Investigation of the role of the base in the synthesis of [18F]FLT

The role of the base in the synthesis of 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]fluorothymidine, [18F]FLT, via nucleophilic substitution of the nosyl group with [18F]fluoride was investigated. The rate of 18F-incorporation into the molecule dramatically changed as a function of the precursor-to-base ratio. In the presence of excess base, the precursor was consumed by elimination before substitution was complete. When the precursor-to-base ratio was optimal, an overall [18F]FLT yield of 30–40% was achieved even if the precursor amount was as small as 8–13 mg.