Synthesis of 11C labelled methyl esters: transesterification of enol esters versus BF3 catalysed esterification—a comparative study

C-11 labelled methyl esters have been synthesized via the transesterification of enol esters in the presence of C-11 methanol and 1,3 dichlorodibutylstannoxane as catalyst. This method leaves functional groups intact and allows access to a wider variety of C-11 labelled methyl esters compared to the BF3 catalysed ester formation, which uses carboxylic acids and C-11 methanol as starting materials.