positron emission tom ography.