Synthesis of a [F-18]labeled chelidonine derivative as a possible antitumor agent

{(+/-)-[5bRS-(5b alpha ,6 beta ,12b alpha)]-5b,6,7,12b,13,14-hexahydro-13-m ethyl[1,3]benzodioxolo[5,6-c]-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-I] phenanthridin-6-yl}-4-[F-1 8]fluorobenzoate (6b) an aromatic ester of chelidonine was prepared as a po ssible PET radiotracer. Compound (6b) was prepared in no-carrier-added (n.c .a) form from the 4-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium triflate derivative (5) in one step. The best results were obtained using Kryptofix(2.2.2)/[F-18] and DMS O as the solvent at 90 degreesC. Column chromatography afforded the desired compound in overall radiochemical yield of 65-70% (EOS) with a specific ac tivity of about 3000 Ci/mmole and radiochemical purity greater than 95% in 15 min. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.